Silk Weaving: An Ancient Heritage of Herat on the Brink of Extinction

The ancient silk weaving industry in Herat, which has a glorious history, has recently declined.

With the overwhelming imports of silk clothing from China and Pakistan, domestic silk production has significantly decreased.

Many silk weavers in Herat have stopped their work, while others have turned to different professions.

Aminullah, who has worked behind a silk weaving machine for 60 years out of his 70-year life, said that with the passing of his youthful days, his craft has also lost its prominence.

This silk weaver in Herat told : “There were nearly 200 silk weaving machines in Herat, but now it has been reduced to just ten. The silk weaving industry is on the brink of destruction. The way forward for this industry is for people to use domestic silk products such as turbans, shawls, and handkerchiefs, and we no longer need foreign goods.”

Amir Mohammad, another silk weaver from Herat, said: “This street used to be full of silk weavers, but since the arrival of Chinese handkerchiefs a few years ago, many silk weavers became unemployed or changed their profession.”

In the heart of the old city of Herat, the silk clothing market exists. However, the number of customers in this market has significantly decreased compared to the past.

Ali Reza Hosseini, a silk seller in Herat, told : “The silk market in Herat has lost its former vibrancy with the increase of Pakistani and Chinese goods.”

Ahmad, another silk weaver, said: “The number of silk weaving machines had reached four or five, but I brought some young people to learn this craft, and now it has reached ten machines. I feel that this industry is coming to an end.”

Officials of the Ministry of Information and Culture in Herat pledged that it is committed to the growth of the ancient silk weaving industry in the province.

Hamidullah Ghyasi, head of culture and art at the Ministry of Information and Culture in Herat, told : “The Ministry of Information and Culture in Herat has seriously supported the silk weaving industry. In the Dar al-Funun Herywa, located in the historical fortress of Herat (Qala-i-Ikhtiyaruddin), we have allocated a section for the silk weaving industry.”

Silk weaving is one of the ancient industries in Herat. In the past, most citizens used silk clothing. However, with the rise in the import of low-quality silk clothing and pieces from neighboring countries, especially China and Pakistan, the indigenous silk weaving industry in Herat has lost its vibrancy.