MARIVAN

Due to the activity of more than 10000 artisans producing in the field of Klash weaving and also its valuable position as one of the most important tourist destinations in Iran, Marivan was introduced as the ‘National City of Weaving Klash’ in 2016 and as the ‘World Crafts City of Klash’ by the World Crafts Council in September 2017.
Marivan is located in the west of Kurdistan province. It is 125 km northwest of Sanandaj, and with a population of 195,000, is the third most populous city in the province.
handicrafts centers of Kurdistan, has always been welcomed by tourists. Also, due to its border with Iraq, it has its own special economic values. Handicrafts of Marivan as a part of cultural heritage of its people have always played an essential role in their lives.
Marivan has very valuable capacities and potentials in the field of production of various local and original handicrafts such as local clothing, traditional textiles, traditional embroidery, wood arts, weaving, and is also known as one of the most important poles of weaving Klash (local footwear). Today, with regard to its ancient historical background, it has become one of the cultural, artistic and ethnic symbols of this county. The number of active workshops in the field of weaving in Marivan is more than 3000 workshops and the number of active employees in the field of weaving licensed by the Department of Handicrafts account for about 6200 people. About 80% of the weavers (mostly women) are engaged in the production of upper parts of Klash, and 20% (mostlymen) produce its lower parts.