Abu Ahmed glass factory that locates in the ancient part of the capital Damascus is one of five others all over Syria that are hectically functioning primarily to preserve this craft form perishing.
The most stunning issue in the factory is its simplicity and the primitive tools of manufacturing that turn broken pieces of glass into to the ingenious glassware that attract tourists from all over the world and Syrians alike.
Ahmed al-Halak, who runs the factory, briefed Xinhua on how broken glass is changed into amazing glassware, saying broken glass in initially stuffed into a 1,200-degree temperature and the molten glass is taken to another area (the stage of the dough). At the third stage, the dough is taken to about 500 degrees oven for heating and cooling, before being shaped out.
He said manufacturing a piece of glass needs eight hours to be put for display.
No one knows exactly when or where glass was first made. Glass appears to have been produced as far back as the second millennium B.C. by the Egyptians and the Phoenicians. Yet evidently it originated in Mesopotamia, where pieces of well made glass have been found.
The Egyptian used a method called core-forming. A shaped core was made of clay and dung, then molten glass was wrapped around it and shaped by rolling it on a smooth surface.
Around the end of the 1st century B.C., a new method, glass blowing, revolutionized glass production. This art was discovered along the eastern Mediterranean coast, likely in Syria.
By blowing through a hollow tube, the experienced glass blower can quickly produce intricate and symmetrical shapes out of the molten glass at the end of hid tube, or rod. Alternatively, he can blow the molten glass into a mould.
Al-Halalk agreed that this craft was first discovered by Phoenicians who were using it without blowing, pointing out that the Damascenes spearheaded glass blowing and are still persistent in this profession for thousands of years.
"It's the same method, the same furnace, and the same tools since the discovery of glass," Ahmed said, noting however that only thing that differs is the present use of gasoline, electricity and clay fireballs instead of wood and stone basalt.
"Of course, it's easier now but this craft is still harsh ... The new generation finds it difficult as it needs strenuous effort, perseverance, long durability and patience to stand before fire, especially during summer times," he said.
Al-Halak said there was great demand of all the glass shapes they used to manufacture, including cups and other glassware for domestic use, complaining that plastic utensils have enormously influenced this industry.
"Now we are manufacturing oriental antiques like vases ... Our current work aims to preserve the Arab ancient heritage and our clients are mostly foreigners," he said.
"We hope this profession will go on and we have perpetual enthusiasm to teach it to our children but hopes are dampening down as they show no interest to learn due to its low income," he said.
"They want something more comfortable and much profitable," he added.
