Abstract
Golpayegan is one of Iran’s historically and culturally significant cities. It has produced numerous prominent figures in the cultural and intellectual spheres who have gone on to achieve distinction in Iran. Golpayegan, together with Khansar, is also regarded as one of Isfahan Province’s pleasant and temperate summer resorts. Drawing on documentary evidence, this article provides an overview of the city and its traditional handicrafts. The article first provides a documentary overview of the modern history of Golpayegan. The evidence reveals that several traditional crafts, including wood carving, khatam inlay, and carpet weaving, flourished in the city. In particular, Golpayegan came to occupy a leading position in wood carving among the cities of Isfahan Province. The study also examines government policies and initiatives concerning the development of these crafts. It is based on library research and documentary sources preserved in the archives of the National Library and Archives Organization of Iran. Some of these documents have also been compiled in the book Handicrafts of Isfahan Province through Documentary Evidence. Since the study is grounded in documentary sources, it provides a detailed and concrete account of the state of handicrafts and the conditions of artisans in Golpayegan.
Introduction
The development of handicraft production in each city is shaped by its geographical conditions and the productive capacities of its local environment, often giving rise to one or more distinctive forms of craft. During the Qajar period, agriculture constituted the principal economic base of Golpayegan, while handicraft production formed an important component of the city’s local economy. Over time, however, the emergence of difficulties in the agricultural sector contributed to a shift in the city’s economic activities. During the Pahlavi period, three major handicraft industries—wood carving, khatam inlay, and carpet weaving—expanded in Golpayegan and gradually underwent a process of development and advancement. Particularly during the 1340s and 1350s, these three crafts gained a distinct position in Golpayegan and established a recognized reputation at the national level. The relevant governmental and institutional bodies likewise introduced measures aimed at promoting and further developing these crafts.
Materiasl and Research methodology
This study is based on archival documents preserved in the National Archives of Iran. Some of these documents had previously been transcribed and published in the volume Handicrafts of Isfahan Province through Documentary Evidence (1250–1357). Other documents are newly examined archival materials obtained by the authors from the National Archives of Iran. The findings shed light on the state of handicraft production in Golpayegan during the Pahlavi period. By bringing these documentary sources together and examining them in conjunction, the authors reconstruct a comprehensive picture of the development, organization, and status of handicraft production in the city.

Findings
The findings demonstrate that the arts and crafts of Golpayegan underwent significant development during the reign of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Relevant government agencies and institutions also undertook measures to promote and expand handicraft production. The documentary evidence further provides valuable information on the artists, craftspeople, and practitioners engaged in these traditional industries.
Discussion and Conclusion
During the Pahlavi period, the three major crafts of wood carving, khatam inlay, and carpet weaving underwent significant development in Golpayegan, strengthening their presence in national and international markets and contributing to changes in the competitive landscape of traditional craft production. Government policies also played a role in this process, including the introduction of the “Plan for the Improvement and Development of Handicraft Production.” The following year, the Golpayegan Woodcarvers’ Cooperative was established. This initiative was followed by the establishment of a vocational training school and government support for the private sector in establishing a carpet company in Golpayegan. Meanwhile, the relevant institutions organized a series of exhibitions aimed at promoting and expanding Golpayegan’s traditional crafts. Taken together, these governmental policies and institutional initiatives contributed to the consolidation and expansion of the city’s three principal crafts during the Second Pahlavi period.