TEHRAN – A permanent handicrafts marketplace opened its doors to the public in the city of Khomeini Shahr, central Isfahan Province, on Tuesday, in line with policies that the government pursues to liven up traditional crafts skills.

The opening ceremony was attended by the province’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department Director General Fereidoun Allahyari and Khomeini Shahr Governor Ahmad Rezvani, CHTO reported.

Named Naqsh-e Jahan, the three-story marketplace is situated at a recreational complex of the same name. In 2015, the executives of the World Crafts Council picked Isfahan as world city of handicrafts.

Last October, Iran’s first permanent handicrafts marketplace was inaugurated in Oud Lajan historic neighborhood in downtown Tehran.

Over the past couple of years, dozens of Iranian handicrafts have gained the UNESCO Seal of Excellence. For instance, in 2010, a total of 65 handicrafts on various themes including enamel, tile, metalwork, leatherwork, wood carving received the privilege.

PHOTO: Wood carving sculptures on show a permanent handicrafts marketplace in Khomeini Shahr, central Iran

AFM/MG