SORAN, Kurdistan Region - Hussein Darwish Kaniboti’s family legacy spans four generations in the blacksmithing profession. For over a century, they have dedicated themselves to this craft, starting with his great grandfather. 

Despite the rewards of their trade, it comes with its hazards; the job is physically demanding and poses risks to their eyesight, according to Kaniboti.

Blacksmithing, among humanity's earliest crafts, has its origins in ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China. The name of the profession, "blacksmith," finds its roots in the Old English term "Smythe," denoting the act of forging or striking with a hammer. The development of this craft coincided with the exploration and manipulation of metals, significantly influencing the trajectory of human development.