Tehran – “The Land of Legends, Iran” is the latest publication by acclaimed photographer and artist Davaud Vakilzadeh, produced in collaboration with the Iranian National Museum.
The elegant, large volume (24 x 33 cm) spans 280 pages and is available in bilingual Persian and English versions and in different Spanish versions.
The opening chapter tracks Iranian stories from the Old Stone era, and is the subsequent prehistoric period, dynasty history, and even its rich mythological traditions. These sections are illustrated in images of artifacts from the National Museum of Iran and major archaeological sites. The book centers around Iran’s state-sponsored cultural landmarks, natural landscapes and breathtaking photos of diverse people. Each image is paired with a detailed bilingual caption, providing both context and interpretation.
Much more than the visual album Iran, The Land of Legends, was conceived as a gateway to Iranian heritage, interweaving civilization, history and nature. Through the artistic lens of Vakilzadeh, readers will encounter the grandeur of Persepolis, the tranquility of Persian gardens, the vastness of the desert, the snowy peaks of Alborz, the forests of the whispers of the Highcanians, and the rugged beauty of Keldestan and Lorestan.
The book reflects collaborations with Vakilzadeh, professional designers and well-known scholars, confirming that its texts and descriptions are visually impressive and based on the latest archaeological research. The result is a volume that serves both as a cultural guide and as a homage to Iran’s timeless beauty. This is an ideal gift for those who value history, art and identity.
About the author
Davoud Vakilzadeh is an internationally recognized Iranian photographer and artist, and has been praised for his inspiring portrayal of Iran’s cultural and natural treasures. His works spanned photographic, graphic calligraphy and art publications, each infused with his unique vision.
Over the past 20 years, Vakilzadeh has held numerous solo exhibitions, including the Graphic Line (Isfahan Museum Museum of Contemporary Art, 2005), My Iran (Nicol Gallery, Tehran, 2006), Heavenly Wine (Sird Gallery, Tehran, 2006, 2006), and My Iran (Iranian Art Museum, 2009). Shows after shows such as Beauties’ companion (2011, Kabook Gallery) and his calligraphy exhibition at Ganjineh Gallery (2012) introduced him further to his versatility. He is also exhibited in the historic village of Abhiyane, capturing both drastic landscapes and intimate cultural moments.
Vakilzadeh has written over 50 books, many of which have been published in multiple languages, exploring the wonders of Iranian history, architecture and nature. His early works include Iran: Pure Manifestation (2006), Persepolis: Ancient Legacy (2006), Isfahan: The Grandur of Design (2006), and Yazd: Desert Jewels (2008). Publications such as Iran: Lands to Discover (2014-2017, English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese) and Iran: The Ancient Love (2015-2019, Russian, French, Italian, English, German, Spanish) brought a vision to an international audience.
Recent titles include Iranian Doors and Windows (2020), My Tehran (2021, Persian-English), and Golestan Palace: A Lasting Heritage (2022, Persian-English), and I continue to be devoted to showcase Iran’s cultural richness.
Through his photographs, exhibitions and books, Davoud Vakilzadeh has established himself as a cultural ambassador, capturing the Iranian spirit both in his artistic sensibility and historic depth. The legendary land, Iran is the latest testament to his lifelong commitment to celebrating and sharing the beauty of his hometown.
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