Egyptian village Al-Qaramous keeps ancient papyrus paper tradition alive

In the Egyptian village of Al-Qaramous, one of the last places on Earth where papyrus paper is still produced, a handful of artisans are fighting to preserve a craft that dates back over 5,000 years. The papyrus plant had gone extinct in Egypt by the 19th century, but local craftsmen revived the tradition in the 1970s, sparking a thriving business fueled by tourist sales of paintings with traditional motifs. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a drastic drop in demand, putting the plant at risk of extinction once again. Despite this, the remaining artisans are determined to continue the ancient practice, which is integral to their economy and social fabric. A video by Business Insider documents their story, featuring exclusive footage and interviews.