Basra craftsman Qasim al-Jarakh displays his handmade 3D hookah designs carved from African Javanese wood in his workshop in Dor al-Shurta. Photo by 964media.
Basra craftsman carves niche in hookah market with 3D designs
BASRA – In a modest workshop in Basra’s Dor al-Shurta district, craftsman Qasim al-Jarakh has carved out a new profession—literally. Formerly a carpenter, al-Jarakh now specializes in producing custom hookahs made from African Javanese wood, which he says are gaining popularity across Iraq and even in neighboring Iran.
“There are well-known cafés in Basra that deal with me to buy hookahs, such as Sobah Sobah and Dolphin, in addition to other cafés not only in Basra but throughout Iraq, where I receive orders from different governorates,” al-Jarakh told 964media.
Al-Jarakh said he sets himself apart with “3D engraving” rather than traditional carvings, giving his hookahs a distinct visual identity. “They make hookahs with traditional carvings, while I am distinguished by 3D engraving, and this gives my product a special identity,” he said.
He said he first learned the trade “theoretically by chance from my friend Fadel al-Jarakh,” then taught himself through trial and error. “I bought the machine and started working without anyone’s help.” Previously, he ran a carpentry business on Bashar Street, but closed it due to falling demand linked to cheaper imported products.
Now, demand for his hookahs has expanded beyond Basra. “The demand for the hookahs I make has reached Iran,” he said. “Inside Iraq, I have distributed them in Anbar, Mosul, Diyala, Baghdad, and Babil.”
Al-Jarakh credits his choice of wood for part of the success. “The wood I use is African Javanese wood, and it has a positive effect on the flavor of the smoke, according to café owners who tried the product,” he said.