Afghan Carpet-making

Mountains surrounding Kabul.  We live near the Mt. on the right, dubbed 'TV' Mt. for all the towers on it.  Graveyard in the foreground.

Mosa showing us the frames the carpet is worked on.

Now we've seen a family-based carpet business here in Kabul!  Actually Dashte Barchi, a large neighborhood near Afshar hospital, above the city.  We could see the mountains ringing Kabul, with the higher ones topped with snow(to the left and right of this photo).  The Drs.' driver, Mosa, took us to his eldest brother's shop where we were shown, step by step, the process.

The 'guard-cat' for the wool sack?

This pot is the dying vat for the wool that is imported from Iran, Pakistan and Australia.

I wasn't in the room for this one....looks like a scale for measuring the wool.






These are the carpets 'in the rough.'  They have been knotted and rolled up.  When a rug is sold, it is taken to Pakistan, a few hours away, to wash and trim.  It takes a hearty supply of electricity and water to do a proper job......Kabul does not have enough of either.  The shaggy side that is showing becomes the short, smooth pile that fine carpets are noted for.   So, the pattern on the underside is what someone looks at to choose their carpet.....colors and pattern.

Calculating the size and cost of this carpet

Above is Mosa with his eldest brother (in the
white hat) and relatives who work in the business.



Children watched as we climbed to the roof (we were nearly there already!) and took photos all around.   The sign on the wall is typical of how businesses and streets are marked.










Driving home through Dashte Barchi....
One of the nicer streets.
Schoolgirls dressed in black with white headdress are walking home.










 People are buying wood for their bukharis
(small stoves vented into every room that needs warmth....usually only a couple) unless they choose kerosene, diesel, coal, charcoal or propane fuel.
Our dining room has kerosene and we light it in the evening for dinner.  An electric heater is in our bedroom, but what if the electricity goes off?  Open the door and light the kerosene stove!

Kilns for making bricks