The art of carpet weaving in Kashmar is declining

The art of carpet weaving in Kashmar is declining

The head of the Kashmir Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department said: Unfortunately, the handmade carpets of Kashmar are declining. Given that the young labor force is no longer turning to this profession, there should be an incentive to turn to it.

Reza Yousefi stated: In 2015, Kashmar carpet, which is over 150 years old, has been registered in the list of the Intellectual Property Organization. Despite the fact that once designs such as underground or pot bowls, which belonged to Kashmir and were registered, were exported to European countries and had their own buyers, but now we are witnessing a recession in this valuable art.

He said: Although Kashmir handmade carpets have a brand in the past and were registered in the list of the World Intellectual Organization in 1394, except for nine geographical points, but we see that branches related to this industry, such as traditional dyeing, are being completely forgotten.

The head of the Kashmir Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts added: There is a lot of indigenous knowledge hidden in the hearts of the old painters that should be used optimally. If we do not have these artists, there is no one left.

He said: The carpet that was once woven from Kashmir for different museums around the world is now tied in pairs so that if it is washed once, it loses its quality.

Yousefi lamented that the handmade carpet of Kashmar city is declining, saying: Considering that the young labor force is no longer turning to this profession, it needs to be motivated to turn to it.

He said: Revolving motifs such as Shah Abbasi, Afshan, Afshan Toranj, Lachak Toranj Chahar Fasl, Lachak Afshan, Neutral Altar, Underground and Golfarang are common designs in Kashmar, among which Golfarang and underground designs are a large percentage of carpet designs. They have occupied this city.

The head of the Kashmir Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department added: Considering the importance of Kashmir handicrafts, including handmade carpets, efforts should be made to restore the glory of Kashmir carpets. We hope that a square in Kashmir will be named after the carpet. Undoubtedly, if the officials themselves value the carpet, the problems will be solved to some extent.

He said: Although in the past, carpet weavers were proud of their profession, but now they are ashamed to say that they are active in this profession.