TEHRAN -- Iran’s national doll Amu Noruz (Uncle Noruz) will find ways into children’s arms at Noruz this year, celebrating the New Year’s arrival.

“Amu Noruz” concerns the legendry Iranian figure Uncle Noruz who is similar to Santa Claus and brings new life and warmth to every household each Noruz, the Iranian New Year, which begins on March 21 and coincides with spring.
The beautiful doll was unveiled during a ceremony held at the Institute for Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults (IIDCYA) where Minister of Education Hamidreza Haji-Babaii and IIDCYA director Sadeq Rezaii took part.
“This cultural symbol displays the beauties of mankind and guides him towards the beauty and glory of the Almighty God,” Haji-Babaii said at the ceremony.
IIDCYA director Rezaii next talked about the old tradition of Noruz and said, “This tradition is a great honor for the Iranian nation and production of the doll is a jesture to honor this old event.”
The entire production process has been carried out in Iran and we believe that any entertainment by IIDCYA must be produced in Iran, he said.
Rezaii added that the stories of Amu Noruz are also published by IIDCYA and will be available in the marketplace for children.
“We have also invited the director of IIDCYA provisional departments to introduce two local characters of their region to be listed for future productions.
“There are also plans to submit copies of Amu Noruz dolls to the countries which celebrate Noruz next year,” he explained.
Deputy Culture Minister for Artistic Affairs Hamidreza Shahabadi also present at the ceremony said that the doll is produced based on a cultural need and will soon be available in the Iranian market.
Photo: This photo shows national Iranian doll Amu Noruz (Uncle Noruz) after its was unveiled during a ceremony at the Institute for Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults on March 14, 2011. (ISNA/Saman Aqvami)