Networking Events and Professional Communities in Kermānshāh: Don’t Sleep On This (Seriously)

okay, so, like, I just got back from Kermānshāh. seriously, it’s… something. I was chasing a lead on a potential gig - a weird sound design project for a documentary about, uh, ancient Persian pottery. yeah, you read that right. and let me tell you, finding anyone remotely connected to anything professional there was like trying to find a decent cup of coffee in a sandstorm. but I dug. I really dug.

First off, Kermānshāh isn’t exactly buzzing with startups. It’s… older. Like, really older. The job market’s mostly government, construction, and a surprising amount of textile production. I’m talking about rugs, man. Seriously, the smell of wool hangs in the air sometimes. I checked out a few forums on Reddit - r/Kerman and r/IranTravel - and the general consensus is that networking is… well, it’s not a thing. People tend to operate in their circles. It’s like, if you’re not already part of someone’s circle, you’re basically invisible. Don’t expect open doors.

*Cost of Living (Rough Estimates - as of Oct 26, 2023):

Okay, so, events. There’s the annual Kermānshāh International Trade Fair (late November - check it out on TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Events-g295677-Kerman_Province_Kerman_Region.html). It’s mostly B2B, but you might find some interesting connections. Then there’s the occasional art exhibition at the Golestan Palace - pretty impressive, honestly. And I heard whispers about a small, semi-regular tech meetup happening at a cafe called ‘Café Shirin’ (Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-shirin-Kerman). It’s more of a vibe thing, though.

Overheard Gossip #1 (from a taxi driver): “The university’s engineering department is… struggling. Lots of graduates leaving for Tehran. Not much innovation here, you know?”

Overheard Gossip #2 (from a shopkeeper selling carpets): “Foreigners? They come and go. They look, they buy, they leave. We’re happy to sell, but we don’t really talk.”

Honestly, the best way to network is to just be there. Hang out in cafes, visit the museums, wander the bazaar. Start conversations. Learn a few basic Persian phrases (seriously, it helps). I spent a ridiculous amount of time just sketching in the square, and ended up chatting with a guy who was restoring antique clocks. Small wins, you know?

Speaking of which, the weather’s been… intense. Think dry heat, like a furnace. It’s that kind of dry heat that makes your skin crack and your hair frizz. It’s like stepping into a giant oven, but the mountains are a short drive away - they offer a bit of a reprieve. And the desert is, well, the desert. It’s vast and… unsettling. I’m talking about a landscape that feels like it’s been watching you for centuries.

Pro-Tip: Learn to haggle. Seriously. It’s expected. And don’t be afraid to get lost. That’s where you’ll find the hidden gems. I stumbled upon this incredible little pottery studio tucked away in a side street - the owner, an old man named Ali, was a total legend. He showed me some techniques I’d never seen before.

Disclaimer:* Kermānshāh isn’t for everyone. It’s gritty, it’s slow, and it’s definitely not a place to come if you’re looking for a party. But if you’re genuinely interested in the culture, the history, and the people, it can be a really rewarding experience. Just… be prepared to work for your connections. And maybe bring a lot of sunscreen.

Check out this local subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Kerman/

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