The late Farangis Shahrokh is celebrated for her role in reviving Iranian handicrafts, earning the title “Mother of Iranian Handicrafts” for her lasting contributions to preserving and promoting the country’s traditional arts.
Born in Tehran in Ordibehesht 1295 (May 1916) to Arbab Keykhosrow Shahrokh, she completed her early education at Iradj School and later graduated from the American College in Tehran. After marrying Ardeshir Yeganegi, she lived in Hamadan for nine years, engaging in charitable work and advocating for women’s social rights through gatherings with progressive women.
Returning to Tehran, Shahrokh pursued higher education, earning a degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Tehran. In 1324 (1945), she co-founded the Zoroastrian Women’s Organization with other enlightened Zoroastrian women, which officially began its activities in 1329 (1950). She then moved to the United States, earning a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California. After returning to Iran, she joined the Iranian Women’s Council and later served as Secretary General of the High Council of Women.
In the 1970s, under Minister Ali-Naghi Alikhani, Farangis Shahrokh joined the Ministry of Economy’s Center for Economic Studies, where she began her research on Iranian handicrafts. During a six-month journey across Iran—from villages to cities—she collected traditional crafts and laid the foundation for the Iranian Handicrafts Organization, earning her the title of the reviver of Iranian handicrafts.
After the events of 1978–79, Shahrokh relocated to the United States. Following a lifetime of extraordinary philanthropic work, she passed away at the age of 93 on 24 Bahman 1388 (February 13, 2010), leaving a lasting legacy in the preservation and promotion of Iran’s cultural heritage.
