In the narrow alleys of Old Mosul, the revival of Iraq’s historic shoemaking industry is underway as artisans, led by 58-year-old Saad Abdul Aal, breathe life back into a tradition that spans over a millennium. Known as al-qandarjiya, shoemaking flourished during the Abbasid Caliphate when Baghdad was a center of trade and culture. However, the rich heritage took a significant hit when ISIL seized Mosul in 2014, leading to the destruction of numerous workshops and factories. With support from the International Organization for Migration’s Enterprise Development Fund-Tameer, Abdul Aal has restarted his workshop, employing new staff and producing approximately four pairs of shoes daily. Though competition from inexpensive imports persists, he remains confident in the quality of Iraqi craftsmanship, emphasizing the durability of his products compared to cheaper alternatives.
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