Borujerd’s rich heritage of handicrafts, artisanal skills
The production of various handicrafts, each reflecting its own customs and culture, has transformed Borujerd into one of the important cities of Lorestan Province in this field.
In addition to renowned industries such as Chit Bafi (textile weaving) and Varsho Sazi (nickel silverware crafting), as well as other arts and techniques for which this city is famous, its favorable climate, beautiful natural surroundings, and central location have historically fostered the development of diverse crafts and arts. Today, however, some of these crafts have been forgotten for various reasons, while new ones have been introduced.
Nickel silverware crafting is the most notable handicraft of Borujerd, which, with over two centuries of prosperity, has established the city’s name both inside and outside the country. Its diverse products include water dispensers, trays and cups, braziers, rosewater sprays, and samovars. The craft of making these items has been prevalent since the Seljuk and Safavid periods, reaching its peak during the Qajar era.
Other traditional crafts of Borujerd include Giveh Bafi (weaving a type of traditional shoes), sock knitting, kilim weaving, and Jajim Bafi (weaving a type of traditional floor covering). Copperworking has also been a thriving profession in Borujerd, and today, the name of Rasteh Mesgarha (Blacksmiths’ Corridor) in the old bazaar still evokes the reputation of this craft.
Numerous records and accounts attest to the popularity of Borujerd’s handicrafts among notable figures, resident foreigners, and tourists. Metalworking crafts include nickel silverware crafting, goldsmithing, blacksmithing, knife making, and lock making.
Woodworking industries and related handicrafts include the construction of doors and stained glass windows with innovative and diverse designs, decorative ceiling work in valuable buildings, marquetry, carving, pierced work, Jajim weaving and Qalam-Kari (decorative painted textiles).
Mehdi Goudarzi, the head of the Borujerd Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department, told ISNA, “Out of the 292 handicraft branches covered by Lorestan Province’s Cultural Heritage Organization, 39 are native to the city. Currently, about 700 artisans and craftspeople are active in various handicraft fields.”
He highlighted that in 2019, Borujerd was registered as the National City of Varsho Sazi, and some infrastructure has been established to position the city as a global hub for this craft. The mayor of the city, appointed as the secretary of the national city, is planning to install signs bearing the title of the National City for Varsho Sazi at the city entrances and exits.
Goudarzi added that the dossier for the global registration of Borujerd’s Varsho Sazi is currently being finalized and submitted to the ministry. It will undoubtedly be forwarded to UNESCO, as Borujerd has the capacity to register this art because it is unique and specific to the city.
“The Varsho Sazi House, spanning three floors and nine rooms, has been completed and equipped to host workshops, training sessions, and a display section for Varsho Sazi products. Currently, 80 artisans are active in Varsho Sazi within the city, making this craft one of the most prominent handicrafts of the area.”