Iranian Backgammon Exports Reinstated: Ban Lifted, Trade Opportunities Await!
In a significant development for the cultural and economic landscape of Iran, the ban on backgammon exports has been lifted, promising to open new avenues for producers and artisans. This decision comes after years of advocacy and negotiations, highlighting the importance of this traditional game in Iranian heritage.
According to reports from the Mehr News Agency, Farzad Ojani, an official with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, confirmed that the ban on backgammon exports will soon be officially lifted. This announcement follows extensive correspondence and follow-ups with various relevant agencies.
Ojani elaborated on the lengthy process involved in achieving this decision, stating that it was initiated by a recent inquiry from the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Trade’s Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Department. He mentioned that they are currently in communication with Dehghan Dehnavi, the head of Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization, and are awaiting the formal announcement from the Exports and Imports Laws and Regulations Department.
The provinces of Isfahan, Fars, Kermanshah, and Kordestan are the major centers of backgammon production in Iran. For years, these regions have been unable to capitalize on their economic potential due to legal restrictions, despite a high demand for backgammon in neighboring markets.
- Economic Opportunities: Lifting the ban is expected to create sustainable employment for artists and handicraft producers.
- Export Potential: The anticipated development of legal backgammon exports could see the export value reach approximately one million dollars.
- Strengthening Exports: This move is viewed as a significant step towards enhancing the export of Iranian wooden products.
Ojani expressed optimism about the future of this sector. He stated, “With the official announcement of the lifting of the ban, domestic producers can benefit from new opportunities in global markets.” He emphasized that Iranian backgammon, regarded as a noble symbol of the country’s art and industry, is poised to gain a more prominent position on the international export stage.
In a related update, Mansour Mehrzad, director general of the Kordestan Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Department, revealed that six tangible and intangible heritages of Kordestan province were registered on the National Heritage List this year. Notably, backgammon has also received national recognition.
“We proposed backgammon for national registration in 2011. The backgammon geography was titled by the name of Kordestan province in 2016,” Mehrzad noted, highlighting the longstanding efforts to preserve and promote this traditional game.
This lifting of the export ban aligns with broader efforts to promote Iran’s rich cultural heritage and supports local economies in regions known for their craftsmanship. As backgammon gains international visibility, it may encourage further interest in other Iranian handicrafts.
In conclusion, the lifting of the ban on backgammon exports is a milestone that not only recognizes the cultural significance of this game but also promises economic benefits for local artisans. As domestic producers prepare to enter global markets, the future of Iranian backgammon and its associated crafts looks brighter than ever.
