SAEDNEWS: In the past, blacksmithing thrived as the art of shaping metal, but today, the younger generation is largely unfamiliar with it. At Saed Niyur, we aim to introduce this fascinating craft.
Chalangari refers to a traditional, local form of light blacksmithing in which artisans crafted lightweight iron objects such as barn nails, crooked nails, half-cubit measuring rods, tongs, skewers, iron tripods, chains, small chisels, hammers, iron braziers, locks, fasteners, punches, awls, and similar items. Chalangars (practitioners of Chalangari) typically worked alone without apprentices. Among their other tasks was the production of various types of horseshoes—from small ones for donkeys or shoe heels, to pierced nails, and even three-legged horseshoes with fixed nails. They also made solid horseshoes, which were sometimes used in superstitious or magical practices.
Chalangari is an industrial and manual art focused on producing agricultural and livestock tools, as well as functional and decorative objects, by shaping heated metal. It is one of Iran’s most authentic traditional arts, where artisans transform heated metal into tools, agricultural implements, or decorative items. It is also known as traditional or artistic blacksmithing and is sometimes referred to today as “forging” among the general public.
Historically, this craft served practical purposes, creating essential tools for agriculture and livestock management. With the industrialization of these fields, modern practitioners have shifted toward making decorative and functional objects, such as flowerpot stands, partitions, ornamental railings, and more.
Chalangari is one of Iran’s ancient trades. While the exact date of its origin is unclear, it likely began as soon as humans discovered iron. Numerous small metal tools found throughout ancient Iranian sites indicate that early Iranians extensively practiced this craft.
Chalangari represents a heritage passed down through generations. Even today, one can sometimes find a small workshop in remote towns or villages where craftsmen continue their work despite challenges. However, without support and transmission of skills to the younger generation, this art risks fading into obscurity. The disappearance of such a traditional craft would mean losing an important piece of Iran’s historical cultural fabric.
Traditional furnace
Welding machine
Grinding wheel
Hammers
Iron shears
Anvil
Technique
To create a tool, artisans first cut and section the metal and then heat it in a furnace until it becomes hot and malleable. Once sufficiently softened, the metal is removed from the furnace using tongs and placed on an anvil. It is then shaped by hammering until it attains the desired form. If the metal does not take the intended shape, it is reheated and the process is repeated—sometimes multiple times—until the final shape is achieved. Finally, the metal is quenched in water to strengthen it.
Chalangari has two main applications:
Manufacturing traditional agricultural and livestock tools, such as sickles, hammers, pickaxes, chisels, axes, plows, and more.
Producing decorative and functional items, including window grilles, flowerpot stands, traditional bread-baking griddles, locks, and other objects.
Conclusion
Tehran, Hamedan, and Kermanshah are among the cities in Iran where Chalangari is still practiced professionally and functionally, keeping this ancient and vital craft alive.
