October 3, 2020

“When the season of pomegranate harvesting begins, we use two types of baskets to collect them, (Barchna) which is a small basket made from dried reed, and another bigger basket called (Qatala) which is used as a backpack. The good thing about using Qatala and Barchna is that they won’t let the pomegranates to get hurt when they fall. Also, these tools had been used by our forefathers, and we like using them as well.
Rural life could be very good, but it is not as good as it used to be financially. We are used to living here, and that’s why we will never leave. Although harvesting doesn’t get you enough worth for your efforts, yet when we start harvesting all of that is forgotten about.”

“We have many different types of pomegranates, (Suratmba) and (Shinka) are popular ones. We sell some of the pomegranates we harvest and the rest are either turned into vinegar or stored. We create a storing basket from acorn leaves so they are kept cool until winter comes. We truly enjoy eating it in long winter nights. We also sell some of it during winter, because it is more expensive. This basket (Qatal) is also home made from dried reeds, it does a lot of the work we need here.”