Handicrafts in Sistan & Balouchestan

While traveling, many people like to collect little souvenirs to take home with them as a reminder of the places they’ve been to, and the people they’ve met. Not to mention that the different and exotic items that go on display are not only eye-catching but can also be an excellent conversation starter.

Sistan and Baluchestan (Sistan O Balouchestan) Province is one of the 31 provinces of Iran. It is in the southeast of the country, bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan and its capital is Zahedan.

The province is the largest in Iran, with an area of 181,785 km² and a population of 2.5 million. The counties of the province are Chabahar, Qasar-qand, Dalgan, Hirmand, Iranshahr, Khash, Konarak, Nikshahr, Saravan, Sarbaz, Soran, Zabol, Zaboli, Zahedan and Zehak.

The population comprises the Baluch who form a majority in the province, followed by the relatively large minority, the Sistani Persians. Smaller communities of Kurds (in the eastern highlands and near Iranshahr, the Brahui (on the borders between Iran and Pakistan), and other resident and itinerant ethnic groups such as the Gypsies are also found in the province.

Baluch Embroidery

Baluch Embroidery is a form of decorative needlework associated with the Baluchis. The Baluchis form an ethnic group in the extreme southeast of Iran and neighboring parts of Pakistan (together generally called Baluchistan) and in the extreme southwest of Afghanistan.