National Handicrafts Exhibition opens in Ardabil
The 16th National Handicrafts Exhibition opened in Ardabil on Tuesday to mark Government Week (Aug. 24-30), featuring artists from 30 provinces at the Ardabil International Exhibition Center, located next to Shorabil Lake. The opening ceremony included cultural and artistic programs.
Mohammad Afshar, deputy director of handicrafts at the Ardabil Province’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department, said at the opening ceremony that handicraft products from 50 fields are being showcased in 140 booths.
He said the exhibition will run for four days through Friday, August 28, and visitors can tour the booths daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Afshar said cultural programs organized by the Mostazafin Foundation’s cultural affairs department, as well as the participation of Basalam, which is holding educational workshops on marketing and promoting handicraft products online, are among the exhibition’s side programs.
He added that introducing and offering products made by handicraft artists and drawing public attention to the handicrafts sector are among the exhibition’s main objectives.
With a population of more than 1.3 million, Ardabil Province comprises 12 cities and is located in northwestern Iran, bordering East Azarbaijan, Zanjan and Gilan provinces as well as the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Ardabil is considered one of Iran’s prominent handicrafts centers. For generations, artists in different parts of the province have created valuable handicrafts.
More than 350 handicraft fields exist around the world, half of which are practiced in Iran. A total of 62 handicraft fields are practiced in Ardabil Province, making it one of the country’s leading handicrafts centers.
More than 30,000 handicraft artists officially work in 62 different fields across Ardabil Province. The province has exceptional potential among its artisans, while their national and international achievements demonstrate their considerable talent and capabilities.
The handicrafts of every country represent an important part of its cultural, historical and social identity. Each form of handicraft is regarded not merely as a skill but also as part of a country’s character and civilization.