TEHRAN — Iran’s deputy minister for handicrafts and traditional arts said on Saturday that handicrafts can serve as a tool for developing the creative economy and cultural diplomacy, proposing joint initiatives with Russia’s Republic of Bashkortostan.

Maryam Jalali-Dekhordi, deputy minister of handicrafts at Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, made the remarks during the Sibay Investment Conference and a UNESCO expert meeting in Bashkortostan, according to the state-run news agency Mirass Aria.

The conference, attended by the head of the Bashkortostan Republic, provided an opportunity to expand economic and cultural cooperation between Iran and the region, the report said.

Jalali- Dekhordi took part in the World Crafts Council (WCC) evaluators’ session held in Bashkortostan, stressing what she called the key role of handicrafts in economic development and cultural diplomacy.

“Handicrafts are not only narrators of the past, but by combining tradition and innovation they help build a sustainable future,” she was quoted as saying by CHTN on Saturday. “They create income, decent jobs and attract tourists at local and international levels.”

She further highlighted the historical ties between Iran and Bashkortostan along the Volga–Ural trade routes and the Silk Road, describing handicrafts as a bridge for stronger cultural and economic cooperation.

Elsewhere in her remarks, Jalali-Dehkordi proposed holding joint workshops, reciprocal exhibitions in historic cities, and documentation of handicraft knowledge to deepen collaboration between the two sides.

She also underlined the importance of UNESCO’s living Silk Road network, saying international exhibitions and exchanges of artisans could strengthen the creative economy and showcase shared experiences.

According to Jalali-Dehkordi, Iran has 299 active handicraft branches, 17 cities and villages designated as World Craft Cities and Villages, and 82 recognized at the national level, which she described as a resource for cultural tourism and sustainable economic growth.

She praised Bashkortostan’s handicrafts, including silver jewelry and traditional embroidery, as valuable assets for expanding bilateral cooperation.

Sibay, located in the Urals on the historical boundary between Europe and Asia, has applied for recognition in crafts such as stone and wood painting, stone carving, felt-making, and traditional women’s clothing and jewelry. More than 100 artisans in Sibay are active in fields including stone and wood carving, pottery, felt-making, carpet weaving, embroidery, and jewelry-making. The city has linked its craft development to plans for expanding cultural tourism.

AM