Coppersmiths in Badakhshan report that their business has seen more growth in recent months compared to the past.
The decline in raw copper prices and the export of copper handicrafts abroad are cited as key reasons for the renewed interest in this industry in Badakhshan.
Abdul Jabbar, a 45-year-old coppersmith, has been engaged in this craft for over three decades in a corner of Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan province. He said that while this industry had faded in recent years, it has recently experienced a strong revival.
Abdul Jabbar attributes the revival to the reduction in raw copper prices and the export of copper crafts abroad. He said, “We export a lot to other provinces and even sell our crafts in foreign countries.” Another coppersmith, Omid, added, “Our request of the government is to support the coppersmiths and reduce the prices of materials.”
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Industry and Commerce of Badakhshan said that they have prevented the stagnation of the coppersmith industry in the province by organizing exhibitions and supporting artisans.
Samaruddin Rahmani, Director of Enterprise Affairs of the Department of Industry and Commerce in Badakhshan, told TOLOnews, “After the arrival of the Islamic Emirate, our craftsmen, especially coppersmiths, have become more interested in their work and perform well in exhibitions. We support them.”
The coppersmith industry, alongside blacksmithing and carpentry, has a long history in Afghanistan. In the past, citizens of the country used to obtain most of their household items from these local craftsmen. However, with the influx of foreign goods in recent years, many artisans have expressed concern about the decline of this traditional industry.