In a world dominated by mass production, why should we cherish the art of felt-making? Unraveling this question, we delved into the intricate layers of history and culture with our visiting artist, Renas Babakir. 

Kashkul had the pleasure of hosting Renas in collaboration with the AUIS’ Alumni Talks series. Renas is a 2014 AUIS graduate with a master's in Cultural History from the University of Brighton, courtesy of the prestigious Chevening Scholarships. Her current research project, ‘Documenting the Lost Practices of Kurdish Felt and Felt-making in the Foothills of the Zagros Mountains', is supported by the Endangered Material Knowledge Programme (EMKP), hosted by the British Museum.

Together, we journeyed through the mesmerizing tale of felt-making—a craft deeply rooted in our collective past. From Mesopotamia's ancient traditions to the present day, felt-making isn't just about crafting textiles; it's a story of resilience, identity, and cultural heritage.

At Kashkul, we celebrated this rich heritage with a film screening on felt-making, followed by a captivating conversation and Q&A session with Renas and our students. Through this exchange, we delved into the cultural significance of felt garments like the Faranji, and the profound impact of preserving endangered material knowledge.

With every entanglement felt-making becomes more than just a craft; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity.