Discover Borujerd: The Enchanting City of Handicrafts and Artisan Treasures

Located in the heart of Lorestan province, Borujerd is renowned for its rich tradition of handicrafts, particularly in the art of Varsho Sazi, which involves crafting exquisite items from nickel silver. This city not only serves as a hub for various artisanal practices but also reflects the cultural heritage and history of the region. With its picturesque landscapes and favorable climate, Borujerd has nurtured a vibrant community of artisans dedicated to preserving and innovating traditional crafts.

Varsho Sazi, the art of creating beautiful crafts using nickel silver, is one of the oldest traditions in the Lorestan province of western Iran. For generations, the talented artists of Borujerd have relied on this craft as a means of livelihood, producing a range of handicrafts that include:

• Rugs
• Jajim (a type of woven textile)
• Carpets
• Nickel silver items such as dining dishes, samovars, sugar dishes, caddies, and rosewater sprinklers

The craft of nickel silver making was once a cornerstone of Borujerd’s economy, with many artisans achieving great success and recognition. The association between the city and its crafts has remained strong, as the name Borujerd is synonymous with high-quality handicrafts.

Nickel silver, a white-silver alloy composed of 20% nickel, 35% zinc, and 45% copper, is favored for its ability to melt and take shape easily. This material is primarily imported from Germany and Poland, and due to its durability and shiny appearance, it is often referred to as German silver.

Historically, the craft of nickel silver-making in Iran dates back several centuries. Accounts suggest that a select group of blacksmiths from cities such as Isfahan, Borujerd, and Dezful were sent to Russia to learn the intricacies of this art form. The craft flourished during the Seljuk and Safavid dynasties, reaching its peak in the Qajar dynasty. Artists from Borujerd have been documented working with nickel silver sheets, creating essential household items, and were notably known as inkwell makers, the first artisans to craft inkwells from this versatile material.

In addition to Varsho Sazi, Borujerd is home to a variety of other handicrafts, including:

• Giveh embroidery
• Hosiery
• Carpet weaving
• Jajim weaving
• Coppersmithing

The presence of coppersmiths in Borujerd has also played a significant role in the city’s artisanal landscape. The famed Rasteh Bazaar serves as a testament to the city’s rich history in metalworking, with the order of coppersmiths still holding an esteemed place in the community.

According to Mehdi Goudarzi, head of Borujerd’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department, “Out of 292 handicrafts recognized by Lorestan’s Cultural Heritage Department, 39 are native to Borujerd. Currently, approximately 700 artists and craftsmen are engaged in various handicrafts.”

Goudarzi further shared that the city boasts:

• 11 active handicraft shops
• 45 engraving workshops in the Varsho industry
• Seven specialized workshops in Varsho Sazi
• Three dedicated handicraft houses focusing on metal, wood, and textiles

In 2019, Borujerd was officially designated as a national city of Varsho, and efforts are underway to establish it as a World City of Varsho. Goudarzi mentioned that the documentation for this potential world registration is in progress and will be submitted to the relevant ministry soon. “Borujerd has the capacity to achieve this recognition, as Varsho is a unique and characteristic art of this city,” he added.

The newly completed Varsho House features three floors and nine rooms designed for production workshops, training sessions, and exhibitions showcasing Varsho products. This initiative aims to support local artisans and promote the significance of this cultural heritage.

As Borujerd continues to thrive as a center for handicrafts, the dedication of its craftsmen to the art of Varsho making and engraving remains a prominent feature of the city’s identity. The commitment to preserving these traditions ensures that the rich cultural tapestry of Borujerd will endure for generations to come.