Iran’s Handicrafts Are on the Verge of Extinction
Due to the unbridled imports in Iran, handicrafts are now on the verge of extinction; as a result, many craftsmen are also negatively impacted and completely bankrupt.
In an interview with the regime’s television, a craftsman from Isfahan said: “I used to be a graver; but I am not selling my items anymore because they’re no longer profitable for me”.
This was never an issue in the past; ever since the Safavid dynasty, Isfahan’s woodcarving, engraving, and enamelling (also known as “Minakari”), were booming in Iran; domestic products were always very popular, especially amongst the visiting tourists, and sold in large scales both in and out of the country.
The saturation of Iran’s market with imported handicrafts
One of the reasons behind this current issue is that the regime is oversaturating the market with imports of Chinese handicrafts. To the point that they’re found in much greater quantities than that of the local products.
Mehdi Mir Mohammadi, a 43-year old craftsman from Isfahan who has been doing Minakari for nearly 20 years now, comments in this regard: “Isfahan is Iran’s capital of art because it produces more than 70% of the country’s handicrafts; so, why are Chinese goods being sold here instead?”
He adds: “we have made many complaints; but they’re just falling on deaf ears”.
The regime’s TV also talks about Lalejin, a city in Hamadan province, which is sometimes referred to as Iran’s capital of pottery: “In Lalehjin, 4000 people are working in the industry of pottery and ceramics; a significant portion of their products are exported to various countries every year; but Chinese ceramics are imported into the country simultaneously”.
Whilst Iran ranks 3rd in its production of handicrafts, it ranks 39th in terms of their sales.
The government’s newsagency, ISNA, reports on the “skyrocketing imports of rugs and handicrafts” (5th March 2018): “the industry has seen the greatest imports of rugs and handicrafts over the past 8 months, with a whopping 357% increase since last year”.
Smuggling of Chinese handicrafts into Iran
Governmental organisations, official traders, and affiliates are all reportedly smuggling loads of handicrafts into the market from China; which consequently leave no room for Iranian craftsmen to compete.
The regime’s own media outlets also acknowledge the damage done to the workers of this field.
Iran’s craftsmanship has always been one of its main sources of wealth and cultural pride; despite the deceptive claims of the supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, domestic goods have been far from supported in this country, and many jobs have also been lost. None of which seem to be a concern for the regime.
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