9th Int’l Fajr Handicrafts Festival wraps up
Minister: Handicrafts promote cultural dialogue among nations
The 9th International Fajr Handicrafts Festival, also known as Sarv-e Simin, concluded on February 24 at Tehran’s Milad Tower, honoring the cultural heritage of Iran.
The event saw the participation of prominent figures, including Reza Salehi Amiri, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts and Saad Al-Qaddumi, President of the World Crafts Council.
A distinguished panel of 13 judges, both domestic and international, selected the winners from a competitive pool of 20 finalists, ILNA reported.
Salehi Amiri stressed the significance of Iranian handicrafts, stating, “Handicrafts create a cultural dialogue among nations.”
This art form not only has economic potential but also serves to introduce the culture, art, and aesthetics of Iranians to the global stage, he added.
He added, “This is a significant night for the large family of handicrafts, cultural heritage, and tourism,” expressing gratitude for the presence of the Judiciary Chief and representatives from 20 different countries.
The minister revealed that there are approximately 570,000 active artisans in the handicrafts sector, many of whom are women.
He emphasized that discussing handicrafts means discussing art, creativity, lifestyle, and cultural dialogue. He asserted, “Handicrafts should be exported beyond borders, as they have the potential to generate revenue surpassing that of oil, while simultaneously introducing the beauty and art of Iran to the world.” The visibility of Iranian carpets abroad, for instance, showcases the artistry of Iranian women and craftsmen.
Salehi Amiri also pointed out Iran’s vast tourism potential, stating, “Iran has one of the largest tourism capacities in the world.”
He noted the country’s diverse tourism offerings, from historical and cultural to natural and therapeutic, encouraging those who visit to take advantage of this variety. He criticized the negative portrayals in some foreign media, urging them to showcase the beauty and security of Iran, stating, “Our youth can dispel the dark cloud of Iranophobia with appropriate content creation.”
The minister addressed ongoing tourism projects, revealing that there are currently 18,043 active accommodations and over 2,700 tourism projects under development.
He affirmed that even during the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism projects continued, driven by the passion of those in the industry.
Iran's rich artistic heritage inspiring
The event also featured remarks from Saad Al-Qaddumi, President of the World Crafts Council (WCC), who expressed deep affection for Iran, stating, “Iran has always held a special place in my heart, just as it has in my mother’s.”
He praised Iran’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage and highlighted the selection of 16 cities and villages as global handicraft locations as an evidence to the diversity and richness of Iranian arts.
Al-Quddumi described the festival as a unique opportunity for participants to come together, share ideas, and honor the invaluable worth of traditional handicrafts.
He expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the event’s success and emphasized the festival’s role in enhancing connections between Iranian artists and the international handicraft community.
As the festival drew to a close, Al-Qaddumi underscored the importance of preserving and promoting cultural traditions, encouraging participants to continue fostering the relationships formed during the event. He expressed hope that the connections established would lead to new collaborative opportunities in the future.