Ancient glasswork industry flourishes back in Herat

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): The ancient glasswork industry of western Herat province has flourished back these days, officials said on Tuesday.

After the provincial administration took over the glasswork industry two months back, hopes about the industry’s revival among culturists have risen.

GhulamSakhi, one of the decorative glass producers, was happy that the industry had been handed over to the public sector. He hoped the industry would further expand.

Calling for more government support, he added: “Currently there are two glassware manufacturing factories in Herat, we are trying to keep the industry alive and produce more decorative glassware.”

“We heat the material used in making glass objects with color for eight hours in oven to make it ready for production, every glass object is worth from 150 afs up to 1000 afs”, he said.

Abdul Qayoum Waziri, the head of Cultural Heritages Union, believes the traditional industry has a high value and asks the provincial authority to pay much attention to industries that are teetering on the brink of collapse.

Waziri urged the Afghans to support the glassware industry by purchasing its products.

Mawlana Naeemul Haq Haqqani, Information and Cultural Department director, told Pajhwok Afghan News the provincial government was supporting the traditional glasswork industry to keep it alive.

As the decorative glass industry has its roots in the history and culture of this land, the government placed it in its framework to get permanent support, Haqqani said.

Mohammad Naseer, a resident of Herat city, told Pajhwok Afghan News the glasswork industry needed government’s support. The industry produces hand-made dishes and glass objects that attract domestic and foreign customers, which shows the value of this ancient industry, he said.

“I bought some glasses and plates for myself. Each piece for 2,000 afs, whenever I see them in my cabinet, I feel happy”, Naseer said.

According to anthropologists, the traditional glasswork industry in Herat province dates back to the Timurid period about 650 years ago.

It is worth mentioning that most of glass products are purchased by foreign tourists and the products are used for decoration of houses, offices, halls, restaurants and exhibitions.

aw/ma