The construction of the Museum of Rural Heritage in Golestan Province was launched on Wednesday in Qoroq Forest Park, in the presence of the head of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, Masoud Soltanifar.
“It will be the second such museum in the country,” said director general of ICHHTO’s provincial department in Golestan, Ebrahim Karimi, ISNA reported.
“The museum aims to familiarize public with the identity and history of their forefathers and past generations. Economically speaking, having such a museum in a region increases jobs and income.”
Karimi said the museum will prolong the staying period of tourists and make it possible for less wealthy travelers to stay longer, as they also offer lodging facilities.
Unlike the Rural Heritage Museum in Gilan province, the Golestan museum deals with intangible heritage, such as cultural activities, local games and rituals.
The project will cover an area of 700 hectares and host the province’s ethnic festival as its pilot phase.
Golestan Grand Museum is another project launched during Soltanifar’s trip to the province. It is a joint project of Gonbad Kavous Municipality, city council and governorate.
“A permanent handicraft marketplace in Baqeri Historical House, located in Gorgan’s historical texture, was also inaugurated by Soltanifar on Wednesday,” said Karimi.
In the first phase of the project, handicraft producers and artisans are selling their products in 14 stalls.
The inauguration of Gorgan House of Handicraft is another program on the agenda of Soltanifar’s visit to Golestan. The house is established to support handicraft artists, increase their income and help promote the industry. It contains seven pavilions and an atelier.
