9th Fajr International Handicrafts Festival Showcases Global Artisanship in Tehran

The 9th Fajr International Handicrafts and Traditional Arts Festival, known as Sarv-e Simin ("Silver Cypress"), convened in Tehran from February 20 to 24, 2025, under the theme "Consensus and Cultural Diversity." This annual event, organized by Iran's Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, showcased the finest traditional arts and crafts from Iran and 20 other countries, including England, Brazil, and Indonesia.

The festival featured a competitive exhibition with over 7,000 submissions, including 198 pieces from 60 international artists. A panel of expert judges evaluated the entries based on quality, craftsmanship, aesthetic appeal, and cultural significance. The main section, Fine Handicrafts, highlighted classic works of exceptional quality. In addition to the competition, the event included a Diplomatic Gifts Exhibition, workshops, and a handicraft marketplace at the Sa’dabad Palace Museum.

Notably, Mir Arshad Hussain, a papier-mâché artist from Kashmir, India, won the first prize among international participants for his wall-plate work that fused traditional and contemporary motifs. Due to significant public interest, the exhibition was extended until March 1, 2025, allowing more visitors to admire the outstanding handicrafts on display.

The Fajr International Handicrafts and Traditional Arts Festival serves as a platform to preserve and promote Iran's rich legacy of handicrafts and traditional arts, fostering innovation and cross-cultural exchange. The festival has gained a reputation as a meeting point for artisans, cultural experts, and enthusiasts, showcasing the diversity and beauty of traditional arts.

The festival underscores the importance of cultural heritage in fostering national identity and international collaboration. By bringing together artisans from diverse backgrounds, it promotes cultural dialogue and mutual appreciation. The recognition of artists like Mir Arshad Hussain highlights the festival's role in providing a global platform for traditional artisans, thereby encouraging the preservation and evolution of traditional crafts.

Iran's handicraft industry experienced a remarkable 53% increase in exports during the first quarter of the current Persian year (starting March 20, 2024), compared to the same period the previous year. Approximately 26 tons of handicrafts, valued at $74.5 million, were exported in the three months, compared to about 16 tons worth $48.6 million in the same period the previous year.

Similar events celebrating traditional arts and crafts have been held globally, such as the 'TURKISTAN WORLD CRAFT FEST-2025' in Turkistan, which featured works by more than 100 foreign craftsmen. The festival aimed to promote handicraft products on an international scale and contribute to the development of new cooperation projects.

The 9th Fajr International Handicrafts and Traditional Arts Festival not only celebrated the rich legacy of traditional arts but also served as a catalyst for cultural exchange and economic growth, reinforcing the global significance of preserving and promoting handicraft traditions.