T R AV E L T R E N D S
Exploring one of the oldest pottery stores in KSA. By Hajer Al Alwan
In a small village in Al Ahsa called Al Qarah, lies a pottery store that has survived the Ottoman Empire and lived through the modernity of Saudi cities. Recognized by the Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage, it’s one of the historic attractions in the area, which is known for nursing craftsman.
ANCIENT ART
Al Gharrash family has been running this pottery business for more than 200 years, generation after generation, without letting the store lose its sense of originality. Many of the wooden doors and windows in the store are more than a century old. The family continues to make and sell pottery and ceramic pieces.
STAFF PHOTO/ HAJER AL ALWAN
Currently owned by Sayyed Ali Al Gharrash, he leaves the day to day operation of the store to his two sons, Sayyed Salih and Abu Essam. Abu Essam, the older brother, told us they were one of the very few families that still make pottery in Al Ahsa.
76 DESTINATION SHARQIYA JANUARY 2017