Mehr News local correspondent quoted Farzin Haqparast saying that the festival would bring together prominent figures including Dr. Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi, President of World Crafts Council - Asia Pacific Region and a delegation of Cultural Heritage Organization of Iran; “this is the first time ever that two Iranian cities have been registered on handicrafts and rug weaving; we work to attain the prestigious title of the ‘global rug city’ for Tabriz for the future years,” he added.
“The festival will bring the guests visits to Tabriz rug-weaving workshops, rug exhibition permanently held in Rug College, a meeting with the provincial governor, and inauguration of the Memorial Plaque of global registration of rug in Mozaffariyeh Traditional Bazaar as the major events,” Haqparast told reporters.
“The history of Tabriz rug dates back to days of yore, and many examples of this type of rug would be found all around the world; however, with the breach of copyright laws in recent years, other countries seized the global markets for rug,” he lamented, adding that about 200,000 people made a living through employment in the industry and many of them belong to the lower socio-economic classes.
“The global recognition of the industry would boost the influx of tourist to the province, bringing many traders and businessmen in the industry, thus creating opportunities for development of the province,” said Haqparast.
“To have Tabriz rug registered globally as the city’s brand name and major handicraft, we have held meetings with Dr. Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi, President of World Crafts Council - Asia Pacific Region and her entourage who are visiting Tabriz rug market and workshops around the city, and we hope to witness this great and momentous event,” he told reporters.