TEHRAN - The eighth annual festival celebrating Lalejin’s designation as a global hub for pottery by the World Crafts Council is set to take place with a series of events aimed at showcasing the rich tradition of pottery-making in the city.

According to Seyyed Reza Mousavi, Mayor of Lalejin, the festival will feature a collection of exquisite pottery pieces, a pottery photography competition for local and national photographers, a family hiking event, and an exhibition of top artworks alongside a pottery-making competition.

These events celebrate the recognition of Lalejin as the “World City of Pottery,” a title granted by the World Crafts Council in 2016.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Mousavi highlighted the unique artistic heritage and capacity that led to Lalejin’s selection as a world pottery city among numerous cities globally.

“Pottery has been a part of Lalejin’s cultural and economic fabric for centuries,” he stated. “The quantity and quality of Lalejin’s pottery continue to improve, demonstrating the continuous evolution of this art form.”

Mousavi emphasized the need to preserve and enhance the pottery craft using modern technologies, honoring the efforts of Lalejin’s ancestors who established this tradition.

He also highlighted the diverse programs planned for the anniversary, including the collection of outstanding pottery works, a photo contest, a family hiking event for pottery artisans, and exhibitions showcasing the best pottery pieces.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the mayor added that Lalejin attracts a significant number of tourists each year, who visit the city while exploring other tourist sites in the region, such as the nearby ancient city of [the UNESCO-registered] Hegmataneh and Ali Sadr Cave.

The mayor noted that Lalejin is home to over 300 specialized pottery and ceramic shops and more than 1,200 active workshops, making it a vibrant hub for both artisans and tourists.

Beyond the pottery scene, Lalejin also offers a serene natural countryside for enthusiasts to explore. Surrounded by jugged mountains and lush greenery, the town provides ample hiking opportunities and picnicking.

A city without unemployment

Mousavi also described Lalejin as the “city without unemployment” in Hamadan province, stating that around 5,000 people, both men and women, come from across the province daily to work in Lalejin’s pottery and ceramic workshops.

He noted that many local women engage in specialized pottery painting and enameling on ceramics, while women outside the city purchase pottery from Lalejin, decorate it at home, and sell it back in Lalejin.

AM