HÀ NỘI – Some 65 photos and seven videos featuring historical relic sites, landscapes, customs and the daily routines of Iranian people are on display at the Việt Nam Museum of Ethnology.

Titled "Iranian Art Heritage, the cradle of civilisation," the event showcases a stunning collection of carpets, hand-painted vases, and engraved and enamelled copper.

Traditional carpets were displayed at the exhibition. VNS Photo Minh Đức

On the one hand, handicrafts reflect the wisdom and craftsmanship of the Iranian people and give visitors a glimpse of the sophisticated Iranian artistry and its national essence that evolved through the ages. On the other hand, photographs depict Iran's historical traces, beautiful landscapes, and a glance at the people's traditional customs, rituals and daily life.

The event aims to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Iran and Việt Nam.

Valuable objects were displayed at the event. VNS Photo Minh Đức

Ali Akbar Nazari, Ambassador of Iran to Việt Nam, said culture played a significant role in international communication.

"Realising the special place of culture as an influential sort of soft power, the embassy considers holding cultural events a priority," he said.

"The exhibition is a warm-up and introduction to several cultural events that we will hold in 2023 for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Iran and Việt Nam.

"To give visitors a better understanding of the brilliance of Iran's art heritage, civilisation, and time-honoured history as well as promote cultural exchange, a harmonious combination of valuable handicrafts and photographs collected from different parts of Iran are being introduced.

"The country is home to one of the world's oldest continuous major civilisations, with historical and urban settlements dating back to 7,000 BC."

A  photo of the wedding of the Kurmanji people in Iran.

Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Phạm Quang Hiệu appreciates the exhibition. He said the photography and handicrafts told a compelling story about historical events, customs and the unique culture of the Iranian people stretching from the sixth century BC to the modern day.

A photo at Nasir ol Molk mosque

"I believe that the exhibition will provide Vietnamese people with a new and more intuitive perspective of the brilliant Persian civilisation, and the land of the exciting and curious tales of Lady Sheherazade, which is familiar to many Vietnamese generations," he said.

"The exhibition will also greatly contribute to our common goal of building a better relationship between the two peoples."

The event will run until July 31, at the Kite Building, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Nguyễn Văn Huyên Street, in Hà Nội. VNS

A photo of autumn in Sangeh, Iran.