The Future of Dara and Sara Dolls in Iran

Date: 08 August 2025 - 22:26

News ID: ۱۴۲۳۳۷

TEHRAN -- The beloved Iranian dolls, Dara and Sara, are on the cusp of a new generation — one that promises to be lighter, smaller, and more sophisticated. But behind the scenes, the journey to bring these iconic figures to life on domestic soil reveals both promise and hurdles.
Muhammad Reza Karimi-Saremi, Deputy of Production at the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults (Kanoon), recently shed light on the current state of local production.
“Right now, only five or six doll manufacturers in Iran are actively presenting samples,” he shared. After rigorous expert sessions with the Toy Special Council, just one manufacturer has so far met the strict quality benchmarks set by Kanoon.
These standards are not mere formalities. The chosen dolls must embody excellence—from the quality of their hair and fabric to the durability of their components. Karimi-Saremi explained that these technical requirements stem from both safety concerns and the aspiration to create a truly premium product for Iranian children.
Yet, the road ahead is challenging. The evaluation of this manufacturer’s capacity for mass production is ongoing. If the criteria aren’t fully met, alternatives such as outsourcing production to countries like China remain on the table.
“The animation and doll-making industries are highly specialized worldwide, requiring advanced technical knowledge and considerable investment,” Karimi-Serami emphasized. Weight, joint mobility, and material resilience are just a few of the key factors that demand meticulous attention—criteria that the Institute is determined to uphold.
Despite these challenges, the passion behind Dara and Sara’s revival remains strong. The original designer, Farzaneh Babaei, and the Kanoon team are committed to respecting the artistic rights tied to these cultural icons while advancing toward new versions—plans are already underway for fifth and sixth generations.
The new dolls will not only be lighter and smaller but will also benefit from modern tools and techniques, offering enhanced playability and appeal.
Interestingly, even as current stock runs out, demand persists—a testament to Dara and Sara’s lasting popularity.
Karimi-Saremi noted, “Some may label this a failed project, but pioneering is never easy. Animation and cinema took a century to mature. With perseverance, Iran’s doll-making industry can flourish too.”
In this spirit, Kanoon regards the ongoing efforts as a valuable milestone, nurturing the dreams of Iranian children while championing homegrown creativity in the world of dolls.