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“Zebardastan” Gives Impetus to Craftsmanship

Travel & Environment Desk
Zebardastan is a platform for lesser known and even unknown artisans, which allows them to promote their businesses easily and free of charge
Iran has a long tradition of producing artisanal goods, including Persian carpets, ceramics, copperware, brassware and glass.
Iran has a long tradition of producing artisanal goods, including Persian carpets, ceramics, copperware, brassware and glass.

An innovative, Android-based smartphone application, designed by a private firm, aims to connect artisans with buyers, allowing shoppers to purchase high quality handicrafts directly from the source.

A unique effort by Smart Land Solution Company, the business-to-consumer application Zebardastan (Persian for “the skilled ones”) was unveiled during the First National Ceremony on Handicrafts Production held at the National Museum of Iran on Dec. 5. 

The application requires sellers to create and complete a personal and professional profile, submitting detailed information about their field(s) of activity and type(s) of work they produce. 

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Local producers from all over the country can simply download the app at Zebardastan.com, according to Seyyed Mohammad Madani, chief executive of SLS Company.

“After installation, the applicants can easily submit their professional and personal information through our user-friendly forms, completing their profile.”

So far, over 16,000 artisans producing 40 types of handicrafts have applied, but due to the company’s rigorous vetting process, Madani expects about 10,000 to become active by the end of the current Iranian year (March 20, 2017).

At present, buyers can view the works of 1,200 craftsmen on the site.

Iranian artisans produce nearly 300 out of the 460 types of handicrafts produced worldwide, so as the number of craftsmen increases on Zebardastan, so too the variety of products. 

Applicants are first contacted by phone to rectify mistakes in their online profiles, before the company conducts a field survey to gather information on production capacity and growth potential, among others.

Once an applicant passes the vetting process, the location is specified in the application.

The app shows each user as a pin on the map, providing every artisan’s exact location. This feature allows shoppers to find their favorite souvenir or handicraft and place an order or visit the workshop personally. 

 

Free Promotion

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Supported by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Zebardastan “eliminates all intermediaries active in the market and guarantees the authenticity of works of art,” Madani said.

Iran has a long tradition of producing artisanal goods, including Persian carpets, ceramics, copperware, brassware, glass, leather goods, textiles and wooden artifacts such as khatam made by decorating the surface of wooden articles with delicate pieces of wood, bone and metal cut into geometrical shapes.

Handicraft sales grew by 55% last year (ended March 19), compared with the previous year.

Despite the large improvement in sales, experts say the industry does not effectively promote Iranian craftsmanship.

“Our goal is to create a platform for lesser known and even unknown artisans, allowing them to promote their businesses easily and free of charge,” Madani told Financial Tribune on the phone.

“Zebardastan also provides real-time and authentic information about artisans and their products to potential buyers.”

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