Semnan Province, a center of handicraft production in Iran
Handicrafts are a tool reflecting the identity and history of every nation. The artworks give their creators a sense of pride and cause them to feel a strong attachment to their motherland.
The status of handicrafts is so high that the International Craft Day (also known as World Craft Day) has been marked on 15th October every year to acknowledge world crafts and the tireless work of millions of craftspeople and artisans across the globe, ISNA wrote.
The central Iranian province of Markazi, with a rich history, is among the regions in which a variety of handicrafts are being produced.
Today, a large number of craftspeople create valuable artworks in the province, individually or in a workshop group.
Haj Vakil Castle, in the capital city of Arak, dating back to the Qajar era, is not only a historically significant monument, but also serves as a dynamic museum which contains several handicraft workshops.
The castle was sold to Hassan Vakil after the Second World War II, which is why it is called Vakil Castle.
The castle has various sections, including an entrance porch, outer and inner courtyards, a basement and a building known as Kolah Farangi. The monument, decorated with beautiful brick and tile work, was registered on Iran’s National Heritage List in 1996.
Zeinab Karami, a museum guide working in the castle, told ISNA that a collection of outstanding traditional handicrafts, including handwoven carpets, kilims, calligraphy and qalam-zani (engraving) are on display in the castle.
She said that the museum, extending in an area of 300 sq. m, has nine rooms showcasing various types of artworks.
Five workshops, active in the fields of manufacturing wood and leather products, glass painting, mina-kari (painting and coloring the surfaces of metals and ceramic tiles), pottery and ceramics, are in the basement of the building.
Deputy Head of Markazi Province’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization, Qassem Kazemi, said that about 9,000 craftspeople are active in the province in 110 fields of handicrafts.
He noted that the largest number of artists are involved in pottery production, qalam-zani, weaving traditional textiles, and making wood products.
Kazemi noted that a number of forgotten handicrafts have been revived in the province in recent years, adding that Arak and Tafresh have a long history in the field of metalworking.
He said that in addition to artists who work independently, over 60 handicraft workshops are operating in the province, in each of which two to five people are active.
Kazemi noted that nine handicraft markets are active across the province, pointing out that the 15th handicrafts exhibition will be held in the province in October.