First Rafugari museum to open in Babolsar during Cultural Heritage Week
In line with the development of cultural heritage infrastructure and the support for the revival of traditional arts and handicrafts, Mazandaran Province has recently undertaken various initiatives to establish and strengthen specialized museums. In this context, and coinciding with Cultural Heritage Week (May 18-24), one of the province’s key projects is set to be inaugurated.
The Director General of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization of Mazandaran Province announced that the world’s first Rafugari Museum will be inaugurated in Babolsar, during Cultural Heritage Week, according to chtn.ir.
Hossein Izadi emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This is the world’s first private museum dedicated to Rafugari, established with the aim of preserving the authentic art of Rafugari, introducing its role within Iran’s carpet weaving tradition, and transferring the knowledge of master craftsmen to future generations.”
He added that this center can become a hub for education, research, and cultural tourism in the province.
Izadi further stated, “In this museum, tools, historical artifacts, and traditional Rafugari techniques will be exhibited in order to enhance the cultural standing of Mazandaran at both national and international levels.”
Rafugari is one of the delicate and highly specialized branches of traditional handicrafts and carpet weaving. It involves the repair and restoration of damaged areas of handwoven carpets and textile works. This art requires precision, experience, and a deep understanding of carpet structure, colors, and patterns. Skilled practitioners of Rafugari use matching threads to reconstruct damaged sections in a way that leaves minimal visible traces of repair. Beyond its practical function, Rafugari plays an essential role in preserving the historical and cultural value of carpets and textile artworks, effectively ensuring the continued life of this artistic heritage.
In addition, Rafugari is not only a technical craft but also a living expression of cultural identity and artistic continuity. It reflects the accumulated knowledge of generations of Iranian artisans who have preserved the aesthetic and structural integrity of carpets that often carry historical, emotional, and economic value. The establishment of a dedicated museum for Rafugari therefore represents an important step toward institutionalizing this knowledge, documenting rare techniques, and encouraging younger generations to engage with this highly specialized field.