SAEDNEWS: The artisans in the central Iranian province of Isfahan have preserved centuries-old crafts while turning their skills into a vital source of income for the local economy.
In the bustling bazaars and workshops of Isfahan, master artisans continue a centuries-old tradition, passing down skills from generation to generation while sustaining livelihoods and preserving Iran’s rich cultural heritage.
Long regarded as Iran’s craft capital, Isfahan is more than a center of culture or souvenirs—it is a thriving billion-rial industry that supports tens of thousands of jobs, fuels exports, and draws millions of tourists annually. Often called the “crown jewel of Iran’s handicraft industry,” the Safavid-era city is home to a dazzling array of crafts, including Minakari (metal enameling), Khatamkari (inlaid woodwork), Qalamzani (metal engraving), Ayeneh-kari (mirror mosaic), FiroozehKoobi (turquoise inlay), carpet weaving, tilework, pottery, Sermeh embroidery, and Qalamkari (block-printed textiles).
Isfahan produces nearly 60% of all Iranian handicrafts, with about 200 of the country’s 300 registered craft disciplines practiced locally. More than 70,000 artisans operate in around 9,000 workshops, many clustered near the iconic Naqsh-e Jahan Square.
The economic impact is striking. In the Iranian calendar year ending March 2024, handicraft exports exceeded $15 million, almost double the previous year, while tourism continues to boost sales. During the 2024 Nowruz holidays alone, 600 handicraft stalls generated roughly $250,000, with officials estimating potential revenue could reach $2.5 million.
Global recognition has further cemented Isfahan’s status. In 2015, the World Crafts Council named it a World Crafts City—the first in Iran—while UNESCO designated it a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2023. That same year, Isfahan’s Qalamkari art gained global recognition for its intricate hand-printed designs, often featuring floral motifs, arabesques, hunting scenes, and Persian calligraphy.
The city’s Minakari and seven-color tile-making techniques have also earned international accolades, showcasing centuries-old skills that continue to define Isfahan’s architectural masterpieces, including the Imam Mosque and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque.
For Iran, handicrafts are not just cultural treasures—they are an economic engine. Unlike oil, handicrafts require minimal infrastructure, create jobs across genders and age groups, and serve as a tool of cultural diplomacy. By blending tradition with modern markets, Isfahan’s artisans preserve a centuries-old heritage while driving prosperity in the contemporary economy.
From enamel and inlaid woodwork to carpets and tiles, Isfahan remains a shining example of how heritage crafts can sustain culture, livelihoods, and global recognition—truly Iran’s crown jewel of handicraft legacy.
