Fathollah Akbari, one of the old cart makers in the Molavi market, is repairing and building traditional carts along with his colleagues. While the sound of his hammer can be heard, the voices of young porters can also be heard talking about their business problems. Akbari, who has over 70 years of experience, repairs wooden and iron carts in his shop and continues his work despite changes in the market.
Cart Makers Who Are Becoming Fewer Day by Day
The number of cart makers like Akbari working in the Molavi market has significantly decreased. He says about the current situation: "In the past, I used to repair more than 20 carts a day, but now we are happy with one or two carts a day." This decrease in demand is due to the emergence of new and motorized carts that have attracted porters.
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Akbari believes that porters usually do minor repairs on their carts themselves, which contributes to the decline in cart makers' income. He sadly points out that "no one comes to this job because it has no future."
The Background and Future of Cart Making
On Saheb Jam Street, Sina Moradi, a young man who inherited his business from his father, is also repairing carts. He teaches young porters how to choose the right cart for their work and suggests specific carts based on market characteristics. Moradi says: "For narrow passages and heavy loads, it's better to choose a cart with a protective cover and rugged wheels."
However, Moradi is also complaining about the market stagnation, saying: "Motorized porters have taken over our market, and we don't know what future awaits us." It seems that old cart makers will soon face more serious problems in securing their livelihoods and maintaining their profession.
Mohammad Sadaqat, one of the oldest cart makers in the market, comes to his shop every day despite increased competition and decreased demand. He says: "These days, new carts sell more than old ones, but I still have customers who trust my work."
The efforts of old cart makers like Fathollah Akbari and Mohammad Sadaqat reflect their love and commitment to this profession. But can this love help sustain this profession in today's changing world?
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