According to the Public Relations and International Affairs Office of Tabriz Islamic Art University, the closing ceremony of the 5th Tabriz International Festival of Creativity and Innovation in Islamic Arts and Handicrafts (IRCICA) was held on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the Basat Hall of Tabriz Islamic Art University. The event concluded with the reading of the official statement of the festival.

In the final declaration, participants underscored the importance of preserving and promoting Islamic arts and handicrafts as a shared cultural heritage of Muslim nations, expanding academic and cultural exchanges among Islamic countries, supporting global peace based on Islamic art and culture, and establishing a common market for Islamic art and handicrafts.

The statement also proposed that Tabriz be designated as the Capital of Miniature Art in the Islamic World and that a Permanent IRCICA Office for Miniature Art be established in the city. It further called for the creation of a Permanent Higher Education Center for Islamic Art and Handicrafts led by Tabriz Islamic Art University, as well as for stronger media engagement in promoting Islamic art and advancing the cultural economy.

During the ceremony, Dr. Mohammad Taqi Pirbabaei, President of Tabriz Islamic Art University, described the IRCICA Festival as a symbol of dialogue between tradition and technology, stating:

“Tabriz Islamic Art University is committed to safeguarding the artistic and cultural heritage of this land and bridging authenticity with innovation.”

Dr. Peyman Salehi, Deputy Minister for Research and Technology at the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, praised the IRCICA Festival as a successful model of integration between science, art, and technology, describing Tabriz Islamic Art University as an exemplary ‘cultural and civilizational university.’

Later, Dr. Ahad Ebrahimi, Executive Secretary of the Festival, presented a report on the scientific and artistic achievements of this year’s edition. On the sidelines of the event, a symposium titled “Architectural Heritage at Risk” was held, focusing on the preservation and restoration of the historical Rab‘-e Rashidi complex.

In this session, Dr. Mohammad Ali Keynejad emphasized the need for research, restoration, and education related to this heritage, while Engineer Behbood Asgharzadeh, Cultural Secretary of the “Architectural Heritage at Risk” initiative, discussed the awareness-raising impact of such events in protecting Islamic architecture.

A recorded message from Dr. Ali Akbar Velayati was also broadcast, highlighting the importance of linking culture, science, and the civilizational heritage of Islam.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of honorary statues to Professor Mahmud Erol Kılıç, Secretary General of IRCICA, Dr. Peyman Salehi, and a number of festival participants and organizers in recognition of their efforts.

📍 Venue: Basat Hall, Tabriz Islamic Art University
📅 Date: October 20, 2025
🏛 Organized by: Public Relations and International Affairs Office, Tabriz Islamic Art University