Yazd Launches First International Academy for Handwoven Textiles: A Hub for Artisans and Innovation

In a remarkable initiative aimed at preserving Iran’s rich textile heritage, an international academy dedicated to the art of traditional handwoven textiles and carpets is scheduled to open in the historical city of Yazd. This academy represents a significant step towards the revival of handwoven textiles and aims to educate future generations about this invaluable cultural asset.

According to Hamidreza Soleimani, CEO of the Dafineh Museum Group—an affiliate of the Mostazafan Foundation—the academy will collaborate with the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and will be located within the newly inaugurated Tar-o-Pud (Warp and Weft) Museum in Yazd.

“This cultural and educational center, proposed by the museum group, will focus on introducing and teaching both loom-based and non-loom textile arts,” Soleimani stated. “The academy will function as a prestigious institution offering training in textile crafts that are recognized by UNESCO as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage.”

Soleimani emphasized that the academy aims not only to preserve these “fading traditions” but also to reintroduce them to younger generations through a series of workshops and educational programs. These efforts are expected to breathe new life into “forgotten” practices and strengthen the identity of Yazd as a historic center of textile craftsmanship.

The academy is designed with the goal of reviving Yazd’s textile industry, which was once a major hub in the country. “Given Yazd’s rich cultural and economic potential, the academy is also designed to foster job creation and encourage youth involvement in traditional crafts,” he noted.

The educational programs at the academy will include:

• Practical workshops in handweaving
• Textile design courses
• Training in various weaving techniques

Additionally, the academy plans to host seasonal exhibitions and special events showcasing the work and products of local artisans. Highlighting the broader impact of the initiative, Soleimani remarked, “This academy represents a key step in reviving authentic textile arts and unlocking Yazd’s potential for cultural and economic development. It is also expected to significantly contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of tourism in the region.”

Tar-o-Pud Museum: A Tribute to Textile Heritage

On March 1, the Tar-o-Pud Museum, dedicated to the rich history of Iranian textiles, was officially inaugurated within the abandoned Janoub Spinning and Weaving Factory, a 70-year-old landmark in Yazd. The museum showcases a vast collection of carpets, fabrics, and woven artifacts, some dating back over a millennium.

Among the museum’s highlights are:

• Rare fabrics from the Buyid dynasty to the late Qajar era
• Exquisite carpets from the Qajar period
• Traditional handwoven crafts from Iran’s desert and central regions
• A restored Qajar royal tent, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulence of Iran’s past

The factory, constructed in the early 1950s by Reza Sarrafzadeh, a prominent merchant and member of Iran’s National Assembly, was one of the region’s most significant textile production centers. At its peak, it employed 700 workers and produced 900 bundles of fabric annually. The factory’s distinctive shape, inspired by the vernacular architecture of Yazd, remains a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The museum is set to provide an immersive experience with recreated traditional weaving workshops and fully functional carpet looms. Visitors can interact with craftsmen and even participate in weaving processes. Some of the looms, reconstructed using 180-year-old designs, will revive forgotten weaving techniques, including those used to create rare textiles.

This initiative not only aims to preserve the art of traditional textiles but also enhances the cultural landscape of Yazd, making it a beacon of heritage, education, and economic revitalization.