Traditional Afghan pottery has been made in the village of Istalif for over 1,400 years using the same traditional methods. Its craftsmen believe that pottery arrived in Afghanistan with Alexander the Great and that their techniques have changed little since then.
Some other scholars believe that, Istalif's hand-made pottery is a traditions that goes back centuries; it's believed that Istalif's ceramic art was initially brought to the area to by Uzbeks who introduced the craft and their techniques that originate from Rishtan, Uzbekistan over 400 years ago. What attracted Uzbek artisans to the area was likely the rich clay deposits found in the Istalif district.
Pottery in Istalif is a family tradition and financial livelihood for the people inhabiting this stretch of the Shomali Plains.Techniques and skills are passed down generation to generation. We met 55-year-old Abdul Wakil, the owner of Istalefi Pottery Shop, who is a third-generation Afghan artisan. Having inherited pottery making from his father and grandfather at age 10, Wakil has spent several decades perfecting his handcrafted brand. Located in Istalif-a village just northwest of Kabul, Istalefi Pottery, known for its fantastic turquoise ceramics, was established in 1971. Wakil hopes to preserve the richness of the Afghan pottery tradition for many future generations.
Pottery making process has different phases, such as preparing clay, shaping, painting, heating, and even selling final products; these include plates, cups, bowls, vases, and pots. The process begins with designing ceramic pieces focusing on tradition, functionality, and aesthetics, making the work popular with locals and internationally. Istalif's pottery handcrafts are current put in display in various art galleries both in national and international levels.
