TEHRAN - Chehel Tekeh Duzi, also known as scrap quilting, is a cherished handicraft from the Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari province, southwest Iran.

This traditional embroidery, also referred to as “Khatami Duzi”, “Landreh Duzi”, or “Tekeh Duzi”, has been passed down through generations, preserving its cultural and artistic heritage.

According to Visit Iran, Chehel Tekeh Duzi involves sewing together various pieces of fabric, including simple, floral, striped, and polka-dotted patterns. The name “Chehel Tekeh” translates to "made of forty pieces," highlighting the intricate and composite nature of this craft.

To make it, a number of fabrics are meticulously cut into squares, triangles, rectangles, and diamonds, which are then joined on the back using simple stitches before being tightly sewn together.

The beauty of Chehel Tekeh Duzi lies in the harmonious composition of colors and the careful arrangement of fabric pieces. By creatively combining different sizes and patterns, artisans produce visually striking quilts. When the pieces are uniformly shaped, particularly as squares, rectangles, or triangles, the final products resemble “Khatam”, an ancient Iranian inlaying technique, hence the alternate name “Katami Duzi”.

To enhance the aesthetic appeal, silk stitch work is sometimes added to the seams of the quilt, a technique more prevalent in older samples. This delicate embroidery adds a layer of sophistication and intricacy to the already beautiful patterns.

Chehel Tekeh Duzi is more than just a craft; it is a cultural emblem of Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari, reflecting the region's rich artistic traditions. The continuity of this handicraft across generations underscores its importance in the local heritage, where each piece tells a story of cultural identity and artistic expression.

Chahrmahal-Bakhtiari as one of the various destinations in the west side of Iran, the ones which are generally lesser-known to potential sightseers and vacationers, is seeking to absorb travelers with an eye toward fostering tourism provincewide.

AM