Iran (IMNA) - This initiative aims to promote traditional handicrafts and visual arts in the historic city. The event was attended by key officials, including Fars Governor-General Hossein-Ali Amiri, Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage Ali Darabi, Shiraz Mayor Mohammad-Hassan Asadi, and Ali Hemmati, Director of Iran Tourism Development Corporation, alongside guests from the cultural heritage and tourism sectors.
During the inauguration, Minister Salehi toured various booths and shops, engaging directly with artisans who created the handicrafts on display. He emphasized that the opening of this multi-storey complex represents a significant achievement for Shiraz and the Fars province, which has been recognized as a “City of Handicrafts” by the World Crafts Council.
Speaking to journalists at the event, Salehi-Amiri stated, “By the end of the Seventh National Development Plan, employment in the country’s handicrafts sector should reach one million people.” He noted that currently over 500,000 individuals across Iran's 31 provinces are involved in handicraft production. The minister outlined that according to the Seventh Development Plan, 100,000 jobs must be created annually in this sector to achieve the target.
Salehi-Amiri praised the creativity of Iranian artisans and highlighted three main challenges facing the handicraft sector: job security and insurance, financial facilities, and the expansion of job opportunities and marketing.
Governor Amiri expressed gratitude to Salehi-Amiri for his commitment to preserving and promoting Fars province's cultural heritage. He acknowledged that Salehi-Amiri has prioritized the region since his tenure began, evident through his frequent visits aimed at boosting local tourism and heritage. The governor also noted Fars's unique heritage, which includes a rich blend of religious, cultural, and ancient artifacts spanning over 3,000 years.
The Art Bazaar spans a 2,000-square-meter area with approximately 5,000 square meters of total floor space. It features over 60 commercial units showcasing traditional arts native to Shiraz and Fars province. Crafts on display include intricate woodwork techniques such as marquetry and carving, as well as metal engraving and painting on wood. Visitors can also explore classic Persian art forms like seven-color tilework, pottery, ceramics, jewelry made from gold and silver, glass fusion crafts, traditional illumination, decorative calligraphy, carpet-weaving, tribal textiles like kilims and gabbehs, traditional costumes, and leather artifacts.
A notable aspect of the bazaar is its inclusion of handicrafts from other Iranian regions. A dedicated section showcases items from Khuzestan province and the Arvand Free Zone, enhancing the cultural diversity of offerings.
During his visit to Shiraz, Salehi Amiri also paid respects at the revered shrine of Ahmad bin Musa al-Kazim (Shah Cheragh), where he was welcomed by local dignitaries. The inauguration coincided with the 3rd International Multimedia Festival of Cultural Heritage, which is set to conclude on Friday.
Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reza_Salehi_Amiri
[2] https://media.mehrnews.com/d/2024/08/11/0/5117166.pdf?ts=1723399533461
[3] https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-rapper-salehi-release-denied-amini-protests/32879660.html
[4] https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/506014/Tourism-minister-inaugurates-multi-storey-bazaar-of-handicrafts
[5] https://twitter.com/IranAir_IRI/status/1854986503706816957
[6] https://en.irna.ir/news/85653534/Headlines-in-Iranian-English-language-dailies-on-November-9
[7] https://media.mehrnews.com/d/2024/11/08/0/5240906.pdf?ts=1731085533523
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