TEHRAN – Breathing new life into Isfahan’s historical Risbaf Factory, which had been closed since the 2000s, an international handicraft center is planned to be established within the business unit.

“The handicraft center will transform the historical Risbaf Factory into a hub for artisans from around the world,” said a local official speaking at a press conference on Monday. “This initiative aims to promote development, dissemination, and practical research in the field of handicrafts on an international scale.”

A memorandum of understanding between the UN Tourism and the Iranian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts is in progress to facilitate the establishment process, according to Mehran Zeinalian.

This development, he winded up, is anticipated to significantly enhance the handicrafts and tourism industries in the province.

The Risbaf Factory, one of the last remaining wool spinning factories in Isfahan which was registered as a national heritage site in 2002, was previously owned by Bank Melli. For many years, there had been plans to transfer ownership to the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts to establish a regional museum in Isfahan. However, these plans were delayed due to financial interests of Bank Melli’s shareholders in the factory.

In last December, a decisive move was made to preserve this historical site, and the Risbaf Factory was officially handed over to the Cultural Heritage Department of Isfahan.

To facilitate its restoration and preservation, the building was placed under the care of the municipality.

In late May of this year, a ceremony was held to mark the beginning of the factory’s restoration, coinciding with International Museum Day.

This restoration project aims to transform the factory into a thriving center for handicrafts, fostering international collaboration and exchange among artisans, according to the related officials.

XF/AM