Iraqi carpenter revives local craftsmanship in Al-Duluiya

SALAH AL-DIN — In the town of Al-Duluiya, Barzan Al-Marhoon is defying the dominance of imported wood products with his workshop’s handcrafted designs. Using both traditional techniques and modern tools like CNC machines, Al-Marhoon blends authenticity with precision to meet his customers’ demands. Despite economic challenges and the influx of lower-quality imports, he remains committed to delivering locally crafted wooden pieces that meet international standards.

“Our carpentry work is purely Iraqi; we don’t rely on imported wood carvings,” Al-Marhoon told 964 media. “Most of our designs are executed using CNC machines, while some are crafted manually, depending on customer requests.”

“Imported wood products often come with lower quality and thinner material compared to Iraqi craftsmanship. Local production is more expensive because it’s made to higher specifications, and most materials, including wood, veneers, adhesives, and varnishes, are imported and assembled locally with great care,” Al-Marhoon said.

He lamented the lack of a domestic industry to supply woodworking materials in Iraq. “Unfortunately, there’s no local manufacturing to meet the needs of the carpentry sector here.”

Despite these hurdles, Al-Marhoon’s workshop attracts customers not only from Al-Duluiya but also from surrounding areas. “People trust our work because we guarantee quality. Unlike imported products, which are often seasonal and less durable, our designs are built to last.”

Customers are given the freedom to select designs, colors, and even the smallest details, ensuring personalized results. Regarding wood types, Al-Marhoon explained: “We currently offer German and Canadian wood, which are top quality. Lower-grade options include Turkish and Chinese wood, while plywood often comes from Thailand, Malaysia, or China. Russian wood is also available, but it’s less popular due to its high price.”