The 9th International Fajr Handicrafts Festival, known as Tehran – Sarv-e Simin, has officially opened in Tehran to include Mohammad Javad Zarif, Vice President of Strategic Affairs in Iran, and Minister of Cultural Heritage and Tourism Reza Salehi-Amiri. Popular figures have opened, including: And handicrafts.
At the opening ceremony on Thursday, Minister Salehiamiri stressed the importance of redefine the image of Iranian handicrafts.
“The incredible turnout at this festival reflects people’s deep appreciation for our crafts,” he said. “This event offers an opportunity to uncover the true value of this art form, distant from outdated perceptions and presents a modern, dignified view of its modernity.”
The minister also praised the high quality works exhibited at the festival, noting the participation of both local and international judges. “We have seen outstanding innovative works in all categories, highlighting the great potential within this sector,” he added.
Salehi-Amiri highlights Iran’s prominent location in the global handicraft market, with 299 practiced in Iran, with 400 recognized craft science disciplines around the world, and as a leader in this field It points out that it solidifies the country’s reputation.
He further said that expanding the export of handicrafts remains a top priority for his ministry, with discussions underway with the President and other government agencies in order to support this goal. I emphasized. With 570,000 people working in 34,000 handicraft workshops nationwide, Iran has enormous capabilities in both production and exports.
“Handicrafts aren’t just art forms, they reflect our creativity and cultural identity,” Salehiamiri said. “The government is united by promoting this sector and by boosting exports, we aim to strengthen both our economic and cultural impact worldwide.”
The Minister also acknowledged the important role of media, particularly national broadcasters, in promoting Iranian handicrafts, and hopes that wider coverage of the diverse possibilities of the sector, both at home and abroad, will raise awareness. He expressed the following.
In his speech, Vice President Zarif said, “As long as we have people, we will never be weak. Our people will never create beauty, art, or prosperity from anything. An economy rooted in identity.”
He said, “In an environmentally friendly, identity-based economy, we can conquer the world. We have already done so through the words of Hafez, Saadi and Morana Jalal’s Addin Rumi. The sword is No need – we don’t need a sword. We conquered the world with Shajalian music.
To commemorate the ninth edition of the festival, nine Cypress trees were planted during the ceremony.
The SARV-E Simin Handicrafts Festival, held at the Sa’dabad Cultural Historical Complex, will continue until Monday, February 24th.
Of the 8,173 submissions, 7,974 came from 4,378 artists in Iran, and 198 entries were by artists from 20 countries, including Tajikistan, Afghanistan, France, Thailand, UK, India, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. It has been submitted. Tajikistan had the most entries among international participants, while the most submissions from Iran came from Isfahan and Shiraz artists.
Available data compiled by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts currently stands at around $250 million, with an additional $250 million informal “suitcase” exports. However, the global handicraft market is valued at $770 billion, highlighting a major growth opportunity.
Currently, the selection of 13 Iranian cities and three villages is registered as “World City of Handicrafts of the World” by the World Handicraft Association.