In Herat, a centuries-old tradition of pottery faces extinction

In Herat, a centuries-old tradition of pottery faces extinction

HERAT, Afghanistan — Once a thriving craft passed down through generations, Herat’s ancient pottery tradition is teetering on the brink of extinction. Once home to dozens of bustling pottery workshops producing decorative and functional wares, Herat now has just one active studio struggling to keep the craft alive. Artists and local observers blame government neglect and administrative red tape for the decline of a centuries-old industry that on…