The last pipe maker in Tunisia - in pictures

Anis Bouchnak is the only craftsman in Tunisia to continue to make pipes by hand

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  Tunisia's sole artisan pipe-maker Anis Bouchnak carves smoking pipes from native briar wood, a craft passed down by his grandfather and father. All photos by AFP

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  The Bouchnak family workshop was established half a century ago in Tabarka, a northwestern tourist town nestled in verdant hills that plunge towards the Mediterranean.

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  Over the years, Bouchnak pipes have gained a certain renown.

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  "I am proud to be the only pipe-maker in Tunisia," said the craftsman, his hands roughened from his trade.

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  "But frankly, I would have liked to have competition, because this would have motivated me to progress."

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  French pipe-makers refused to teach Anis's grandfather Chedly Bouchnak their craft. So he spied on them to learn their secrets.

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  37-year-old Anis took on the workshop in 2011 after the death of his grandfather.

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  He learnt the ropes from a master pipe-maker employed by his grandfather, who died last year.

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  Now, Bouchnak makes pipes in his own original style -- while not sacrificing functionality.

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  "It's a whole market that's mine," he said. "But it's a burden to be the only pipe-maker, because I'm responsible for carrying on this craft and passing the torch on to someone else."

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