It is an old craft which involves appropriate natural dyes and applying dyes to textiles.

This craft is based on extracting natural colors from plants to make dyes in which textiles are soaked. The colors are absorbed, making the fabrics saturated with solid color. The dyes are prepared in a dyeing basin called a pigment bath. A Craft Necessitated by Needs of the Time: Clothes colors were not as readily available in the past as they are now. The need for a wide array of colors led to the emergence of this craft which involved extracting colors from plants and making dyes in innovative ways to decorate textiles. In the past, there was a dyeing market in Madinah. It was located in Sayyida Fatima Mosque Square. The Craft in Madinah: Dyeing was known in Madinah in the past. Dyers extracted pigments from natural materials, such as pomegranate peel, safflower, henna leaves, and saffron. A special group of craftsmen specialized in dyeing. They ran their own private stores where they dyed clothes and removed stains from them as needed. Between Heritage and Modernity: Dyeing as a handicraft has declined today due to availability of color fabrics and ready-made clothes decorated with multicolor shapes. Additionally, fabric dyes are available and can be easily applied at home. Getting Dyeing Products and Training:&nbsp; Although modern alternatives to this craft are readily available, training courses are still offered by institutes where trainees learn the methods of dyeing fabrics. To preserve the traditional craft, hand-dyed and hand- decorated products are exhibited in tourist festivals. It is also possible to train in this craft. Thanks to modern technology.&nbsp;

Dyeing

Herbalism is an longstanding craft in Madinah. It specializes in creating natural solutions and manufacturing therapeutic, nutritional, and cosmetic products.

A herbalist collects seeds, herbs, and various natural resources to make a traditional recipe that serves as a composite prescription for certain diseases. He also makes women's cosmetics extracted from natural resources. The profession relies on knowledge of and expertise in herbs and natural resources. It involves collecting herbs and processing them; hence, an herbalist is called (al-hawwaj), i.e., someone who synthesizes these herbs and blends them together in a way that makes them homogeneous and suitable for a prescription-specific purpose. Position of the Profession in Madinah: In the past, herbalists played a role in treating patients, manufacturing medicines, and had much knowledge of natural herbs, both useful and harmful. They were respectable professionals in the society. Their own old market still stands today in Al-Ainiyah St. Herbalists also attained a prestigious position in Madinah. They were consulted on various diseases. They too diagnosed cases and provided herbal prescriptions. Those herbalists were also consulted about natural cosmetics. Current Status: The scope of an herbalist's profession has broadened at present, even though his role does not replace that of a doctor's. Yet, he provides natural alternatives. Herbal stores sell a wide variety of products, including alternative medicine products, cosmetics, spices, natural oils, tea, coffee, natural food flavor mixtures, etc.&nbsp; Collecting and Training on Products: Herbalism is still alive in Madinah society and herbal stores are widely spread in the city, as in the old Herbalists Market or in many scattered stores including: Al-Marwani Spices, Muti` Uwaidah Spices, etc.

Herbalism

This is a craft that demonstrates the abundance of palm trees and their diverse uses. Weavers use palm fronds to make multiple products.  

Palm fronds constitute the raw materials of this industry. Weavers' skill lies in their ability to plait palm fronds in various ways to make a wide range of products, including bags, mats, baskets, brooms, etc. Stages of Making Wicker Products: This craft involves weaving dry fronds. First, fronds are cut and cleaned. Then, they are dried and tied up in bundles and soaked in water until they soften. Then, they are woven into a long plait which is then sewn by attaching and stitching the edges. Finally, any thorny ends are removed to make the product soft and ready to paint with colored shapes. A Deep-rooted Craft in Madinah History: Because Madinah is an agricultural area, famous for palm farms, the wicker weaving craft has been known in the city since ancient times. Farmers benefited from palm trees to make household tools in the past. Craftsmen excelled in making various household articles, using palm fronds. A Craft Restricted to Heritage Festivals: Undoubtedly, in an age of technological advances and modern products, this traditional handicraft became outdated, and hovers on the brink of extinction. However, the age-old craft still survives on a limited scale. Festivals and traditional markets still abound in the traditional products of this heritage industry. Getting Products and Training: Products of this handicraft are available in stores and traditional markets. Some Madinah residents still use these products on different occasions. The concerned authorities have sought to support heritage crafts through organizing motivational competitions for their practitioners in an effort to revive local heritage.

Wicker Weaving 

Supplying drinking water is a volunteering craft that reflects the traditional heritage of Madinah. Volunteers would go around, carrying water containers and distributing water to people. 

This volunteering craft was very popular in Madinah. Locally known as saqqayeen (sing. saqqa), those who practiced this craft would go around in the Prophet's Mosque, with water jugs, to distribute water to people. They also used to deliver full waterskins to homes. A Craft of Supplying Fresh Water in Madinah: This volunteering craft was widespread in the past. It mainly targeted pilgrims and visitors of Makkah and Madinah, but it was also offered to Madinah residents. Households with private wells had no access to fresh water, so they were compelled to contract water carriers to bring them water from fresh springs and wells in the area. Water supply volunteers procured water from springs and wells in Madinah, especially from Manahel al-Ain az-Zarqa (the Blue Fountains), which has several springs, such as Bab Ash-Shami and Darb al-Janayez springs. Each spring was managed by a team consisting of three persons: a sheikh, a deputy and an officer. Water Supplying Volunteers Procuring Fresh Water:&nbsp; Drinking Water distribution volunteers performed various tasks. They collected water from a fresh source, distributed water jugs and cups, and delivered waterskins to homes against a certain fee.&nbsp; The Kingdom's Honor of Providing Drinking Water in the Two Holy Mosques: With the passage of time, this craft began to disappear, especially with regard to delivering water to homes, which is no longer available in our time due to easy access to fresh water. As for the Two Holy Mosques, the government continues to supply drinking water. The process is supervised by the government, and water is provided abundantly to meet the needs of the large numbers of visitors to the Two Holy Mosques. The Profession in Heritage Festivals:&nbsp; Those interested in traditional crafts represented the craft of procuring and distributing drinking water in heritage festivals under government auspices. This is due to the positive impact of this craft, and the fact that it embodied the values of charity and benevolence in Madinah society. &nbsp;

Supplying Drinking Water

It is the craft of manufacturing various cotton products according to practices and ways common to the craft community.

Cotton makers manufacture cotton mattresses, cushions and pillows. A cotton maker was traditionally known as 'naddaf' (cotton carder) because he used the cotton carding machine (Ar. naddafah) in his work. Carding has been known in Madinah since ancient times. Craft Tools: Carding is a craft with certain practices that are known among this industry community. Hand tools that were used in this craft include bows,&nbsp;strings, wax, thimbles, etc. History of the Craft:&nbsp; Cotton Making in Madinah is a very old craft. In the past, cotton makers used to go to houses to make household items, such as mattresses and pillows. Making cotton items was hard work. It took a full day's work to make two pillows. Cotton product stores were widespread in Madinah, too. How does a Cotton Maker Practice his Craft? Producing a cotton product goes through several stages. In the initial stage, cotton is cleaned and disentangled, using a manual carding machine. It consists of a box, a string, a bow and a thimble. Then, the cotton maker places the carding machine in the cotton and hits the string to scatter and dismantle cotton. Craft Reality Today: The manual cotton making profession is scarcely found today, if at all. Products of this craft are hardly found today except in national festivals and heritage exhibitions. The number of craftsmen has decreased substantially because of modern advances in furniture industries and technology. The concerned authorities have contributed to the revival of this traditional craft through heritage festivals and exhibitions. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Cotton Makers

This is one of the most important heritage crafts in Madinah. Craftsmen have continued to practice this craft, and passed it down for centuries until our time.

Rosary-bead making is one of the most distinctive crafts. A rosary is a necklace consisting of a number of beads inserted into a thread through holes in those beads. They usually have various colors and shapes. Both ends of the thread are inserted into a tube and knotted together, so that the rosary-bead takes the shape of a ring.&nbsp;The two ends of the thread are tied in different decorative styles. Variety of Rosary-Bead Materials and Shapes: The raw materials that were used in making rosary beads varied extensively, amounting to more than 30, including natural materials, such as ivory and wood, and semi-natural ones such as organic materials, and manufactured materials such as glass and plastic. These materials are also shaped and engraved with silver or lead dots. Most spacers are made of platinum or precious stones. Beads are also cut in different shapes, including circular, oval, cylindrical, etc.&nbsp;&nbsp; How to Make a Rosary-Bead: For centuries, various tools such as lathe, a bow, a drill, etc. have been used in making rosaries. A handmade rosary bead goes through several stages, starting from the traditional lathing, cutting the raw material, loosening the ends and perforating, shaping the beads, sanding, polishing and threading. Making one rosary takes a period ranging between an hour and 28 days, depending on the quality of the material and workmanship. Between Elegance and Need: Hand-made rosary beads are very popular. They are used as gifts, for tasbeeh (glorification of Allah) and symbols of social status. Visitors of Madinah are keen to buy souvenirs from the markets surrounding the Prophet&rsquo;s Mosque. They are presented as gifts to family members and friends. Collecting and Training on Products: Beads are available in many different stores in Madinah, especially in stores near the Prophet&rsquo;s Mosque. Madinah is also considered one of the first regions to participate in the National Festival for Heritage and Culture in Janadriyah through Bait Al-Madinah. Many stores selling traditional craft products are widespread in Madinah.&nbsp;

Rosary-Bead Making 

It is a traditional craft based on the sum of craftsman's knowledge and experience in the field of providing therapeutic solutions to patients suffering from various diseases.

Folk medicine is a traditional craft in which a practitioner uses seeds and herbs to provide therapeutic solutions, based on his experience and knowledge. Such a practitioner also provides a number of other traditional solutions, such as cauterization treatment, cast treatment, and treatment by Zamzam water, nigella sativa seeds (aka the black seed), etc.&nbsp; Folk medicine is based on experience in practicing various popular treatment methods, based on knowledge of the effects of plants and herbs to manufacture traditional drugs. It also involves applying other treatment methods whose efficacy was proven by practice and experience, and expertise in diagnosis of diseases. Abundance of Medicinal Herbs in Madinah: Madinah is famous for the large number of wild herbs because of the diversity of its terrain. This advantage contributed to the emergence of herbalists. Famous herbs include myrrh, peganum, aloes, juniper, henna, basil, Salvadora Persica (toothbrush tree), etc.&nbsp; The Craft in Madinah: Folk medicine is one of the most important crafts in various cultures. In Madinah, different therapeutic herbs grow. Mount Uhud is one of the most important habitats of those herbs. No Conflict Between Folk and Modern Medicine: Undoubtedly, with the advances in modern medicine in our time, the role of folk medicine has declined, but it still survives as a social practice. Many people still opt for this folk medicine as an alternative for treating some diseases. Getting and Training on Folk Medicine Products: A wide range of alternative folk prescriptions are available at herbalists' stores. Although folk medicine has declined as a profession, alternative therapeutic methods are widespread as they are passed down through generations.&nbsp;

Folk Medicine 

It is a craft that has been practiced by all nations in all ages. It differs from one nation to another according to local culture and customs. In Madinah, it has been known since dawn, and is characterized by the diversity of styles.

Sewing is one of the most important crafts as it related to the need to design and manufacture clothes. It relates to the instinctive human need of a covering and to have an elegant appearance, in addition to showing civilizational progress of every society by producing luxurious sewn products. Both men and women excelled in this craft. It is also characterized by diverse purposes and types. Utilizing Modern Technologies in Sewing: Sewing is a handicraft par excellence. The manufacture of clothing and textiles involves sewing fabrics and embroidering them using needles and other hand tools. However, advancements in technology have enabled professional tailors to develop the craft by using modern electrical machines to facilitate sewing and increase production. The Present Status of the Craft: The need for this craft is persistently high in any age. At present, the need for sewing has increased due to the increasing demand for a wide range of products, such as carpets, mattresses, curtains and majalis (s. majlis, sitting room furniture) of all kinds. Menswear and womenswear have also become increasingly diverse. The authorities of Madinah have shown much care for this craft as part of the projects to revive the heritage of the region. Sewing in Madinah: Roots and Present Reality: This craft has been known in Madinah since the dawn of time. Several groups of craftsmen excelled in sewing. The city has also been home to one of the busiest popular markets: the Textiles Market (parallel to Al-Ainiyah St.), which dates back to the first century AH. In this market, various fabrics, silverware, womenswear and menswear are sold. Sewing thrived in Madinah and several markets with many master craftsmen emerged. One of the most famous markets is Suwaiqah Bazaar (also called Textiles Market), which was famous for producing different types of menswear. Collecting and Training on Traditionally Sewn Products: The authorities of Madinah took care to develop the historic Suwaiqah Market as part of the initiatives of Namaa Al-Munawwarah Foundation and the Social Development Bank. The Heritage Authority also launched the Craftsmen's House Initiative in Prince Muhammad ibn Abdulaziz Park. The latter initiative covers needlecraft, embroidery and traditional clothes sewing. It also organizes training courses and workshops.

Sewing 

It is an old craft of great importance socially and economically because it is related to gold smithery, silver smithery and precious metals.

The craft of jewelry making refers to processing and casting gold, silver, or other precious metals by smiths to make jewelry and ornaments. Out of its great economic value, this craftmanship has been known among various nations. Craft Tools: Jewelers use many tools, including a forge blower to melt metals and cast them into the desired shape, and small hammers such as the askalan, the smallest hammer used in the industry. Jewelers also use himlaj, a small iron tube blower in which the jeweler blows. Jewelers also use other tools to narrow or expand items, and engrave, draw or write on jewelry articles. Roots of the Craft in Madinah: This craft had been known known before metals were discovered. It developed and varied after the discovery of metals. The craft has been known in Madinah since ancient times. Wearing gold and silver ornaments was well-known among women in Madinah, so some residents of the city worked as goldsmiths, silversmiths and jewelers. They were known for their quality workmanship and had many famous markets. Some jewelers were also skilled in making gold teeth and noses. They also engraved names on rings when asked to do so. Pioneers of the Craft in Madinah: The craft of jewelry making was popular in Madinah. Craftsmen practicing this craft were known as 'jawharajiya', a designation used for both goldsmiths and silversmiths. Future of the Craft in Madinah: Today, Madinah boasts scores of gold and silver stores, especially the ones near the Prophet&rsquo;s Mosque. They showcase hundreds of designs and shapes of the various types of jewelry. &nbsp;Due to a massive influx of imported artifacts, the local jewelry making, once reputable in the region, has declined.&nbsp; Therefore, the Kingdom has exerted efforts to preserve the craft and train Saudi youth on jewelry making in order to improve local production through the establishment of &nbsp;specialized training centers using the state-of-the-art technology.

Jewelry Making

Pottery is one of the oldest crafts in human history. In Madinah, it became popular due to the availability of raw materials - water and soft soil - in the surrounding valleys.

It is one of the most popular crafts in history. It has been practiced since ancient times for making water jars, kitchen utensils, etc. Clay, an easily accessible material, is used in making pottery, which is then decorated with color drawings or engravings. Process of Making Pottery: The first step involves collecting soil from valleys. Soil is soaked in a pool of water, and then filtered in another pool for two weeks. After that, clay is taken and covered for 4-6 days, after which period it is foot-wedged to make it cohesive. Later, it is placed on the machine (the wheel) to make and shape the desired product. The shaped clay is then stacked in an oven where it is fired for hours. Upon being removed, it is left to air for a day to cool down. A Craft Linked with Madinah: Pottery making is a very old craft in Madinah. The jars of the companion Saad ibn Ubadah were used to fill with drinking water and offer as charity. They were noted by historians. In the past, pottery factories were centered in two areas in Madinah; there was a group in the slope of Wadi Qanat near Al-Aqoul, and another group near Wadi Buthan. What helped pottery making in Madinah flourished is the location of the city near valleys and availability of raw materials. Collecting Pottery Products and Training on Pottery Making: In spite of the remarkable decline in using pottery products at present, the authorities of Madinah region have paid attention to traditional crafts, such as pottery making, and supported their owners. Official efforts include development of popular markets and stores selling such products. The Heritage Authority has paid attention to this craft and provided training courses and workshops and organized various events that highlight pottery products inspired by the local environment. The authority has attempted to preserve the craft from extinction and to display products in popular markets and events. Thus, visitors are interested in buying such products as souvenirs from Madinah.

Pottery Making

This craft pertains to the aesthetic design of facades of buildings and houses. Such a design was most popular in Madinah in the past.

Rawashin is practiced by carpenters specializing in designing specific windows. Thus, the word 'rawashin' is derived from the Persian 'rozen' (windows). In Madinah, it refers to a kind of windows designed in a distinctive and aesthetic way to decorate the facades of buildings. It shows a carpenter's skill of using wood pieces and sloping cornices. How are Rawashin Made? Rawashin are made of engraved wood, designed to make bay windows in the facades of buildings. Some rawashin protrude to facilitate ventilation and create space where water and pottery utensils are placed to cool drinking water and where people can sit on the protruding bench and enjoy a gush of cool air. This protruding part is called ghawlah or mashrabiyah. Rawashin in Madinah: History and Craftsmen: Rawashin have long been known in Madinah. They reflected the economic status of house owners as they were usually installed by the well-off. They gave rise to the emergence of an aesthetic pattern in Madinah buildings, represented by the spread of decorations and inscriptions that appeared on the crowns, balconies and bases of rawashin. In the past, carpenters in Madinah used imported wood in making ornate rawashin, door and window shutters, and screens of balconies overlooking the street. Official Care for the Craft: With the spread of modern architectural designs today, rawashin are still seen in old Madinah buildings. They serve as a witness to the concepts of the urban heritage of Madinah and a reference for those interested in civil architecture. The concerned authorities in the Kingdom have shown great care to maintain and develop this heritage. Wood products which simulate traditional architecture in Madinah can be found in Suwaiqa Market. As part of their effort to preserve the traditional craft, the authorities have organized training courses in rawashin making, at Al-Ainiya laboratories. These training programs are sponsored by the Social Development Bank and Namaa Al-Munawwarah Foundation.

Rawashin Making 

This craft makes use of animal hides by converting them into multi-use products.

Tanning is the process of converting animal hides to a product; i.e.., leather&mdash;which is used in manufacturing multiple items. The main source of leather is cattle. The process of tanning preserves hides from getting rotten and makes them flexible and durable.&nbsp; Tanned hides are then used in making leather products, depending on their size and type. In the past, waterskins and belts, for example, were made of tanned sheep and goat hides. While shoes were made of cow and camel hides. Goat, cow and camel hair was also used in making hair tents and heavy clothes. The Craft and its Practitioners in Madinah: Tanning was a well-known craft since immemorial times in Hijaz. Craftsmen used tree trunks and plants for tanning, including acacia niclotica (gum Arabic tree). The fruits and leaves of this tree are ideal for tanning and that is why they were sold in Madinah markets during the prophet&rsquo;s time. Development of the Craft and its Tools: Tanning is still practiced in our time, but it has become an easy craft as a result of industry advances that have facilitated the job. Industrial chemicals are currently used in processing leather in modern factories that manufacture clothes, accessories, etc. Getting products and Training: Leather products are available in many stores, but traditional leather products which are made using hand tools used in the past are available in heritage festivals. Al- Janadiriyah Festival has played a major role in promoting the traditional culture of this craft and marketing its products.&nbsp; &nbsp;