Plumbing is a profession that resists extinction

The plumbing profession is a well-known traditional craft in Syria, that is based on the re-manufacture and repair of metal tools such as pitchers and kerosene stoves.

Although it is an outdated craft, it is now regaining part of its presence in people’s daily lives due to the current economic conditions, with many people repairing their tools rather than buying new ones.

Claudius Benjamin Hanna, of Qamishli, is one of the old craftsmen in this profession. He spent 32 years in the city’s gold market accompanied by his hammer,  subjecting metal with his hands to mold his work, which he believes is one of the necessities of life and a source of livelihood that he does not give up on.

Hanna described his profession as rare and old, which preceded the machine industry and the emergence of designers and engineers in the industry, pointing out that few people in the Syrian Al-Jazeera master it as it needs effort and patience. Nevertheless, he adheres to it because he believes that the person who  works hard to earn a living enjoys greater respect and value in society than the one who does not work.

Hanna pointed out that his knowledge in his field of work made him deal with aluminum, hammer and anvil gently so that he could make various utensils and tools serving people in his area, including teapots, traditional milk buckets, saucepans, fireplaces, and water tanks with a capacity of up to 300 liters without needing to use an electric machine.

He noted that his clients’ satisfaction with his work and their positive reactions, as their broken tools became new and usable again, increases his activity and relieves the fatigue of his working hours he experiences during the day.

Amal Farhat