This group is dedicated to research into photographic visual expressions, publication of documents and all matters concerned with history and art of photography, specially Iranian photo-history.

Pictorial books, posters and post cards are the products of this department. Translated texts as well as original manuscripts on theories and practice of photography and how to look at photographs have been the focus of such publications.

Public exposure of early Iranian photographs, creation of an in-house photo-archive, and research into best means of preserving early photographs have also been areas of our concentrated efforts. Gathering information and source material on history of Iranian photography led to creation of the first specialized Iranian Museum of Photography, called Axkhane-ye Shahr in April 1996.

Design and creation of the first mobile photography museum in Iran, with the objective of introducing this art form to students in April 1997, plus regular lectures and workshops about history of photography and photography as an art form comprise this departments educational activity.

This department has also been responsible for the first Iranian specialized, practical and theoretical quarterly on photo-criticism, Axnameh.