The thousands of years of magnificence of Isfahan's is the result of the divine blessings and hard work of the people of this land; this ancient city has always been, in the eyes of scholars and foreign and domestic experts, a description of greatness in all economic, social, political, and especially cultural and artistic aspects.

The unbreakable bond of the cultural-historical elements of this city since the beginning of Islam has made it a super-city in the field of culture, art, and civilization and a comprehensive encyclopedia for all those interested in the field of study; by stepping in any direction, one can see that there has been a lot of efforts for its knowledge and art, which will willingly and unwittingly promotes its fans and visitors scientifically.

Due to the historical monuments and buildings left by the early days of Islam and the architectural masterpieces created after the arrival of Islam, election of the city of Isfahan as the political capital in three periods of the turbulent history of Islamic Iran (Dialameh, Seljuks and Safavids), the unique works by artists in the field of crafts and traditional arts, it has maintained its supreme status since ancient times and still retains its vibrancy and vitality; and most importantly in this city, we can see its Museum and Jewel (Imam Square) as the largest market for the supply and production of genuine Iranian handicrafts (which may be one of the most unique places in this regard in the world).

Due to its valuable position in the field of handicrafts and traditional arts (not only in the country but in the world) and after numerous follow-up by national and provincial authorities, Isfahan was introduced as the World Crafts City by the World Crafts Council in 2015. As a result of this valuable selection, the responsibility of the cultural servants of the country, and especially of the province has been doubled for the future of this eternal cultural and artistic city. With the formation of the World Crafts City Council, chaired by the highest political authority in the province (the Governor) and the membership of general managers and heads of governmental and non-governmental agencies associated with the council, the tasks of defining macro strategies and goals to maintain the title of this council were delivered to the agency.

Therefore, it is of special interest to adopt targeted programs in a city that we today refer to as a world city in the field of handicrafts and traditional arts, and to do our best for the true preservers and guardians of this valuable cultural field (craftspersons and artists) in order to promote this status.

Fereydoon Allah Yari

Director General of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism of Isfahan Province

And Secretary of Isfahan World Crafts Council