Baghdad’s Watchmaker Devoted More Than Half Century To His Profession

Baghdad watchmaker Sayyid Mohammed Araji devoted to his favorite profession 54 years of his life.

71-year-old master repairs the wrist, desktop and wall clock in his tiny workshop in the Iraqi capital.

The room is somewhat reminiscent of a museum. The workshop is located on one of the historical squares of Baghdad – al -Maidan.

In an interview with an ANADOLA agency, Said shared his thoughts about his work.

“I began to engage in this craft at the age of 15, studying him with my uncles. And they inherited him from my grandfather. Now I am the only watchmaker in the family. I am 71 years old, and it seems I am the only and oldest watchmaker in the district”– He told.

“This craft also helps me cover the costs of the household. I have a daughter. I wanted to teach her my profession, but she did not want to study, because this is not an easy job,” he added.

According to Araji, because of the strong summer heat in Baghdad, he often cannot work in his workshop, so he has to take a broken watch home to fix them there.

The master noted that technological innovations, especially the growth of the popularity of smart hours, had an impact on his business.

“Some clients want to repair the watch, which are memorable gifts from their grandfathers or fathers. The repair of these hours can be tiring, but he gives these people happiness,” says the interlocutor of the agency.

“Such customers are ready to pay, even if the repair is expensive. No matter how it tires, I will definitely return the clock completely repaired,” he said.