TEHRAN – Zanjan’s tourism directorate is to launch a new campaign to revive the fading glory of traditional handicrafts across the west-central Iranian province.

On Saturday, Seyyed Mikaeil Mousavi, the directorate’s deputy for handicrafts, disclosed plans aimed at revitalizing discontinued crafts within the region.

Mousavi expressed hope that this initiative would contribute not only to increased employment but also to the economic prosperity of the handicraft sector within the province.

He elaborated on the progress made so far, stating, “Copperwork in Zanjan city, jajim weaving, curtain-making, felt weaving in Tarom county, and kilim weaving in Khodabandeh have been revived through efforts made by local artisans, initiating their production and rejuvenation through educational classes.”

Highlighting the pivotal role of adequate financial allocation, Mousavi emphasized that sufficient funding could significantly promote education activities in the realm of handicraft development.

According to available data, currently, there are 55 active branches of handicrafts in the province. Reviving obsolete crafts could substantially bolster the growth and dynamism of this sector.

As mentioned by the Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, the value of Iran’s handicraft exports stood at $400 million during the first ten months of the past Iranian calendar year 1401 (Mar. 21, 2022—Jan. 20, 2023). “Compared to the same period a year earlier, the figure represents some 30 percent growth.”

At present, a total of 13 cities and three villages in Iran have been registered by the World Council of Handicrafts as “world cities of handicrafts”. The World Crafts Council is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that was founded in 1964 to promote fellowship, foster economic development through income-generating craft-related activities, and organize exchange programs, workshops, conferences, and exhibitions.

AFM