Traditional Kamach Baking in Zol Village, Qaenat / A Living Account of Local Food Culture

A local ceremony of baking zir-khali (fire-pit) Kamach was held in Zol village, Qaenat County, alongside a folk celebration marking the village's national day, aimed at introducing local food culture and traditions.

According to the report of Aria's Heritage reporter, Hamid Abbaszadeh announced the holding of the traditional komach cooking ceremony in Zol village and said: This program was organized by the efforts of the Sepehr Qain Cultural Development and Empowerment Foundation and with the cooperation of the Islamic Council and the villagers of Zol village, in the form of a popular celebration of the National Day of the village.

The head of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department of Qaynat city added: cooking komach in the local way using fire was one of the parts of this event, which provided an opportunity to introduce a manifestation of the native food culture of Zol village and familiarize the attendees with the traditional ways of preparing this local food.

Pointing to the importance of preserving and introducing native foods, he said: In addition to its place in the food culture of the region, Komach in the village of Zol is a reminder of the traditional ways of preparing bread and homemade products and is a part of the village lifestyle and festivals. Traditions that have been passed down to the next generations through the experience and skill of the previous generations.

Abbaszadeh continued: Documenting the preparation method of komach zol, from the preparation of the dough and the use of raw materials and local additives to the cooking method and the occasions of its preparation, can be an effective step in identifying and protecting the food heritage of this village. Recording the narratives of women and the elderly in the village is particularly important in this context; Because the details of this indigenous knowledge form part of the cultural memory of the local community.

The head of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department of Qaynat city emphasized: traditional foods are among the valuable capacities of intangible cultural heritage and introducing them in cultural and tourism events can help to strengthen local identity, transfer local knowledge and introduce the capacities of villages to tourists.

On the sidelines of this event, various programs were held, including visiting the local products market, children's experience with the herd of cattle, performing local music, holding tug-of-war competitions and awarding prizes, which played a role in creating a happy atmosphere and introducing the cultural and social attractions of Zol village.