In a bid to attract more domestic and foreign tourists to Kish Island, more investment should be made in the island, the managing director of Kish Free Trade Zone (KFTZ) told IRNA.

Giveh is referred to light and suitable shoes which are used for long-distance walking in mountainous areas. It is believed that giveh is much older than other types of shoes although its exact history is unknown.
In some historical documents it is outlined that Giv, an ancient mythical Persian hero and the son of Goudarz as outlined in masterpiece of the epic Iranian poet Hakim Abolqasem Ferdowsi, ’Shahnameh’ (Book of the Kings), used giveh for the first time when he was wandering in Turan (as mentioned in Shahnameh) territories. This is why the name giveh is attributed to Giv, IRNA reported.
For many centuries, nomadic tribes and many villagers of mountainous and also arid areas preferred giveh to other kinds of shoes.

It is not yet clear what the first giveh was made of or what its shape was. Some documentation suggest that the zenith of using giveh was eighth century AH and Fars province played an important role in making giveh.
From the Safavid era on, along with changes in several aspects of people’s lives, shoes were subject to changes. History has it that during the rule of the Safavids the rich wore leather shoes and ordinary people the giveh.
It was during that era that the shape of giveh changed and shoemakers made giveh in compliance with the climatic conditions of the area where it was used.
During Safavid reign, in addition to Shiraz, which had a bazaar of giveh-sellers, there was a bazaar in Isfahan, located near Ali Qoli Khan Bazaar, for selling the shoes.

At present, giveh, which should be viewed as one of the products widely used in rural areas and also nomadic tribes, it is being produced in various regions of the country, including Kermanshah, Uraman, Kazeroun, Behbahan, Dezfoul, Isfahan, Chahrmahal-Bakhtiyari as well as Markazi province.
Of course, in the past the number of places where giveh was produced was more than present.
Different types of giveh are produced in Iran. Maleki is the type, which has an exquisite and expensive outer layer and a piece of leather is also sewn to its rear. Ajideh comes with a leather sole and rather large outer layer.
Silk giveh is used for formal occasions. It has decorative needle-works and its outer layer is made from colorful silk threads. Another type of giveh ’city giveh’ is similar to ordinary shoes which have a leather sole and is mostly used in urban areas.
All phases of giveh making are by hand and raw materials vary depending on the climatic conditions of the region.
The norm is that women sew the outer layer of giveh with a needle while the sole is handled by craftsmen who use special tools. If necessary, the outer layer is sealed with glue to avoid penetration of water.
Giveh-making is commonplace in Kermanshah province, the cradle of Iran’s handicraft industry. Currently, there are 2,500 giveh-makers in the western province.

Deputy head of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO) for cultural heritage affairs said that this year (started March 20) the global registration of Hara and Hirkani forests at UNESCO is a priority.
Speaking to Fars news agency, Fariborz Dolatabadi added, “The preliminary measures for registration of the monuments are underway. The point is that before being registered as global natural heritage they must be registered at a national level.“
Mangroves spread over eight protected zones of the country. In northwestern Qeshm Island they are among the most beautiful tourism attractions of the Persian Gulf region.
Hirkani forests are located on the southern flank of Caspian Sea. Historians say Hirkani, which covers an area of 1,848,000 sq.m, are older than the Amazon forests and among the oldest in the world.
Hara Forests extend over a total area of 7,500 hectares.

An exhibition showcasing handicrafts by Tehrani artists’ is held at Artists’ Park every Friday.
Sponsor of the weekly event is Tehran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Department, IRNA reported.
Woodwork, gelim, rural clothing, ornaments, pottery and metal works are among items on display in 141 pavilions, which will be held regularly this year (started March 20).
Last year (2007-8), four handicraft exhibitions were held in Tehran. A large number of art enthusiasts visited the exhibitions.

A Tabriz City Council spokesman confirmed that the original mausoleum of Shams Tabrizi, the famous mystic of the sixth century AH, has been discovered in Tabriz.
The mausoleum of Shams was believed to be in Khoy (in East Azarbaijan) before the new discovery.
Habib Shiri added that based on historical documents and resources, the mausoleum of Shams, whom Molana Jalaleddin Mohammad Balkhi, a prominent mystic of the seventh century AH, loved and admired, is located in Gajil, Tabriz.
“The mausoleum was recently identified to be situated in Tabriz due to historical studies and examination of credible resources. It will undergo renovation in the near future,“ Fars News Agency quoted Shiri as saying.
He rejected claims that the mausoleum of Shams is located in another Iranian city.
“Unfortunately, several claims have been made that the mausoleum of Shams is in another city. This is due to negligence and silence of our cultural officials. However, Tabriz City Council and Municipality intend to prove that the original mausoleum of Shams is situated in Tabriz based on historical documentations,“ concluded the official.

The first season of archeological excavations to shed more light on the history of Arsacides Dynasty led to the discovery of six rooms in palace at Yazdgerd Castle.
According to CHN, head of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO) excavation team, Massoud Azarnoosh said, “Given that since a few decades ago no archeological moves were made to find out more about the Arsacides Dynasty, which is quite influential in Iran’s history, we commenced excavations in Yazdgerd Castle.“
The official noted that the last diggings were carried out between 1975 and 1978 by a team of Canadian and Iranian experts.
“In fact, archeological studies carried out before the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution were limited to certain parts of the castle. Currently, we are involved in extensive research and carrying out comprehensive diggings in the area,“ he noted.
He underlined that Yazdgerd Castle site includes works belonging to the Arsacides, Sassanid and early Islamic eras, but most works pertain to the Arsacides Dynasty.
The site covers an area of 40 hectares and includes a garrison, fortifications and a palace, as well as a fire temple belonging to the Sassanid era.
Yazdgerd Castle is among Iran’s large defense castles. It is made of stone and mortar. The castle has high walls and different sections for training soldiers. It was more important during the Sassanid era.
The castle is situated in Eslamabad in Kermanshah province. The Arsacides were a clan from the Parni tribe and were overthrown by the Sassanids, the last dynasty who ruled the Persian Empire before the advent of Islam. Yazdgerd was the last Sassanid monarch.

Qeshm Island, located between the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, is Iran’s second free trade zone and a tourist attraction.
One of the largest islands in the world, Qeshm boasts of natural, historical and trade attractions, Press TV reported.
The beautiful sights in Qeshm have not only made the island an ideal vacation spot, but also a suitable place for pursuing higher education.
The tropical island has an average temperature of 26 degrees centigrade. Qeshm experiences its hottest period from the end of June well into September when the temperature reaches nearly 33 degrees while its coolest period from late December to mid February sees a temperature of around 18 degrees centigrade.

Namakdan Cave is a stunning cave with breathtaking icicles and hosts large numbers of tourists daily. The Valley of Stars and Chah-Kou are among two of Qeshm Island’s numerous breath-taking mountains.
The Hara forests, dominated by saltwater trees known as Avicennia marina, are among the natural wonders of Qeshm. The mangroves, which grow as high as three to eight meters and have external roots, are often submerged at high tide

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Home to some 10 species of migratory tropical birds, the trees on the island have bright green leaves and bear sweet almond-like fruit from mid-July to August.
The wondrous flora and fauna of the island cannot fail to enchant. It hosts 11 species of crab and numerous kinds of fish, Qeshm is a breeding ground of a diverse range of marine animal and plant species.
Nearly 70 ancient wells, now known as Tala wells, are reminders of the advanced Achaemenid water supply system.
In the Achaemenid and Sassanid eras, the inhabitants of Qeshm Island built dams in the mountain passes and valleys to collect rain for use as drinking water and for irrigation, the remains of which can be seen to this day.
The ancient Anahita Temple represents the island’s rich history--a time when the people of Qeshm paid tribute to the Persian water goddess, Anahita.

Tourists or those visiting the island on business can enjoy recreational activities such as fishing, horse riding, auto racing and water sports or refresh themselves at the natural springs.
Visitors can also spend a day at the island’s numerous malls or experience from close the workings of a traditional Persian bazaar.
The island also provides an opportunity for students to gain a first-class academic education at the Qeshm Institute of Higher Education, which offers degrees from Canada’s Carleton University.
With its beautiful sunsets and numerous tourist sights, Qeshm can be a perfect destination for those seeking a truly memorable experience of visiting an Iranian island.

Algerian Culture Minister Khalida Toumi, who visited Tehran to attend Algerian cultural week, flew to Shiraz in southern Fars province on Monday morning to visit Fars historical monuments, reported IRNA.

The Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults (IIDCYA) has proposed a plan for establishment of an Iranology center for children.
IIDCYA managing director, Mohsen Chiniforoushan, said that Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO), the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, and the municipalities can help our children to know their homeland better by holding exhibitions in Tehran and other cities, reported MNA.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of ’One Week with IIDCYA’, festival exclusive to Tehran, he said national identity is linked to cultural identity.
“Cultural identity is not to be sought only in stone and bricks of our ancient monuments. Our literary heritage of proverbs, poetry and lullabies are integral parts of the Iranian cultural identity,“ Chiniforoushan remarked.
He expressed regret over the fact that Iranian children and adults are not sufficiently familiar with classical Persian literature.
“In my trips to Persian-speaking countries, I noticed that the people of these countries were more familiar with Persian poets and knew much Persian poetry by heart,“ Chiniforoushan added.
Commenting on globalization, he said that unfortunately the phenomenon called globalization is targeting the cultural and historical identity of nations, and even countries like France and Germany have expressed concern and are implementing plans to prevent penetration of foreign languages and cultures in their countries.
Chiniforoushan added that IIDCYA’s libraries throughout Iran play a major role in enhancing the children’s knowledge and understanding of the Persian language and literature.
“Iran shall ever live, and introducing our ancient homeland to children would never be boring or repetitive.“
Chiniforoushan also announced that his center will be holding the nationwide festival ’One Week with IIDCYA’ concurrent with the World Children Day in autumn.

The first phase of construction of Shams Tabrizi Garden covering an area of three hectares is complete.
Tabriz District One mayor noted that upon completion of the second phase, the park’s area will extend to 10 hectares, reported IRNA.
Mohammad Reza Qorbanian pointed out that the park is the largest of its kind nationwide and includes renovated old gardens which were on the verge of destruction in Chaykenar of Tabriz.
Qorbanian emphasized that the first phase took less than six months to be completed.
“Over 170 billion rials have been spent on building the facilities of the garden, “ he added.
Upon completion of the project, Tabriz’ green areas will increase significantly. Tabriz Mayor Ali Reza Novin said, “The important project has been named after Shams Tabrizi and his statue has been installed in the middle of the garden“.
Shams Tabrizi is a towering mystic of the sixth century AH.
“There was an old building in the garden. We have decided to renovate it and use it as a venue for the meeting of artists,“ he observed.