Shiraz events highlight Iran’s rich heritage of handicrafts
The director-general of Fars Province’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization emphasized the role of traditional handicrafts in preserving national identity.
Behzad Moridi made the remarks on the sidelines of a visit to the “Third National Iranian Vest Event” and the “Third Ethnic Embroidery Workshop”, according to chtn.ir.
“When we speak of the Iranian vest and the embroidery traditions of different ethnic groups, we are essentially talking about Iranian identity and our material culture,” Moridi said. “Handicrafts are one of the main pillars of material culture and have historically symbolized the strength and authenticity of societies.”
Pointing to the challenges posed by globalization and cultural homogenization, the provincial official said that preserving cultural differences and the diversity of artistic roots was one of the most important ways to safeguard national identity.
“In a world where efforts are being made to homogenize cultures, preserving cultural differences and the diversity of artistic traditions is a major form of resistance in defense of national identity,” he said. “We must not allow cultural management to move toward homogenization and the elimination of the valuable differences rooted in Iran’s diverse cultural traditions.”
Explaining his perspective on Iran’s cultural diversity, Moridi said that although each region of the country has its own languages and dialects, all these differences come together under one shared identity: Iran.
“Just as our different languages — Persian, Kurdish, Turkish, Balochi and others — belong to a single nation, the colors, designs and embroidery patterns from different parts of the country ultimately express a shared and unified Iranian visual language,” he said.
Moridi also noted that holding the events as part of Shiraz’s Mehr Tourism Festival, running from September 27 to October 17, was an important step toward introducing the cultural potential of Fars Province to domestic and international tourists.
He stressed that such workshops and events provide an opportunity for people to appreciate Iran’s ancient heritage and help connect different generations with the country’s authentic artistic traditions.