Traditional crafts in the Jerash Governorate continue to maintain a strong presence as an authentic part of Jordanian cultural heritage, as local artisans remain dedicated to reviving and developing the heritage furniture industry. This effort preserves national identity while adapting to modern tastes, ensuring these crafts remain a testament to a rich history passed down through generations. The Director of Culture in Jerash, Dr. Oqlah Al-Qaderi, stated that heritage crafts represent a crucial element of the national cultural identity, receiving significant support from the Ministry of Culture to encourage artisans and safeguard traditional professions for future generations. He added that the heritage furniture industry exemplifies creativity by blending manual skill with authenticity, thereby revitalizing cultural and tourism movements while holding substantial civilizational and economic value. Artisan Ibrahim Hawamdeh, who has worked in the profession for over twenty years, shared that his passion was sparked by his father, who used to collect and restore old furniture. Hawamdeh explained that the production of heritage furniture relies on durable, high-quality natural woods—most notably beech, Swedish wood, oak, and walnut. Every stage of manufacturing, decoration, and painting is completed entirely by hand using watercolors and protective materials to ensure the durability of each piece. Among the most notable traditional products are the 'Matwa Al-Arous' (bridal bedding storage), 'Sabt Al-Arous' (bridal basket/chest), and the 'Namliyah' (traditional food safe), alongside beds, tables, and closets crafted with a heritage spirit. Hawamdeh noted a significant resurgence in demand for this furniture in recent years as citizens increasingly seek out pieces inspired by Jordanian heritage. He emphasized that the craft extends beyond replicating old furniture to designing modern pieces with traditional touches, creating a sustainable investment that preserves folklore in daily life.
Traditional crafts in the Jerash Governorate continue to maintain a strong presence as an authentic part of Jordanian cultural heritage, as local artisans remain dedicated to reviving and developing the heritage furniture industry. This effort preserves national identity while adapting to modern tastes, ensuring these crafts remain a testament to a rich history passed down through generations. The Director of Culture in Jerash, Dr. Oqlah Al-Qaderi, stated that heritage crafts represent a crucial element of the national cultural identity, receiving significant support from the Ministry of Culture to encourage artisans and safeguard traditional professions for future generations. He added that the heritage furniture industry exemplifies creativity by blending manual skill with authenticity, thereby revitalizing cultural and tourism movements while holding substantial civilizational and economic value. Artisan Ibrahim Hawamdeh, who has worked in the profession for over twenty years, shared that his passion was sparked by his father, who used to collect and restore old furniture. Hawamdeh explained that the production of heritage furniture relies on durable, high-quality natural woods—most notably beech, Swedish wood, oak, and walnut. Every stage of manufacturing, decoration, and painting is completed entirely by hand using watercolors and protective materials to ensure the durability of each piece. Among the most notable traditional products are the 'Matwa Al-Arous' (bridal bedding storage), 'Sabt Al-Arous' (bridal basket/chest), and the 'Namliyah' (traditional food safe), alongside beds, tables, and closets crafted with a heritage spirit. Hawamdeh noted a significant resurgence in demand for this furniture in recent years as citizens increasingly seek out pieces inspired by Jordanian heritage. He emphasized that the craft extends beyond replicating old furniture to designing modern pieces with traditional touches, creating a sustainable investment that preserves folklore in daily life.
Traditional crafts in the Jerash Governorate continue to maintain a strong presence as an authentic part of Jordanian cultural heritage, as local artisans remain dedicated to reviving and developing the heritage furniture industry. This effort preserves national identity while adapting to modern tastes, ensuring these crafts remain a testament to a rich history passed down through generations. The Director of Culture in Jerash, Dr. Oqlah Al-Qaderi, stated that heritage crafts represent a crucial element of the national cultural identity, receiving significant support from the Ministry of Culture to encourage artisans and safeguard traditional professions for future generations. He added that the heritage furniture industry exemplifies creativity by blending manual skill with authenticity, thereby revitalizing cultural and tourism movements while holding substantial civilizational and economic value. Artisan Ibrahim Hawamdeh, who has worked in the profession for over twenty years, shared that his passion was sparked by his father, who used to collect and restore old furniture. Hawamdeh explained that the production of heritage furniture relies on durable, high-quality natural woods—most notably beech, Swedish wood, oak, and walnut. Every stage of manufacturing, decoration, and painting is completed entirely by hand using watercolors and protective materials to ensure the durability of each piece. Among the most notable traditional products are the 'Matwa Al-Arous' (bridal bedding storage), 'Sabt Al-Arous' (bridal basket/chest), and the 'Namliyah' (traditional food safe), alongside beds, tables, and closets crafted with a heritage spirit. Hawamdeh noted a significant resurgence in demand for this furniture in recent years as citizens increasingly seek out pieces inspired by Jordanian heritage. He emphasized that the craft extends beyond replicating old furniture to designing modern pieces with traditional touches, creating a sustainable investment that preserves folklore in daily life.
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Heritage Furniture in Jerash: A Craft Reviving Jordanian Identity
 
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