TEHRAN -- A series of programs began at the Iranian Artists Forum (IAF) in Tehran on Saturday to familiarize Tehran residents with the beautiful side of Sistan-Baluchestan, the southeastern Iranian province that is often associated with drug and smugglers everywhere.

The IAF is currently hosting the Sistan-Baluchestan Cultural Week, a series of programs promoting the cultural and tourist attractions of the province.
Men and women clad in nomadic dress welcome visitors in the cozy atmosphere of a felt tent decorated with local handicrafts at the entrance to the IAF, as Baluchi music echoes in the courtyard.
IAF’s Zemestan Hall is displaying 30 photos depicting aspects of the natural environment and local lifestyle in line with the program. A collection of paintings with relevant subjects is also on display at this hall.
An exhibition of calligraphy works featuring religious texts and poems by Persian literary luminaries, which have been created by local artists, is underway at the Bahar Hall of the forum.
A collection of nomadic carpets is also exhibited in a corner of the forum as several nomadic women familiarize visitors with carpet weaving on the sidelines of the exhibition.
In addition, a group of nomads acquaint people with the traditional cuisine of the Sistan-Baluchestan region.
The Sistan-Baluchestan Cultural Week runs until April 15.
Photo: Baluchi men perform a sword dance during the opening ceremony of the Sistan-Baluchestan Cultural Week in the courtyard of the Iranian Artists Forum in Tehran on April 9, 2011. (Mehr/Abdollah Heidari)