'I kept going'
Skilled stonemason in Sulaymaniyah village discusses his 44 years of craftsmanship
SULAYMANIYAH — Ibrahim Hussein, known locally as Ibrahim Purjihan, has dedicated 44 years to working as a stonemason in the stone quarries of Sulaymaniyah’s Kani Bardina village, producing both decorative and durable stones for a variety of uses.
Born in 1961, Purjihan shared with 964media his deep-rooted passion for stonemasonry, a craft he began as a young boy. “When I started working here, I was so young that I couldn’t even move the tools,” he said. “It’s truly hard work, but what matters is that I love what I do and have built my life around it.”
Throughout his career, Purjihan has faced numerous challenges, including physical injuries from his demanding work. “I’ve fallen many times and gotten injured, but I kept going,” he said. “My goal is to never wait for anyone’s help and to live with pride.”
Purjihan’s dedication extends beyond personal achievement; he supports a family of ten through his work. His son has joined him in the quarries, continuing the family tradition. “We’ve often received higher prices for our beautifully crafted stone,” Purjihan noted, recounting an instance where the quality of their work led buyers to pay more than the agreed price.
Despite the physical toll, Purjihan remains committed. “It’s tough and uncomfortable work,” he admitted. “But I believe in what I do and have never given up.”