TEHRAN -- Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Mosalla is offering a wide variety of handicrafts at an international exhibition of handicrafts arranged on the occasion of World Handicrafts Day (June 10).

The exhibition, which opened here on Thursday, is displaying traditional artifacts from Iran’s different provinces in addition to works coming from Armenia, Turkey, Bosnia, Thailand and Albania and several other places.
Wooden artifacts, traditional costumes, glassware, earthenware, pieces of handmade jewelry, basketry, and traditional footwear are among the items on display.
The nomad’s black tents have been set up in the open-air portion of the Mosalla, showing the nomads clad in their traditional costumes cooking and serving local cuisine and pastries.
Kazakhstan, Thailand and Albania are the countries offering the most products, however the two pavilions of China and Pakistan are vacant.
An opening ceremony was arranged for the exhibition in the presence of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization (CHTHO) Director Ruhollah Ahmadzadeh, Deputy for Traditional Art and Handicrafts at CHTHO Tahmineh Daniali and several MPs.
Daniali expressed hope to see a bright future for the handicrafts of Iran, “Two million individuals are active in this field indicating the fact that handicrafts have been able to transfer venerable values and beliefs to the young generation of today.”
Ahmadzadeh, also talked about the fundamental role of culture in society adding that Iran is a good example for others for how to achieve this transfer of values and beliefs.
He also said over 15 countries are displaying their products in this exhibition proving that the imposition of sanctions on Iran is useless. The delegation next visited other pavilions at the exhibit that is running until June 17.
Also on the sideline, a ceremony was held here on Saturday at Tehran’s Summit Conference Hall where President Mahmud Ahmadinejad honored the top 10 Iranian artisans.
In addition, the artisans handed a plaque of honor to Ahmadinejad for his full support of Persian handicrafts. The ceremony was attended by Ahmadzadeh and several foreign guests.
Photo: An Iranian woman and her son make a rug felt at an international exhibition of handicrafts at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Mosalla on June 9, 2011. (ISNA/Hemmat Khahi)