Golestan to host 17th Handicrafts Expo alongside Tribal Culture Festival
The 17th National Handicrafts Exhibition of Golestan Province will be held concurrently with the 17th International Festival of Tribal Culture, featuring works by artists from across Iran as well as neighboring countries, displayed over an area of 3,600 square meters, said Maryam Haji-Ebrahimi, deputy head of the Golestan Province’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization.
She pointed to the diversity and wide-ranging participation of nationally and internationally recognized handicraft cities and villages, noting that four globally registered cities and villages — Lalejin, Shiraz, Meybod, and Qasemabad village — will take part in the event, showcasing their internationally recognized capacities through the presentation of high-quality works.
In addition, nine nationally registered cities and villages, including Gonbad-e Kavus, Aliabad-e Katul, Khor, Fashtakeh village, and Bafruiyeh, will present their prominent traditional crafts, playing a key role in introducing local identity and strengthening the handicrafts economy, according to chtn.ir.
Referring to the exhibition’s innovative and supportive sections, Haji-Ebrahimi said a knowledge-based handicrafts pavilion has been set up, focusing on products developed through modern technologies and the practical application of knowledge in the handicrafts sector.
She further noted that a pavilion dedicated to home-based business supporters has been established to assist home-based handicraft producers and connect them to target markets. Meanwhile, the veterans’ section provides an opportunity for experienced artists from Golestan Province and other parts of the country to present their valuable works and authentic techniques to the public.
Highlighting the broad provincial participation, she said that 27 provinces have been finalized for participation in the handicrafts section of this year’s exhibition, with 66 artists attending from other provinces. In addition, 205 artists from Golestan Province are presenting their works at the event.
She added that a total of 164 handicrafts pavilions have been set up at the exhibition, while foreign artisans from Central Asian countries are also in attendance, introducing their traditional handicrafts.
Haji-Ebrahimi stressed that the main objective of holding the exhibition is to provide a suitable platform for introducing the handicrafts of Golestan and other provinces, expanding interprovincial and international cooperation, and enhancing artists’ skills, enabling them not only to sell their works but also to gain practical knowledge and experience.
The 17th International Festival of Tribal Culture of Iran will be held from December 16 to 19 at the province’s permanent exhibition venue.