PHOTOS: Septuagenarian woodworker maintains traditional practice in Kurdistan's Erbil

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Haji Karim, a 77 years old woodworker based in the Kurdistan Region capital, still maintains a practice he inherited from his father long ago and protects a profession obscured in modern times.

Despite his old age, Haji Karim continues to work to ensure the lasting luster of woodcarving in Erbil's famous Qaysary market. He has been in the profession since he was 25 years old and said he does not plan to stop.

Haji Karim owns a small shop in the Qaysary market, among the most crowded locations in the Kurdish capital, and receives many daily visitors who want to view his vibrant works. On display in his workplace are many household items.

He prefers walking to his workplace and back home. "Walking is a sport in itself; it has benefits for my health," he said.

Haji Karim says every piece he creates has a story, and he recounts them to those who visit his shop.

"I love my job very much, and until the last breath of my life, I will keep doing it," Haji Karim told Kurdistan 24.

Editing by Khrush Najari