The Weavers of Akhmin - Hand-made cotton textiles

Akhmin is a predominantly Coptic town in Upper Egypt, which has been a centre for textiles since Pharaonic times. As a result of the modernisation of the textile industry, the demand for manual weaving has slowed down dramatically. For the landless families in Akhmin, this has meant unemployment and poverty.

ATL is an association that assists some of the poorest families in the area. They have 6 looms and give work to more than 10 weavers and their families working for the association.

The weavers work in family units. It takes two persons to operate the loom and several others in the preparation stage. Most weavers are men and the women assist in the finishing of products. Most products reproduce design and motifs inspired by the Coptic tradition and motifs dating back to the birth of Christianity. The association also launches new products that better suit the taste of the customers while maintaining the well-known quality. 

It is difficult to find good quality cotton in Egypt. Most of the famous long fibre cotton is exported, but the products of this association are made of the best Egyptian cotton.