Iran seeks UNESCO recognition for traditional felt-making and Tirgan festival

TEHRAN - Two cultural heritage files from Iran, one for traditional felt-making and another for the Tirgan festival, have been submitted for evaluation by UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee in 2026.

By Elahe Seyfodin

Timeless art of making traditional felt hats: enduring legacy of Iran’s nomadic culture

As the first light of dawn graces the sky with hues of gold, a familiar scene unfolds in an old neighborhood of Isfahan. In a modest workshop, the master artisan Aliakbar awakens to begin his daily ritual. His hands, weathered by years of dedication, deftly navigate the intricacies of Kolah Namadi making, a craft passed down through generations.

Felt works go on show at Shahr-e Kord exhibit

TEHRAN – Various wool felt products have been put on show at an exhibition in Shahr-e Kord, the capital of Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari province, which has long been a hub for the ancient craft.

Persian handicrafts: Namad-mali in Semnan

TEHRAN – The craft of Namad-mali (literally meaning felt beating) has long been practiced in villages of Semnan province to produce Namad (a traditional carpet) out of woolen fabrics by rolling and pressing them.