History of participation in Expo

Name: Iran's International Exposition 2027
Start: 2027
Location: Islamic Republic of Iran

Join us as we take a look at the history of Iran's International Exhibition's participation in Expos

Expo 2020 United Arab Emirates

Iran made a magnificent appearance at Expo 2020 Dubai, showcasing its scientific, technological, and cultural achievements. The Iranian pavilion, featuring architecture rooted in authentic Iranian traditions combined with modern technologies, attracted significant attention from international visitors. This participation provided an opportunity for Iran to present its positive and civilizational aspects to the world. Expo 2020 marked an effective step forward in strengthening Iran's cultural and economic relations with countries around the globe.

Expo 2015 Italy

Iran made a remarkable presence at Expo 2015 Milan with a distinctive pavilion rooted in Iranian civilization. The pavilion's design, inspired by traditional Iranian architecture and incorporating elements such as windcatchers and tilework, beautifully showcased the country's cultural heritage. At this Expo, Iran focused on the theme of nutrition and food security under the global motto "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life," presenting its agricultural products, handicrafts, and food technologies. This participation provided a valuable opportunity to enhance Iran’s positive image on the international stage and to expand cultural and economic collaborations.

Expo 2010 China

Iran made a stunning appearance at Expo 2010 Shanghai with a beautiful pavilion based on classical Iranian art and architecture. The pavilion's design, incorporating elements such as clay inscriptions, enamel tiles, and Islamic patterns, showcased the splendors of Iranian civilization. While presenting Iran's rich culture, history, and handicrafts, the pavilion attracted significant attention from international visitors. Iran's participation in Expo 2010 Shanghai was an effective step in promoting the country's national identity and enhancing its cultural standing on the global stage.

Expo 2005 Japan

Iran participated successfully in Expo 2005 Japan, held in Aichi, with a pavilion rooted in traditional Iranian architecture and cultural symbols. The pavilion's design, inspired by Persian gardens and incorporating elements such as water features, geometric patterns, and traditional inscriptions, beautifully showcased the aesthetics of Iranian civilization. This participation provided an opportunity to present Iran's culture, art, handicrafts, and scientific achievements to Asian and international audiences. Expo 2005 Japan helped foster cultural exchange and increased global awareness of Iran's rich heritage in the heart of Asia.

Expo 2000 Germany

Iran made a striking appearance at Expo 2000 Germany, held in the city of Hanover, with a pavilion based on classical Iranian architecture and rich cultural symbols. The pavilion's design, incorporating elements such as arches, clay inscriptions, tilework, and a miniature Persian garden, beautifully showcased the art and civilization of Iran. This participation provided a valuable opportunity to present Iran's culture, history, handicrafts, and achievements in science and technology to European and international audiences. Expo 2000 Germany was an effective step in promoting a positive and civilized image of Iran on the global stage.

Expo 1998 Portugal

Iran participated in the World Exhibition Expo 1998 Lisbon, Portugal, centered around the theme "The Oceans: A Heritage for the Future," with a pavilion inspired by traditional Iranian architecture and art. The pavilion's design, emphasizing cultural symbols, handicrafts, and traditional paintings, presented the beauty of Iranian civilization alongside the country's scientific and maritime achievements. This participation highlighted Iran's historical role in navigation and maritime trade in the Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf regions. Expo 1998 Portugal served as an important platform for cultural exchange and helped broaden awareness of Iran's rich heritage in Europe.

Expo 1993 South Korea

Iran participated in Expo 1993 in Daejeon, South Korea, under the theme "The Challenge of a New Road to Development – Energy and Life." Its pavilion, inspired by traditional Iranian architecture like caravanserais and Islamic designs, showcased the country's culture, art, handicrafts, and advancements in technology and energy. The event helped promote Iran's rich heritage in East Asia.

26-Year Absence

Following Iran's prominent participation in Expo 1967 Montreal, the country remained absent from world exhibitions for 26 years, not taking part in any of these international events until Expo 1993 in Daejeon, South Korea. This prolonged absence was primarily due to the aftermath of the Islamic Revolution, the imposed Iran-Iraq War, and the government's focus on internal and security affairs. During this period, political, economic, and international constraints also hindered Iran’s active participation in global cultural and exhibition arenas. Iran’s return to Expo 1993 after this long hiatus marked a significant effort to reopen cultural engagement with the world and was seen as the beginning of a new phase in reintroducing Iranian identity on the international stage.

Expo 1967 Canada

Iran made a striking appearance at the World Exhibition Expo 1967, held in Montreal, Canada, with a distinctive pavilion based on traditional Iranian architecture. The pavilion's design, inspired by Iran’s historic palaces and monuments and featuring elements such as tilework, muqarnas vaults, and an interior courtyard, beautifully showcased the art and civilization of Iran. This participation provided a valuable opportunity to present Iran’s culture, history, handicrafts, and economic and industrial advancements of the 1960s to Western audiences. Expo 1967 Montreal was one of Iran’s first prominent appearances in modern world exhibitions, offering a positive and dynamic image of the country in the Western world.

Expo 1958 Belgium

Iran participated in Expo 1958 in Brussels, Belgium, with a pavilion reflecting traditional Iranian architecture—featuring arches, tilework, and Islamic patterns—highlighting its rich cultural heritage. As one of the few Middle Eastern countries present, Iran used this platform to present a modern, yet tradition-rooted image, showcasing economic, industrial, and cultural progress under the Pahlavi era. This marked one of Iran’s first major post-WWII appearances at a world fair, emphasizing its ancient civilization and contemporary aspirations. The pavilion not only attracted international attention but also strengthened Iran’s cultural diplomacy in Europe during the Cold War era.