WORLD CRAFTS COUNCIL
(WCC AISBL) INTERNATIONAL
Isfahan (Iran)
Much has been written and said on the city of Isfahan, which enjoys a long deep-rooted history. A capital city from the 5th century AD, during the Sassanid Dynasty, until it became the capital of the Safavid Dynasty by the order of Shah Abbas I, 1587 A.D., where it gained economical revival, social welfare and cultural dynamism. Being connected with cities on the famous silk road, gave an opportunity to Iranian goods, like textiles, carpets, etc., to have an active presence in overseas markets.
The glory of the city has not faded until today as, since then, it set up a number of workshops and became a center of multiple crafts being practiced for generations, such as miniature arts, metal engraving, marquetry, wood engraving, enamel, brocade weaving, etc.
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Isfahan turned into a center of attraction for Europeans and Asians, consequently, several embassies were established. Tourists come specifically to visit its various historical and cultural sites, as well as its bazaars which are full of attractive handicrafts products.
Handicrafts, design and art courses are offered at universities and at vocational institutes, where many students come from all corners of Iran to study and got training. Courses of training are offered for all types of crafts, such as velvet weaving, brocaded silk weaving (zaribaff), carpet and rug weaving, papier maché, ceramics, lacquer, enamel, gold threading and many others. There is still the practice of traditional education, apprenticeship and domestic family training especially in villages.