A team of experts from the World Crafts Council (WCC) arrived in Yazd on Saturday to evaluate the city’s potential to earn the prestigious title of a global center for traditional and handcrafted jewelry. During their visit, the team met with local artisans and officials to assess Yazd’s rich heritage and craftsmanship.
A high-level meeting was held at the Kowsar Hall of the Yazd Governor-General’s Headquarters to discuss the city’s bid. Attendees included Maryam Jalali-Dehkordi, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Handicrafts and Traditional Arts, Yazd’s Governor-General Mohammadreza Babaei, and other local officials and artisans.
Jalali-Dehkordi emphasized the importance of connecting traditional, identity-based economies with digital markets. She stated that integrating traditional crafts with modern technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence could help these crafts reach a global audience. She also praised Yazd’s artistic heritage, noting the dedication of its artisans in preserving and passing down their skills through generations.
The deputy minister highlighted Yazd’s unique blend of cultural preservation and modernization, which she said makes it a strong candidate for international recognition. She called for collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as unity among local craftspeople, to successfully expand into global markets.
Governor-General Babaei described the WCC evaluation as a pivotal moment for Yazd’s traditional jewelry industry. He pointed to the city’s multicultural history, including its religious diversity, as a key factor in its rich artistic traditions. Babaei expressed hope that the WCC designation would not only boost Yazd’s cultural standing but also spur economic growth and innovation in the handicrafts sector.
If successful, the title of a world city for traditional and handcrafted jewelry would add another accolade to Yazd’s long history as a center of craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
Yazdi Zargari: A 2,000-Year-Old Craft
The art of Zargari, or jewelry making, in Yazd dates back nearly 2,000 years, with evidence supporting its ancient origins. This craft has been meticulously passed down through generations, preserving its unique and intricate techniques. Some of Yazd’s jewelry pieces, which are nearly impossible to replicate, are as old as 500 years and are found nowhere else in the world.
Yazdi Zargari is one of the city’s most celebrated traditional arts, renowned both in Iran and internationally. Unlike the standard 18-karat gold commonly used in Iran, Yazd’s goldsmiths craft their jewelry with 20-karat gold, a higher purity level that contributes to the exceptional quality and reputation of Yazdi jewelry.
Archaeological discoveries in the historic region of Mehriz, including jewelry from the Parthian era (around 2,000 years ago), further highlight Yazd’s deep-rooted legacy in gold ornamentation.
One of Yazd’s most iconic jewelry pieces is the “Chin-Abi” chain, named after its unique manufacturing technique. Known for its remarkable softness, the chain is designed to mimic the fluidity of water. It is crafted from delicate golden filaments, rods, and 20-karat gold rings, often combined with copper and silver alloys.
Yazd’s bid for global recognition underscores its commitment to preserving its artistic heritage while embracing modern opportunities to showcase its craftsmanship on the world stage.
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