Iran’s cultural week opens in Canada

Iran’s cultural week in Canada has opened in the city of Toronto in an effort to introduce Persian art, culture and traditions to an international audience.

The first of its kind after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the event holds photograph exhibitions and presents traditional Persian outfits and music.

Visitors can also see different kinds of handicrafts, try Persian food and experience a traditional Iranian tea house.

“We have held handicraft workshops and introduced traditional rituals and ceremonies,” said head of the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHTO) Headquarters for Publicity and Tourism Exhibitions Mohammad Hossein Barzin.

Held by the ICHTO and Iran’s cultural office in Ottawa, the event also introduces the Nowruz Haft Seen, a table set to welcome the Persian New Year.

Barzin also referred to the efforts of the Iranian government and tourism officials to expand cultural and tourism relations with other countries.

“With its rich culture and introducing its cultural, historical and Islamic tourist attractions, the Islamic Republic of Iran has taken great steps towards the expansion of cultural ties and attracting tourists,” he said.

Barzin said that Iran’s strong presence in international exhibitions and cultural events and its presenting of investment packages have turned the country into a safe and competitive tourism destination.

Iran’s cultural week in Canada will run until November 13, 2010.