Private-Al-Jazeera Net
Inside his workshop in the famous Khan Al-Khalili neighborhood in the center of the Egyptian capital, Cairo, Muhammad Mustafa al-Qassabji sits to scarf a piece of black fabric with prayers, verses from the Holy Qur’an and Islamic motifs, in what is known as "sirma" art or writing on canvas.
The first beginnings of this craft date back to the reign of Sultan Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi, who ordered the preparation of the Kaaba clothing in Egypt, and this tradition continued in the Mamluk and Ottoman eras, until the twentieth century, as the covering was transported by sea in majestic celebrations.
In 1962, Egypt sent the last garment for the Kaaba, before the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia started its industry, which prompted the craftsmen specializing in this field to work in the inscription and embroidery of the Quranic verses.
And Mustafa al-Qassabji seems sad about the condition of his profession, which is struggling to survive, because of the unwillingness of young people to learn this historical craft that no longer provides a great income to its workers.