Koya artisan turns home into mini-museum to preserve Kurdish heritage

KOYA — In the Kakoni neighborhood of Koya district, Erbil, 69-year-old Kurdish artisan Kurdo Abdullah has turned his home into a small museum, meticulously crafting miniature versions of traditional Kurdish tools and artifacts. This lifelong passion, driven by a deep sense of nostalgia, is Abdullah’s way of preserving the cultural heritage of the Kurdish people.

Abdullah’s home is now filled with a collection of classic Kurdish tools and artifacts, many of which he has handcrafted using wood, plastic, and iron. These items are displayed throughout his house, each serving as a tribute to a fading way of life.

“By creating these tools and artifacts, I hope to take a step towards safeguarding our history,” Abdullah told 964media. His family supports his efforts, helping him gather materials for his creations. “Since the 1990s, I have been crafting these items so that our people don’t forget the days and eras they have lived through,” he added.

Among his diverse collection are traditional items such as ash stoves, jangars (tools used to draw water from wells), Kurdish kantours (cabinets), farming tools, stone grinders, and many other artifacts that capture the essence of Kurdish heritage.

Before dedicating himself to this project, Abdullah was known for his work creating cardboard art at his small shop in the local bazaar. Now, he has transformed a guest room in his home into a display space for these handmade treasures. “Whenever visitors come, they see these tools and artifacts and feel a great sense of joy, as they are reminded of their heritage,” Abdullah shared.

Abdullah’s passion extends beyond his home. At his shop in the Koya bazaar, he continues his craft, creating new items that require more space and resources. Friends and community members often bring him materials like wood, which he repurposes into new creations. “They give these items to me, and in return, I use them to create new pieces,” he explained.

Through his work, Abdullah not only preserves the cultural heritage of the Kurdish people but also provides a unique window into the daily lives and traditions of a bygone era. His home, now a mini-museum, serves as a living testament to the richness of Kurdish history.