Ilam handicrafts gain ground in regional export markets
The Director General of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization of Ilam Province announced that the export of the province’s handicrafts to Arab countries along the Persian Gulf has entered a new and promising stage.
Farzad Sharifi underscored the importance of gaining access to international markets, stating that the export of indigenous products not only helps introduce and promote the capabilities of Ilam’s artisans, but also paves the way for sustainable economic and cultural development across the province, according to chtn.ir.
He added that the production and export of 200 items of various mat-weaving handicrafts by Abdanan-based artisan, Parvaneh Darvishi, to the United Arab Emirates represents a valuable and inspiring achievement. According to Sharifi, this initiative clearly demonstrates that authentic handicrafts from Ilam possess the capacity to compete successfully in reputable regional markets.
Sharifi noted that the success of this female artisan serves as an inspiring model for other producers throughout the province and could mark the beginning of a new chapter in strengthening the regional and international presence of Ilam’s handicrafts.
Referring to the notable capabilities of artisans in Abdanan, he said that this export consignment conveys a clear message: the quality, authenticity, and creativity of Ilam’s artists are capable of shining at the international level and securing a sustainable share in foreign markets.
Sharifi continued by emphasizing that Ilam’s handicrafts represent far more than cultural products; they constitute an important economic opportunity, a pathway for empowering women, and a driving force for boosting local economies. He stressed that supporting artisans who are active in the fields of production and export remains one of the top priorities of the provincial cultural heritage administration.
He further emphasized that, by strengthening support infrastructure and facilitating production, packaging, and export processes, the expansion of Ilam’s handicrafts presence in markets across the Persian Gulf region is being pursued with determination and strategic planning.
Ilam Province is widely known for its diverse range of traditional handicrafts, including mat weaving, kilim and jajim weaving, traditional embroidery, woodcraft, and leather products. Deeply rooted in the province’s cultural heritage and local lifestyles, these handicrafts reflect Ilam’s rich history and play an increasingly important role in preserving traditional skills while creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities.