Iranian Rashti Embroidery Showcases Iran’s Cultural Heritage at BRICS Bazaar

Rashti embroidery, a centuries-old traditional craft from Iran’s northern Gilan Province, is attracting international attention at the “BRICS Bazaar” handicrafts exhibition being held alongside the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The five-day exhibition, running from September 10 to 15, features handicrafts from BRICS countries and aims to promote cultural exchange while creating new opportunities for economic and artistic cooperation. Iranian women artisans and entrepreneurs are presenting traditional crafts from different parts of the country, with Rashti embroidery among the prominent exhibits.

Gilan-based artist and instructor Ameneh Sedighi said the exhibition provides an important opportunity to introduce Iranian traditional embroidery to an international audience. She explained that Rashti embroidery, practiced for centuries using natural silk thread produced in Gilan and a specialized hook, is renowned for its intricate designs. Sedighi said the craft was historically practiced by men but is now primarily carried out by women. She added that international visitors, particularly Indians, had shown strong interest in Iranian handicrafts, while praising the Indian hosts for their support of participating Iranian artists.

The exhibition also highlights cultural similarities among the traditional arts of BRICS countries, particularly between Iranian and Kashmiri handicrafts. A Kashmiri representative at the event attributed these similarities to the longstanding cultural connections between the two peoples. The exhibition comes as BRICS continues to expand its economic and geopolitical role, with Iran among its newer members. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is attending the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where economic, political and cultural cooperation among member and partner countries is expected to remain a key focus.