Makers of traditional Afghan cloaks fear art will be lost

SAR-E-PUL (TOLOnews): The traditional Afghan cloak industry, which has a history of over 300 years and involves weaving with silk and cotton threads, is facing extinction, artisans say.
Religious scholars, cultural activists, and weavers of this ancient industry in Sar-e-Pul are seeking support from the caretaker government and aid organizations.
Women in the village of Balghali in Sar-e-Pul province used to sew the “Ala Chah” traditional Afghan cloak with precision and delicacy, but now this ancient industry, which also has global fame, is being forgotten.
“Only one or two machines of this industry are left in Balghali, and it is on the verge of collapse. We want the Islamic Emirate to pay attention to this matter; there should be more of these machines so that the old artifacts do not disappear,” said Ainullah, a weaver of traditional Afghan cloaks.
“In those times when Afghanistan did not import goods from any foreign country, people used goods made from these handicraft industries, and since then, the industry of traditional Afghan cloak making has become popular,” said Nematullah Hanafi, a religious scholar.
“Our request from the Islamic Emirate is to prepare equipment for the creators of these handicrafts and support them in every way,” said Lutfullah Nadim, a cultural activist.
Meanwhile, local officials in Sar-e-Pul pledged to market and keep this ancient industry alive.
Mohammad Shaker Shahab, head of Industry and Commerce in Sar-e-Pul, said: “We are in talks with institutions that work on handicrafts related to traditional Afghan cloaks to teach other apprentices so that this market can thrive in our province, other provinces, and abroad.”
Abdul Ghaffar Haqnuma, head of Information and Culture in Sar-e-Pul, said: “For 300 years, the culture, art, and work of the people of Sar-e-Pul have been to weave the traditional Afghan cloak from silk threads, and they see a lot of hardship and difficulty, and we do not hesitate to cooperate with them.”
The traditional Afghan cloak is one of the ancient handicraft industries of the people of Balghali in Sar-e-Pul province, which has been facing a recession for some time, but the residents of this place want this ancient industry to grow again.