Transforming Yazd’s Janoub Factory: From Industrial Powerhouse to a Vibrant Museum of Traditional Textiles

In Yazd, the Janoub Spinning and Weaving Factory, a celebrated industrial site, is poised for a transformative revival. This historic landmark, which has stood for over 70 years, is being converted into a museum dedicated to showcasing traditional textiles, carpets, and weaving techniques of Iran.

Originally established in the early 1950s by Reza Sarrafzadeh, a notable merchant and member of Iran’s National Assembly, the factory played a crucial role in the region’s textile industry. At its height, it employed around 700 workers and produced an impressive 900 bundles of fabric annually. The factory’s unique architectural design, inspired by the vernacular architecture of Yazd, serves as a lasting tribute to the area’s rich cultural heritage.

The restoration process of the factory’s main structures, covering an area of 6,000 square meters, commenced in the summer of 2023. This project, undertaken by the Mostazafan Foundation’s cultural museum branch, is nearing completion, with 90 percent of the work finished. The museum, named “Tar-o-Pud” (meaning “Warp and Weft”), is anticipated to open its first phase by the end of the year.

• The museum will host an extensive collection of carpets and textiles that span centuries.
• Featured items will include:
• Carpets from the Qajar and later periods.
• Rare fabrics dating from the Buyid dynasty to the late Qajar era.
• Traditional handwoven crafts from Iran’s desert, central, and southern regions.
• A restored Qajar royal tent will also be on display.

Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the ownership of the factory was transferred to the Mostazafan Foundation of the Islamic Revolution under a court order. Despite its operational status for two decades post-revolution, the factory was ultimately abandoned. In 2015, the Yazd Municipality acquired the property from the foundation, aiming to restore and repurpose this historic site.

One of the museum’s standout features will be its interactive experiences. Visitors can engage with recreated traditional weaving workshops and functional carpet looms. They will have the opportunity to interact with skilled craftsmen and even participate in the weaving process. Notably, some looms have been reconstructed using designs that are 180 years old, reviving forgotten weaving techniques used to produce rare textiles.

According to a researcher overseeing this initiative, a total of thirteen looms and workshops have been meticulously rebuilt to their original specifications. The researcher emphasized, “Some techniques, like labafi-bafi, which no longer exist in practice, will be brought back to life here.”

The museum will also serve as a repository for equipment and machinery from the factory’s operational era. Although some machinery was sold after the factory’s closure, many pieces have been preserved for display in the museum. Furthermore, an oral history of the factory will be documented, providing a vital record of its significance in the textile industry of Iran.

Located on Ayatollah Kashani Street in Yazd, directly across from Seventh of Tir Park and near the Museum of Light and Illumination (Qasr-e Ayeneh), the Janoub factory stands out with its striking architectural features. The factory is characterized by:

• Bizarre-shaped vaulted ceilings
• Intricate window frames
• Robust brickwork reflecting the craftsmanship of the Pahlavi era

As the restoration project approaches completion, the once-neglected textile factory is set to become a vibrant cultural landmark in Yazd. This initiative aims to honor and celebrate Iran’s rich heritage in textiles and weaving. Yazd is preparing to welcome visitors from across Iran and beyond, offering them a unique opportunity to delve into the artistry, history, and innovation that marked the factory’s industrial past.

With its opening, the museum will not only preserve the legacy of the Janoub Spinning and Weaving Factory but also inspire future generations to appreciate the intricate art of weaving and the cultural significance of textiles in Iran.