Mohammad Haneef, Srinagar’s last turquoise artisan, has been crafting traditional jewellery for over 30 years. Using techniques passed down through generations, Haneef creates unique pieces that reflect Kashmir’s rich artisanal heritage.
The turquoise jewellery craft, once a thriving family business, has declined due to changing circumstances and lack of government support. Haneef shares how he learned the craft from his father in the 6th grade, taking over the family trade when his father fell ill. Despite setbacks and periods of unemployment, Haneef has persisted, even showcasing his work at exhibitions in Bangalore with support from partners and his nephew’s help in promoting the craft online.
Haneef emphasizes the importance of reviving handmade crafts in Kashmir, which could help reduce unemployment and provide work for skilled artisans. He highlights the need for government attention and investment to sustain traditional art forms like turquoise jewellery. Without support, Haneef fears the craft will disappear entirely.
By preserving traditional techniques, Haneef aspires to train future artisans and rebuild Srinagar’s reputation for handmade jewellery. He believes that with proper backing, Kashmir’s rich legacy of handicrafts could flourish again, providing livelihoods and keeping the cultural heritage alive.
Haneef’s story showcases the struggles and resilience of Kashmir’s artisans and their dedication to sustaining traditional crafts in the face of modern challenges.
Reporter & camera: Yasir Iqbal
Script: Divya Tiwari
Editor: Ehraz Zaman
Follow us:
Website: https://www.outlookindia.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Outlookindia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outlookindia/
X: https://twitter.com/Outlookindia
Whatsapp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaNrF3v0AgWLA6OnJH0R
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OutlookMagazine
Dailymotion: https://www.dailymotion.com/outlookindia
#Traditional #Craft #TurquoiseJewelry #Kashmir #Heritage #Artisan #Culture #Preservation
The turquoise jewellery craft, once a thriving family business, has declined due to changing circumstances and lack of government support. Haneef shares how he learned the craft from his father in the 6th grade, taking over the family trade when his father fell ill. Despite setbacks and periods of unemployment, Haneef has persisted, even showcasing his work at exhibitions in Bangalore with support from partners and his nephew’s help in promoting the craft online.
Haneef emphasizes the importance of reviving handmade crafts in Kashmir, which could help reduce unemployment and provide work for skilled artisans. He highlights the need for government attention and investment to sustain traditional art forms like turquoise jewellery. Without support, Haneef fears the craft will disappear entirely.
By preserving traditional techniques, Haneef aspires to train future artisans and rebuild Srinagar’s reputation for handmade jewellery. He believes that with proper backing, Kashmir’s rich legacy of handicrafts could flourish again, providing livelihoods and keeping the cultural heritage alive.
Haneef’s story showcases the struggles and resilience of Kashmir’s artisans and their dedication to sustaining traditional crafts in the face of modern challenges.
Reporter & camera: Yasir Iqbal
Script: Divya Tiwari
Editor: Ehraz Zaman
Follow us:
Website: https://www.outlookindia.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Outlookindia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outlookindia/
X: https://twitter.com/Outlookindia
Whatsapp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaNrF3v0AgWLA6OnJH0R
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OutlookMagazine
Dailymotion: https://www.dailymotion.com/outlookindia
#Traditional #Craft #TurquoiseJewelry #Kashmir #Heritage #Artisan #Culture #Preservation
Category
🛠️
LifestyleTranscript
00:00This is Aakashvani's Srinagar station, please listen to the news from Akhtar.
00:17I have been doing this work for 30 years.
00:20I learned this work from my father.
00:23When I was in 6th grade, my father got a little sick.
00:28He told me to take care of this work.
00:48This is a family business.
00:51My uncle was also doing this work.
00:54When the situation got worse, we all left this work.
01:08Then I went to the electrical work.
01:12Then I came back.
01:14My brother and sister live in Bangalore.
01:17They told me to do this work.
01:20They told me to apply for admission.
01:22If I get a response, I will do this work.
01:25If not, I will do something else.
01:27Then I went to the mall.
01:29I applied for admission.
01:31I got a little response.
01:34My partner N.R. gave me support.
01:38He took over this work.
01:40In the month of December 2024, I was in bad shape.
01:44No customer came.
01:46I have been doing this work for a month.
01:49If I get a customer, I will pay him.
01:56I have to pay him.
01:58If I don't get a customer, how will I pay him?
02:05My nephew is an engineer.
02:08He is jobless.
02:10I told him to help me.
02:13He helped me online.
02:16Now he sends me online.
02:19Since then, I have been connected to this work.
02:22I have to pay attention to the government.
02:24I have to pay attention to the government.
02:27If this work continues, all the unemployment will end.
02:32I will have ten or five people to work.
02:35This work will start again.
02:38But I have to pay attention to the government.
02:43I have to pay attention to the government.