Visiting Siah Rudbar, A Thriving Crafts Village in Northern Iran by Marefat Pardis Toos

Siah Rudbar is a village in Zarrin Gol Rural District, in the Central District of Aliabad, Golestan Province, Iran.

It is a traditional hub of handwoven textile where the majority of its female residents are practicing crafts skills passed down from one generation to the next. Siah rudbar is home to tens of workshops which are located within house premises. 

Iran ranks first globally  for the number of cities and villages registered by the World Crafts Council with 14 entries. China, Chili, and India are next in ranking with seven, four, and three entries.