Discover the New Pottery Research Center: A Creative Hub Opens in Hamedan!
Recently, a specialized pottery research center was inaugurated at Bu-Ali Sina University in Hamedan, aiming to enhance the connection between academia and the pottery industry. This initiative is expected to play a significant role in addressing challenges within the pottery production and supply chain.
According to Mohammadreza Khlaji, the deputy director for handicrafts at the Hamedan Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, the new center will foster direct cooperation between universities and pottery workshops. This collaboration is essential for the development of innovative solutions to practical challenges faced by artisans in the pottery sector.
The primary objectives of the pottery research center include:
- Encouraging students to focus their theses and dissertations on real-world challenges in pottery workshops.
- Facilitating direct consultation and collaboration between students and experienced artists.
- Offering scientific and practical solutions to improve pottery production.
Khlaji emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Students can contribute through direct consultation and collaboration with artists and craftspeople to offer scientific and practical solutions.” This hands-on approach is expected to benefit both students and the pottery industry significantly.
In conjunction with the inauguration of the research center, a national conference on the pottery and ceramics value chain is set to take place in Hamedan from Nov. 10 to 12. This conference will feature a variety of components, including:
- Academic presentations.
- Workshops.
- An exhibition showcasing pottery art.
More than 50 research papers have been submitted from universities across Iran, primarily focusing on the renowned pottery industry of Lalejin. This indicates a strong academic interest in the field and the potential for significant advancements in pottery production methods and practices.
The accompanying exhibition will gather leading pottery artists and researchers from 13 provinces, including:
- Tehran
- Semnan
- Tabriz
- Khorasan Razavi
- Isfahan
This event is expected to not only showcase the talent and creativity of artisans but also facilitate networking opportunities among practitioners and academics in the pottery field.
Lalejin, situated in Hamedan province, has gained international recognition from the World Crafts Council as a global city of pottery. This acknowledgment is a testament to its rich tradition of craftsmanship and ceramic production, which has been passed down through generations.
The establishment of the pottery research center and the upcoming conference highlight the commitment to preserving and promoting the art of pottery in Iran. By bridging the gap between academic research and practical application, this initiative aims to strengthen the pottery industry and ensure its sustainability for future generations.
In summary, the inauguration of the specialized pottery research center at Bu-Ali Sina University represents a significant step forward in enhancing cooperation between academia and the pottery industry. With the upcoming national conference and exhibition, there is great potential for innovation and collaboration that will benefit artisans, researchers, and the broader community involved in pottery production.