Iran’s handicrafts sector, encompassing over 150 traditional crafts from Persian carpets to turquoise inlays, is emerging as a key player in the country’s economic diversification efforts. Employing millions—70 percent of them women—this labor-intensive and low-capital industry thrives on local raw materials, making it resilient to sanctions, currency volatility, and supply chain disruptions. Officials see it as both a source of income and a vehicle for preserving cultural heritage.
Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Reza Salehi Amiri has highlighted the government’s support for startups modernizing the sector. By blending traditional craftsmanship with digital tools and eco-friendly practices, these businesses are connecting artisans directly to international markets via e-commerce platforms, tapping into growing global demand for authentic and sustainable products.
Beyond economic benefits, the handicrafts industry fosters social cohesion and cultural pride across Iran’s diverse regions. Policymakers view it as part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on oil revenues while promoting cultural tourism and the creative economy. With modernization, stronger export networks, and digital integration, Iran’s centuries-old artisanal traditions could become a powerful engine for sustainable development and global cultural presence.
