Tehran – The historic city of Yazd has been officially designated by the World Craft Council (WCC) as a city of world city traditions and handmade gems, marking another important international cultural achievement in Iran.
In that respect, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Seiyed Reza Salehi Amiri described the people and artisans of Yazd, in particular, as powerful symbols of the deep connection between the country’s ancient traditions and modern creativity.
“This perception is clear evidence of Yazd’s rich cultural and artistic potential and reflects the effectiveness of the “herd diplomacy” strategy aimed at strengthening Iran’s cultural brands and social resilience,” Salehiamiri said at a press conference.
The designation follows a thorough assessment process, including a field visit by a team of WCC experts earlier this year. Experts conducted on-site assessments and collaborated with local artisans to investigate Yazd’s ability to represent global standards in traditional jewelry creation.
The Minister also recognized the success of the joint efforts of Yazd State Government, private sector partners, and vibrant artisans and entrepreneurs in the region.
“Their collaboration in building creative production and distribution networks played a key role in achieving this global awareness,” he said, calling it a “successful model that harmonizes grassroots with government capabilities.”
This is not the first time Yazd has received international acclaim. In 2017, the city’s historic urban fabric was engraved on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as Iran’s first historic city to achieve such a status.
Salehi-Amiri described this new perception as “a new advance in Yazd’s journey to its robust position in the ecosystem of global prominence and the cultural knowledge of the world.”
Furthermore, the Minister emphasized the importance of handicrafts in shaping Iran’s creative economy. “Yazd’s traditional gems have its deep roots, unique skills and authentic aesthetics, and could redefine Iran’s role in a global, culturally driven economy,” he added.
Yazd’s Zargari
Zargari’s history in the historic city of Yazd, or the art of gemmaking, dates back about 2,000 years, as supported by credible evidence. This ancient craft has been handed down for generations, maintaining a unique and complex technique that makes it almost impossible to replicate Yazdi gems. Several exquisite works date back 500 years ago have been discovered only at Yazd.
Jewelry manufacturing is one of Yazd’s most famous traditional arts and is recognized internationally as Yazdi Zargari.
Unlike the standard 18 carat gold commonly produced in Iran, traditional goldsmiths at Yazd create works with 20 carat fineness. This higher purity level is one of the key factors behind the respected reputation of Yazd’s traditional gemstones.
Available evidence shows the discovery of gems from the Parthian period about 2,000 years ago in the historic area of Meriz. These findings further proof the city’s deep, deep-rooted heritage in gold decoration.
One of Yazd’s most iconic gem works is the “Ago Abi” chain, named after its own manufacturing technology. The characteristic of this chain is its extraordinary softness, designed to mimic water flowability. Made with delicate golden filaments, rods and 20 carat gold rings native to Yazd, often combined with copper and silver alloys.
Other traditional methods of chain manufacturing, such as “Hell Marile Yazdi”, “Taupe Marile Yazdi”, and “Hell Va Gol e Yazd” are unique techniques that belong to Yazdi Zargari.
These traditional artisanal techniques are officially recognized and registered as part of Iran’s intangible cultural heritage, ensuring the preservation of future generations.
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