Second Phase of Specialized Kilim-Weaving Training Begins in Qaleh Bala, a Global Tourism Village

Seyed Mohammad-Sadegh Razvian said on Monday, July 20, 2026, that the second phase of the department’s free kilim-weaving classes had begun for women, teenagers, and young people in Qaleh Bala, as part of a series of educational initiatives designed to revive the village’s indigenous handicrafts. Emphasizing the importance of passing traditional knowledge on to future generations, the Head of the Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Shahrud County added that the course is being taught by Zahra Khani, a veteran local handicraft master, drawing on her extensive experience and knowledge. The program aims not only to safeguard the village’s intangible cultural heritage but also to pass authentic kilim-weaving techniques on to the younger generation. He highlighted the village’s distinctive position, noting that as Qaleh Bala continues to strengthen its status as a prominent tourism destination, reinforcing its cultural identity and traditional handicrafts is essential. These courses, he said, are more than educational programs; they represent an investment in strengthening cultural identity and creating new employment opportunities based on the community’s local capabilities. Razvian concluded by noting that kilim weaving has deep roots in Qaleh Bala and that the active participation of local women artisans represents a valuable step toward achieving sustainable tourism development. He expressed hope that continued initiatives of this kind would further strengthen the village economy and help introduce the artistic heritage of its local artisans to national and international audiences.