Afghanistan

Herat’s Traditional Tilecraft Faces Extinction Due to Economic Challenges and waning Interest

Herat’s Traditional Tilecraft Faces Extinction Due to Economic Challenges and waning Interest
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Herat’s centuries-old tradition of handcrafted tilework, once a hallmark of Islamic art and architecture, faces imminent decline, Khaama Press reported. Artisans attribute this threat to economic hardship, insufficient financial backing, and waning interest from younger generations.

At the core of the Great Mosque of Herat, one of the city’s last active traditional tile workshops, artisans craft two signature styles: haft rang (seven-color tiles) and moaraq (inlaid tilework). These pieces are meticulously created by hand—from designing and painting to firing in traditional kilns. What makes Herat’s tiles unique is their intricate calligraphy in classical nastaliq script, reflecting painstaking craftsmanship.

However, wages no longer cover basic expenses. Ahmad Jan Ahmadi, a tileworker, explained, “With 5,700 Afghanis a month, how can I afford water, electricity, or food?” Rising costs for utilities and raw materials have not been matched by salary increases, discouraging many from continuing the craft. Previously, up to 70 artisans worked in the workshop; now only six remain. Experts warn that without urgent support, this historic art form may disappear, erasing an essential part of Afghanistan’s cultural identity.

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