Wood Carver

The craft of wood turning, known locally as kharrata, is one of the oldest traditional handicrafts in Iraq. It involves transforming raw wood into artistic and functional forms using simple tools and highly skilled manual techniques. This craft flourished particularly in Baghdad during the Abbasid era and became deeply intertwined with traditional Baghdadi architecture especially in the making of shanasheel (wooden bay windows) that adorn the facades of old houses.

The kharrat (wood turner) relies on traditional tools such as the lathe, which is essential for rotating the wood to create cylindrical or rounded shapes. He also uses saws, chisels, and files to carve fine details. In some traditional setups, foot pedals are used to manually power the lathe. Among the most iconic products of this craft are the decoratively carved shanasheel, which highlight the distinctive aesthetic of Baghdadi architecture.

Despite the beauty and precision of its creations, this profession faces serious challenges today that threaten its survival. These include the scarcity and high cost of quality wood, as well as the declining interest of younger generations in learning traditional crafts due to their difficulty and the long training they require. Still, scattered efforts exist to revive the craft, recognizing its deep cultural and architectural value and its role in preserving Iraq’s identity.