Latest news with #craftsmen
The National
25-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Egyptian village remains tied to tradition of carpet weaving as industry frays
In the small village of Saqiyat Abu Sharah, in the Menoufia province of Egypt, the rhythmic clatter of looms once defined daily life. Known for its intricate handmade carpets, the village was a hub of artistry, its rugs coveted around the world. But today that work has slowed, replaced by the hum of machines and the whispers of an uncertain future. Atef Salah Abdel Razek, 42, owns one of the few remaining factories for handmade-carpet in Saqiyat Abu Sharah. The village, he recalls, was once synonymous with exquisite silk carpets. 'Ten or 15 years ago, every carpet produced here was made of pure silk,' Mr Abdel Razek says. 'Now, due to economic changes, particularly the currency devaluations, we've had to turn to alternative materials like cotton and synthetic blends.' Egypt, alongside Iran and Turkey, has long been a major player in the global handmade carpet market. But a series of economic upheavals, including the devaluation of the Egyptian pound, has profoundly altered the industry. Since 2016, when Egypt floated its currency as part of a deal with the International Monetary Fund, the pound has plummeted through five separate devaluations, the latest in 2024. The cost of raw materials has rocketed, pricing out many craftsmen and buyers. Pure silk, once the hallmark of carpets from Saqiyat Abu Sharah, is now a rare luxury, Mr Abdel Razek explains. 'A square metre of pure animal-fibre carpet today can cost up to 30,000 Egyptian pounds [$600],' he says. In contrast, synthetic alternatives cost as little as 180 pounds a metre. In 2010, a square metre of a high-quality handmade rug was sold for 2,000 Egyptian pounds. That was about $500 given the exchange rate at the time. 'The kind of customer we need is someone who values things in US dollars,' he says. 'For them, 5,000 Egyptian pounds is $100, so it doesn't feel as expensive.' This pricing disparity has shifted the industry's focus. Mr Abdel Razek says that up to 90 per cent of the village's carpets are now exported to international markets, where customers can afford such luxuries. The remaining 10 per cent are sold locally, primarily to wealthier Egyptians or tourists, at bazaars in cities such as Cairo, Luxor and Sharm El Sheikh. Mr Abdel Razek's factory, like many in the village, relies heavily on international exhibitions to showcase its wares. 'The state organises regular fairs and so does the private sector,' he adds. 'These channels are essential for us. Selling directly to international buyers is rare.' But even as exports sustain the industry, the craft is in decline. In the 1970s and 1980s, Saqiyat Abu Sharah thrived as a hub for handmade carpets, a legacy that dates back centuries. The origins o the craft in Egypt can be traced to pharaonic times, with evidence of weaving techniques evolving under the Fatimid dynasty, from 969 to 1171, when silk was introduced as a primary material. During the Mamluk period, from 1250 to 1517, complex geometric patterns elevated Egyptian carpets to works of art, a tradition that persisted through Ottoman rule, which brought its own augmentations. By the mid-20th century, Egypt's post-revolutionary government, under Gamal Abdel Nasser, sought to revive and industrialise traditional crafts, turning villages such as Saqiyat Abu Sharah into production centres. But today, that legacy is fraying. Rashed Areeda, 49, has been weaving carpets since he was six years old. 'It is a laborious craft and it has worsened my eyesight over the years,' he says. 'But I love it. It is an art form and an important heritage.' In Mr Areeda's youth, nearly every household in the village had someone trained in carpet weaving. 'When I was growing up, there was a palpable sense of community,' he recalls. 'Workshops were everywhere and the craft was our main source of income.' But today rising costs and dwindling demand have driven many craftsmen out of the industry. 'In order to make money, you have to be taught as a child,' Mr Abdel Razek says. 'When you're young and dependent on your parents, you learn. Then, as an adult, you are proficient enough to earn.' But with the craft no longer considered a viable career, many young people in the village are turning to other jobs, moving to cities to work as security guards, cleaners and labourers. Mr Abdel Razek has cut his factory's operations in half because of a lack of skilled workers. For those who remain, it is not a lucrative job. 'Day workers' wages haven't increased nearly enough to offset their rising cost of living,' he admits. But the village's carpets remain highly regarded abroad, a testament to their quality and craftsmanship. In 2023, Egypt 's handmade carpet exports accounted for more than 6 per cent of the global total, with sales reaching $360 million, the Observatory of Economic Complexity has said. Turkey led global exports that year, contributing 41 per cent, followed by India and China. Iran, once the uncontested leader in handmade rugs, has seen its industry falter under international sanctions, accounting for 0.3 per cent of global exports in 2023. This has given Egypt an opportunity to capture a larger share of the market, Mr Abdel Razek says. But the future of the craft remains uncertain. Today, carpets are often made using synthetic fibres, which are cheaper but lack the richness of natural silk or wool. This shift has also affected design trends. Until 2020, many of the village's weavers copied classical Iranian styles, such as those of Isfahan or Kashan. But with the advent of social media, modern designs now dominate the industry. 'The upside of modern designs is that they don't follow specific rules,' Mr Abdel Razek says. 'There's less symmetry and more chaos is acceptable, which makes them less tiring for workers. There really isn't a wrong way to do them.' Still, the industry faces stiff competition from machine-made rugs, which cost far less. 'It is understandable that a customer would buy a machine-made carpet that costs a fraction of the price,' Mr Abdel Razek says. 'After all, what we're selling is first and foremost a luxury item.' This is why many producers, including Mr Abdel Razek, have begun selling machine-made carpets alongside handmade designs. But he remains committed to preserving the traditional craft. 'It is undoubtedly an art form,' he says. 'Matching colours, creating intricate details – it requires the same skills as oil painting.' For Mr Areeda, the craft is a livelihood and a passion, but he acknowledges its challenges. 'The hardest part of this job is selling the carpets,' he says. 'You're at the mercy of the market and demand can drop suddenly and you could be left with unsold wares for months on end, or are forced to sell them cheap.' As Saqiyat Abu Sharah faces these challenges, its future seems tied to its ability to adapt. For now, its carpets remain a symbol of a heritage that spans millennia, a tradition that its craftsmen hope will endure, even amid the relentless hum of modern machines.
CNA
15-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
Hong Kong's traditional crafts slowly giving way to technological modernity
Hong Kong has been ramping up efforts to transform the territory by focusing on advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence. The move is having an impact on the city's traditional handmade crafts, which are slowly giving way to technological modernity. May Wong looks at how some traditional products and craftsmen may soon be calling it a day.
South China Morning Post
13-07-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
How bamboo scaffolding helped build Hong Kong and still holds up, despite uncertain future
In the concrete and steel jungle of Hong Kong, bamboo remains a widely used building material. Advertisement The organic material is shaped into rapidly constructed scaffolding that covers new developments or supports workers doing building renovations. Bamboo scaffolding even forms entire venues for pop-up Cantonese opera theatres and cultural events. Hong Kong is one of the last bastions of bamboo scaffolding in the world. The city's enduring reliance on it is the result of a unique blend of heritage and practicality – bamboo is cheap, strong and flexible. But while many cherish it, in March 2025, the city's government started a partial phasing out of bamboo in favour of metal scaffolding, citing safety concerns. Bamboo scaffolders known as 'spiders' continue to work for now, but their craft could be slowly fading away.
CNA
10-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
Singapore's jewellery market set to grow 5% annually, but shrinking craftsmen pool a concern
This week's Singapore International Jewellery Expo brings together over 400 brands from 26 countries, with treasures collectively valued at over US$250 million. Singapore's jewellery market is expected to grow by around 5% annually in the next five years, but the industry is grappling with a shrinking pool of local craftsmen. Kate Low with more.
The Independent
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Give the gift of Oak and Luna for personalized jewelry that will dazzle and delight
If you fancy yourself a bit of a magpie, or are looking to expand your jewelry collection, consider Oak and Luna. A personalized jewelry brand with a distinct twist, Oak and Luna is made up of a team of talented designers and skilled craftsmen, who are committed to dressing you in pieces that speak to your inner being. One of the offerings that makes the brand stand out is that of personalisation. Whether you're searching for a piece to gift on a milestone birthday, something that can capture a special date, person, or include your pet's name, lucky mantra, or anything in between, Oak and Luna is on hand to craft something fantastically unique to you. With Oak and Luna you really can wear your story – and do so as lavishly or as subtly as suits you. The exceptionally crafted pieces at Oak and Luna are designed to last you a lifetime, and so you can expect to find necklaces with thick layers of 18K gold, glistening diamond studs, and durable sterling silver blends. Plus, if you're looking for beautiful pieces but don't want to splurge too much, Oak and Luna has a fantastic range of affordable pieces that don't compromise on quality, along with the higher end, fine jewelry range. In addition to unique pieces, high quality and affordability, we can always rely on Oak and Luna for free shipping, a two-year guarantee, and free engraving – so you can get even more personal with your pick of jewels. At Oak and Luna, you'll find a range of jewelry styles, including medallions, hoop earrings, anklets, signet rings, bracelets, and so much more. We really love the dot bracelet collection, which gives you the choice of a range of designs, metals and sizes, that can be personalized with initials and diamonds. These beautiful bracelets are great for stacking and so make a wonderful collectible gift. If you still feel you need a little more inspiration to make your decision (we get it, there's a lot to choose from), we've pulled together a list of a few favorites below. The Inez initial necklace comes in six different metal options – 925 sterling silver, 18K gold plating, 18K gold vermeil, rose gold vermeil, 14K solid gold and 14K white gold. It's rare that you find that many metal choices for one single design, and by creating a range of options, Oak and Luna have perfected a collection that can suit a wide range of preferences, budgets, skin tones and styles. This sparkling necklace is a mix of traditional luxury and modern style, with the addition of up to four letters and three diamonds placed between them. This necklace, like others from Oak and Diamond, contains lab grown diamonds which possess the same optical properties as natural diamonds, but are an ethical and sustainable alternative to traditional diamond mining. If it's something a bit more modern you're after, consider the Singapore chain name necklace, in one of its five metal options (although, we love the 18K gold vermeil the best). You can get really creative with the addition of diamond upgrades, which includes a heart shaped green gemstone, or 0.2ct diamond. This necklace is a perfect pick for those special moments when only something as equally special will do. You can add up to four name charms, with up to nine characters on each – a great option for a nod to little ones, parents, pets, star signs, favorite cities, or whatever speaks to you. Choosing from three chain lengths allows you to craft a piece that sits exactly where you like to wear your necklaces, because Oak and Luna know how personal jewelry is.
