This citadel is the largest sand-brick fortress in the world. Bam was an important stop along the Silk Route, known for its date palms, cotton and textiles. Its name is believed to have been derived from Bahman, one of the heroes of the Shahnameh, compiled by Ferdowsi, considered the greatest Persian epic poet. Today it stands half in ruins, as does the modern city of Bam situated below it, having been shaken by an earthquake in December 2003. I have ben told that many of the wealthy have moved away, and the town is still striving to recover. Many still live in the Red Crescent tents distributed within days after the quake.

The man and woman in this photo are Mr. Hesani, Handicrafts of Kerman Manager, and Mrs. Kobra Attarnajad, professor at Free University in Kerman. I met with them in March 2005 to learn about possible projects to which I could donate royalties from my novel set in Iran, Anahita’s Woven Riddle, that would benefit the victims of the December 2003 earthquake in Bam, which killed nearly 30,000 people.

Kobra Attarnajad runs a self-development project for women that encompasses business and craft skills training, physical fitness and childcare. She works with 500 of the most destitute, single mothers in Bam. Some of the textiles her women and others in the region produce and hand embroider is featured on this page.

This paisley motif is hand embroidered on traditional dinner cloths, which is a craft unique to Kerman province. These textiles are called patteneh and could be used as table cloths, wall hangings, or couch throws.

For further information about Ms. Attarnajad’s Women’s Relief Program please write to her in care of Mr. Hesani. Both are looking for markets for the many handicrafts of their region of Kerman. There are about 180,000 craft workers making twenty five different items, including carpets.
Contact:

Mr. Hesani, Handicraft Manager of Kerman
Shahid Beheshti Ave.
Kerman, Iran
tel: (98341) 49475-43536-7
fax:(98341)49475

Bam’s Pre-School:

These are photos taken in March 2005 at Bahrol-Olum, a non profit school in Bam for young children. This establishment no longer has a permanent building as it was destroyed in the earthquake in December 2003. The school’s administrator explained to us that she teaches a well rounded curriculum, which includes physical activity and the arts. The blue gymnastic-type mats and the colorful artwork in her office attested to this.

This picture was drawn by a child in Bam shortly after the earthquake. Apparently many of the children chose black paper upon which to draw, but as time passed they began to choose brighter colors. These children received many letters of sympathy from Japanese students who have survived earthquakes. The children at this school sent letters and drawings to children in the recent December 2004 tsunami.

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