Int'l Recognition for Iranian Cities

Cities in Kerman and Kurdestan provinces achieved international recognition from UNESCO's World Crafts Council, a deputy of the Handicrafts Office at Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization said. According to Bahman Namvar Motlaq, the dossiers of Sirjan and Kalpurgan in Kerman have been recognized by the council as the city of kilim (flat tapestry-woven carpets or rugs) and the city of pottery respectively, IRNA reported.  Also, Marivan in Kurdestan Province received an international status as the city of Kalash, traditional handmade footwear, which is still used by Kurds.  "Iran's rich handicrafts sector would help introduce the country in the international arena, if the potentials are utilized appropriately," Motlaq said.