One of Jordan's last remaining custom shoemakers - in pictures


  • Ahmad Sharab, one of Jordan's last custom shoemakers, stands outside his shop in Amman. All photos: Khaled Yacoub Oweis / The National
    Ahmad Sharab, one of Jordan's last custom shoemakers, stands outside his shop in Amman. All photos: Khaled Yacoub Oweis / The National
  • Mr Sharab holds a shoe he made based on a photo given to him by an Iraqi customer who found it on the internet
    Mr Sharab holds a shoe he made based on a photo given to him by an Iraqi customer who found it on the internet
  • The Italian tool that he uses to emboss shoes
    The Italian tool that he uses to emboss shoes
  • Desert boots are very popular with Italian tourists who visit his shop
    Desert boots are very popular with Italian tourists who visit his shop
  • Mr Sharab, who is in his late 60s, also makes leather bags, women's purses and slippers
    Mr Sharab, who is in his late 60s, also makes leather bags, women's purses and slippers
  • A photo of Mr Sharab as a young man. He began learning his trade from his uncle when he was teenager
    A photo of Mr Sharab as a young man. He began learning his trade from his uncle when he was teenager
  • Mr Sharab passes the time with an old friend during a break from his work
    Mr Sharab passes the time with an old friend during a break from his work
  • The display window of his shop on Othman bin Affan street in Jabal Amman
    The display window of his shop on Othman bin Affan street in Jabal Amman
  • Shows the samples of his custom-made shoes as men's and women's boots are displayed in the shop
    Shows the samples of his custom-made shoes as men's and women's boots are displayed in the shop