The story behind Zilou coverings in the martyred Leader’s office

TEHRAN - For years, viewers of official meetings and public ceremonies questioned why the floors of the Imam Khomeini Hussainiya and the office of Iran’s late Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei were covered with blue-and-white Zilou floor coverings rather than precious Persian carpets.

Isfahan tourism specialist wins medal at Geneva innovation competition

TEHRAN - An Isfahan-based tourism specialist has won a silver medal at the 6th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions in Switzerland for an artificial intelligence-based tourism platform, a provincial tourism official said on Sunday.

Iran plans handicrafts export push, names Isfahan key hub for tourism growth

TEHRAN – Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Minister Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, said on Monday that the government would pursue a program to expand domestic and international markets for handicrafts, increase exports, support artisans and develop a complete value chain for the sector, identifying Isfahan as a central hub for future growth.

Traditional Nain Aba weaving receives global geographical indication registration

TEHRAN – The traditional Aba weaving craft of Nain in central Iran has been internationally registered as a geographical indication by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), marking the country's 13th global registration in the field, a senior handicrafts official said.

By Hanie Shahrabi

How Persian carpets weave time into art

TEHRAN – Persian carpets are often introduced through familiar ideas: tradition, craftsmanship, heritage, and identity. While these remain essential, they do not fully explain why these objects continue to resonate, specifically with contemporary global audience increasingly attentive to timeless art.

Traditional ecological knowledge in Pamnar reflects deep ties between nature and rural life

TEHRAN – The mountainous village of Pamnar in southwestern Iran has preserved a rich body of traditional ecological knowledge shaped by generations of interaction with the natural environment, according to a study by anthropologist Mansoureh Razavi.

Minister calls for specialized handicrafts centers to boost urban economies

TEHRAN - Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts has called for the establishment of specialized handicrafts centers across major Iranian cities, describing them as a crucial missing link in the marketing and commercialization of products created by artisans and craftspeople.

Ancient tombstone motifs inspire new designs for textiles and handicrafts

TEHRAN – Researchers and artists studying the carved motifs of an ancient cemetery near Qale-Shadab mountain, southwestern Iran, say the unique designs found on centuries-old tombstones could provide inspiration for contemporary textile design, handicrafts and local cultural industries.

Ilam handicrafts exhibit in Iraq highlights cross-border cultural ties

TEHRAN - An exhibition showcasing handicrafts from Iran’s western province of Ilam was held recently in the Iraqi city of Kut, drawing strong public interest and underscoring growing cultural and economic ties between the neighboring regions, a provincial official said.

Community participation drives sustainable tourism in Iran’s Pamenar village

TEHRAN - Nestled in the mountainous Shahiyun district of Dezful in southwestern Iran’s Khuzestan province, the village of Pamenar has emerged as a notable example of community-based sustainable tourism, where residents have combined traditional knowledge, environmental protection, and cultural heritage to create new economic opportunities while preserving their rural identity.

Handicraft artists from Tehran showcase works at Muscat Nights festival

TEHRAN - Handicraft artists from Tehran province have taken part in the Muscat Nights 2026 festival in Oman to present Iranian traditional arts and help expand cultural exchanges, provincial officials said.

Lalejin, pottery town where clay becomes culture

TEHRAN - Lalejin is a small city in west-central Iran, near the city of Hamedan, and is widely known as the country’s main center of pottery and ceramics.