10 Best Iranian Historical Documentaries You Must Watch

Iran, a country rich in history, culture, and heritage, boasts a treasure trove of untold stories. Iranian historical documentaries offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore these narratives, shedding light on key social, cultural, political, and historical events.

Though often overlooked in global cinema, Iranian historical documentaries are invaluable in depicting Iran’s deep-rooted past, its advancements, and lesser-known chapters. In this article, we highlight nine exceptional Iranian historical documentaries that provide a unique perspective on Iran’s remarkable history. These films are must-watches for those interested in the untold stories of Iran.

Exploring Iranian Historical Documentaries

10. The Silk Road, Episode 3

Director: Sam Willis
Year: 2016
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

In the final episode, Dr Sam Willis travels west through Iran along the Silk Road. Starting in Persepolis, once the heart of the Persian Empire, he follows an ancient caravan route across the desert. He visits a Zoroastrian temple with a fire burning for 1,500 years and explores Esfahan, an architectural treasure of the Silk Road.

Sam then reaches Istanbul, once Byzantium, where silk helped shape the Eastern Roman Empire and made Venetian traders rich. His journey ends in Venice, where he visits Marco Polo’s house. Sam reflects on how Polo’s book helped connect East and West.

The Silk Road’s ideas and goods not only fueled the Renaissance but also drove Europe’s transformation. This episode marks the first time a BBC documentary team entered Iran in nearly a decade, offering rare insights into the route’s enduring legacy.

9. Lost Empire of Persia

Director: Hesam Dehghani
Year: 2021 (Iran & UK)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

“Lost Empire of Persia” takes us back to the reign of Darius I, one of history’s most remarkable figures. The documentary highlights his groundbreaking achievements, such as the construction of Persepolis, the world’s first highway, and the use of advanced seismic-resistant architecture in Persian buildings.

The film integrates stunning visuals, with the use of modern technology and insights from archaeologists, to shed light on Persia’s architectural and administrative marvels. This documentary won the Best Historical Documentary Award at the New York Film Festival, solidifying its place among the best in Iranian cinema.

8. Art of Persia

Director: Behruz Afkhami
Year: 2020 (UK)
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

In this 2020 mini-series, Art of Persia, British journalist Samira Ahmed travels across Iran, exploring the country’s rich and layered heritage. Over three hours, she visits rarely seen locations to tell the story of Persian civilization—from its ancient empires to its modern complexities.

The series stands out for its respectful, in-depth portrayal of Iran’s cultural achievements in art, architecture, poetry, and politics. Ahmed’s narrative offers viewers a rare, authentic look into a nation often misunderstood, shedding light on the enduring legacy of one of the world’s oldest civilizations.

7. The Qeytariyeh Hills

Director: Parviz Kimiavi
Year: 1968 (Iran)

In 1968, the Qeytariyeh Hills in northern Tehran revealed traces of a civilization that had flourished over 3,000 years ago. Kimiavi’s documentary stands out for its unique storytelling approach, blending humor with archaeology.

He presents a fictionalized yet deeply insightful narrative about the excavation process, portraying the rediscovery of ancient human remains in a whimsical yet poignant way. The film brings the past to life, allowing viewers to experience the rhythm and pulse of long-forgotten lives.

6. Persepolis

Director: Fereydoun Rahnama
Year: 1960 (Iran)

A brief yet impactful 20-minute documentary, “Persepolis” captures the essence of the ancient capital city of the Achaemenid Empire. Rahnama’s unique visual style and philosophical approach allow him to ask profound questions about the nature of history and memory.

As Rahnama himself explained, the ruins of Persepolis offered him the opportunity to reflect on life and art through the lens of this ancient site. The film is as much an artistic exploration as it is a historical documentary.

5. The Hands of Hegmataneh

Director: Mohammadreza Aslani
Year: 2009-2011 (Iran)

Set in the city of Hamadan, one of the oldest inhabited cities in Iran, “The Hands of Hegmataneh” explores the rich craftsmanship and artistry of the region. Through its profound attention to detail, the documentary delves into the cultural significance of the region’s handcrafts, revealing the untold stories of its ancient artisans.

It is a powerful visual journey into the heart of Hamadan’s historical heritage, examining the intricate layers of a civilization that has shaped Iran’s culture.

4. A Trip to History (First Trip to Nishapur)

Director: Khosrow Sinaei
Year: 1985 (Iran)

“A Trip to History” takes viewers on a journey through the historical city of Nishapur, one of Iran’s most culturally significant cities. Directed by Khosrow Sinaei, this documentary is part of a series that aims to showcase Nishapur’s immense cultural heritage, linking it to prominent figures like the poet Omar Khayyam and mystic Attar. The documentary beautifully weaves the city’s rich past with its present, offering a mesmerizing portrayal of this “ancient city of wisdom.”

3. The Hills of Marlik

Director: Ebrahim Golestan
Year: 1963 (Iran)
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10

The “Hills of Marlik” presents a fascinating exploration of a 5,000-year-old archaeological site in northern Iran. The documentary captures the beauty and artistry of the ancient artifacts discovered at Marlik, including intricately designed statues and relics that shed light on the spiritual and cultural practices of an ancient civilization.

Golestan’s film stands as a remarkable artistic piece, illustrating the profound connection between ancient Iranian art and the modern world.

2. Minab Thursday Market

Director: Nasser Taghvaei
Year: 1969 (Iran)

The “Minab Thursday Market” is a captivating documentary that immerses viewers in the daily life of a 5,000-year-old market in the southern Iranian city of Minab. Taghvaei’s lens focuses on the market’s vibrant atmosphere, blending historical narrative with an exploration of the human spirit and social dynamics.

The documentary serves as a testament to Iran’s enduring cultural practices and the evolving nature of ancient traditions in the face of modernity.

1. The Lovers’ Wind (Badsaba)

Director: Albert Lamorisse
Year: 1968 (France & Iran)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

“The Lovers’ Wind” stands at the pinnacle of Iranian historical documentaries, offering an intimate and poetic view of Iran’s landscapes and its people. In this masterpiece, the wind itself becomes a character, guiding the narrative through Iran’s diverse natural beauty and cultural history.

Without a human narrator, the wind tells the story, creating an almost spiritual connection between nature and the viewer. Lamorisse’s work transcends traditional documentary filmmaking, becoming a timeless reflection on Iran’s history and spirit.