Overview

 Review

We have all heard about the quality and beauty of Iranian Persian silk rugs with their intricate woven patterns. But how much do we really know about what makes a good Persian rug? What about all the other amazing souvenirs, collectables and handicrafts of this often misunderstood country?

East Azerbijan:
The province of East Azarbaijan is reputed for its handicrafts in Iran namely a variety of carpets, rugs, Kilims (coarse carpet), Jajeem (loosely woven cloth), satchels, local shoes, silverware and jewelry. Nuts and dry fruits are also important items of this area and are highly favored everywhere.

Isfahan:
Isfahan is famous for its delicate and beautiful handicrafts, the most important of which are inlaid work engravings, woodwork, filigree work, carpets and miniatures. Local sweets, especially Gaz (confectionery made from manna) are very delicious and well known through Iran.

Chahar Mahal Va Bakhtiyari
Different kinds of handicrafts and souvenirs of Chahar Mahal Va Bakhtiyari province are as follows: the famous Chalshotori carpet, tribal carpets and rugs, Chukha, felt, Giveh or a type of local foot ware, Khorjeen or Saddlebags, Jajeem (a loosely woven woolen cloths), Kilim (a coarse carpet), satchels, table cloths and salt cellars, Khor, Jol, Palas, Kachmehdan and Gazz.

Yazd
Handicraft produced in Yazd province are various, some of which are world famous including carpets with charming patterns, pileless carpets, tirma (a kind of cashmere), brodcaded silk, velvet, blankets, bed-cloths, earthenware, engraving, glassware and leather ware. Being delicate and beautiful, these handicraft are suitable to be kept as souvenirs. Yazd is also famous for its various sweets, the most well-known are Pashmak (cotton candy), Baghlava and Ghotab.

Khorasan
The important and various types of Khorassan handicrafts are: Carpet weaving, silk production, She'rbafi, Felt carpet, Wool making, sculptured work on stone, Turquoise stone, ceramic work and Pipe weaving.

Khuzestan
From the past, the province of Khuzestan was renounced for its textiles and silk weaving industry. Shooshtar and its surroundings are renounced for its sleeveless cloaks made of both thick and fine materials. Shadegan is also famous for its cloaks. The weaving of the Islamic veil and the Arab veil is a dominant feature here. Bed Sheets of Shooshtar, waist wrappers of Dezful, jajeems (a loosely woven woolen material) of Shadegan are worth mentioning. Besides there are other
handicrafts such as, carpet, a kind of chain stitch embroidery, Kilim weaving (a type of coarse carpet), Jajeem weaving, mat and rush mat weaving, bedding wrappers, manufacture of Warsaw silver and ... can be taken to account as the handicrafts of this province.

Zanjan
These plain knives and a variety of pocket knives and switch blades, carpets, 'Charoq' (a local type of women shoe) filigree work, silver and a variety of 'Kilim' (a coarse carpet or rug) and 'jajim' or (loosely woven woolen carpet).

Shiraz
The handicrafts of Fars are rich in diversity, the most significant of which are as follows: silver smiting, parquetry and skill-embroidery, giveh (light cotton summer shoes), ceramics, carpet, Jajim (fine carpet made of wool or cotton), Gelim (carpet made of goats’ hair). Other industries like cloth-weaving and glass blowing are scattered throughout the province. Carpets woven by tribes, rose water made in Firuzabad, sweets produced in Fasa, lime juice and plant essences extracted in Shiraz are of the highest quality.

Qom
In Qom province and more so in its rural areas handicrafts play an important part. Even though today it is to a lesser degree, but is still a means of earning a livelihood. The most important of these handicrafts are: carpets, brick and ceramic work, latticed work, a special type of sweet known as Sohan, rosaries, vessels of stone and gypsum, decorative articles, porcelain, silk carpets and fruits like pomegranate and fig.

Kerman
The Kerman carpets, renowned for their elaborate border patterns, mute colors and high quality, are regarded as the best souvenirs of Kerman. Gelims (carpet made of goats’ hair), Jajim (carpet made of wool or cotton) and shawls are also among notable handicrafts. Furthermore, caraway seed, dates and citrus fruit cultivated in Kerman are of the highest quality.

Kohkiluye & Buyer Ahmad
The existence of lots of raw materials, such as wool, has provided a good scope that enables people to create articles in different types, colors, and at a desired quality. These articles are in great favor. 90% of these handmade products are marketed out of this province. There are several types of different woven crafts. Some of them are knitted, such as rugs, cushions, satchels and Kilims. Others are carpets, Gabeh, Kilims, (or coarse carpets), gloves and other handicrafts that are made by the tribes of this province which are in demand.

Lurestan
The handicrafts of the province can be divided into three parts that is handicrafts to do with the tribal, rural and urban areas. Of these, handicrafts concerning the nomads are made more for their own use, and a minor portion of these may be marketed. Tribal Handicrafts: 'Siyah Chador' or tents, cotton material, rugs, Kilim or (a coarse carpet). Rural Handicrafts: Rugs, Kilim, jajeem or (a loosely woven woolen material) and dyeing, Urban Handicrafts: Wood carving, felt making, carving on metal, and the manufacture of silver
objects, carpet and weaving. Besides the above there are local sweet-meats, honey, edible oils made of animal fat.

Mazandaran
Handicrafts in Mazandaran province are, carpet, Kilim (or a coarse type of carpet), silk weaves, textile, Jajeem (or a type of loosely woven woolen material), earthenware vessels, wooden articles, vessels and statues, felt weaving, wicker work, bamboo products, silk and cotton cloths, crocheting, and other handicrafts. In addition to the above there are silk scarves and apparel, articles made of felt, mats and wood. Handicrafts are put on for sale usually at the entrance and exit points of the cities and thereby paint a pretty picture!
Hamedan
The pottery of Laljin village is famous all over Iran for its beauty, being suitable to keep as souvenir. Carpets, Givehs (light cotton summer shoes), Pottery and fur garments produced in the province are of high quality.

Hormozgan
The handicrafts of Hormozgan province are as follows, earthenware pots known as 'Hableh', textiles worked with laced gold or silver braids known as 'Golabatoon', bedding sheets, rugs, carpets, woven baskets and mats, and handicrafts made of shells.