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Customers come from all over Egypt – and even the US – to buy cotton from Salama Mahmoud Salama's traditional yarn colouring shop in Cairo. EPA / Khaled Elfiqi -
The dyeing process is precise. It begins with the fabric being levelled out. EPA / Khaled Elfiqi -
The fabric is then dipped into a hot, colour bath. Salt is added to get the tone just right. EPA / Khaled Elfiqi -
Once coloured, the cotton is rinsed and then hung outside to dry. EPA / Khaled Elfiqi -
The fabric is used for everything from handmade shoes and suits to rugs and curtains. EPA / Khaled Elfiqi -
The workshop has been dyeing fabric for almost 120 years. EPA / Khaled Elfiqi -
There used to be lots of dye workshops in Cairo, but now only a handful remain. EPA / Khaled Elfiqi -
Unlike an industrial factory, Salama's workshop can colour as little as half a kilogram at a time. EPA / Khaled Elfiqi -
Competition and rising dye prices have impacted business. EPA / Khaled Elfiqi -
To stay competitive Salama uses firewood instead of fuel to heat the colour baths. EPA / Khaled Elfiqi -
Despite threats to the homegrown textile industry, Salama is optimistic about the future. EPA / Khaled Elfiqi -
Thanks to his loyal customers, Salama hopes the traditional art of dyeing continues for many years to come. EPA / Khaled Elfiqi
A dyeing tradition: inside a yarn colouring workshop in Cairo - in pictures
The fabric business has been operating for almost 120 years and has customers from all over Egypt and even the US
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