“ Art and Heritage “ Festivity in Lattakia

“Heritage is  an essential part of the national identity as it is important in understanding the history of any nation. Heritage is a common bond between individuals and an expression of their belonging to society.  It is a link between the people and the past, present and future”. Miss Rawan Al- Issa said in a statement to Syriatimes e-newspaper at the sideline of “ Art and heritage “ festivity held recently at Dar Al-Assad for culture and Arts in Lattakia province.  

The event  was organized by Peace Makers Civil Society Association in Lattakia governorate in cooperation with Directorate of Culture there and the  Children’s  Public Library Association, within the framework of Lattakia’s heritage festival recently held .  

Miss Al-Issa, who is the supervisor of the festivity and Head of social programs department at Peace Makers society stressed the importance of heritage preservation  and its civilizational dimension , indicating  preserving   cultural heritage is the enrichment of human culture by preserving cultural diversity. Heritage, with its cultural and social value, is an educational, scientific, artistic, cultural and social resource.  

She underlined that “ Art and Heritage” festivity aimed to highlight the Syrian deep-rooted heritage , raise awareness and promote the sense of responsibility towards preserving the heritage.

She pointed out that the  event included an exhibition on  remarkable archaeological  sites in Syria,  performing heritage  musical songs and playing traditional musical instruments including oud and  Bouzouki.  

 There is a special corner in the exhibition  which displayed  the Syrian traditional house where you can see heritage furniture, decorations, photos, clothes and traditional household appliances.    

On her part, Mrs. Mays Al-Dasuky the Executive Director of the Children’s Public Library Association told Syriatimes e-newspaper “ Syrian heritage is glory and dignity for all Syrians , especially for coming generations. Spreading and preserving it is the responsibility of all Syrians”.  

Regarding the association’s participation in “ Art and Heritage festivity “, Mrs. Al-Dasuky indicated that the association was   keen to participate in Lattakia’s heritage festival through a number of interactive activities carried out for children to present the Syrian heritage in an interactive way through art.  

“ the association’s participation in the festivity included performing puppet theatre to present stories from Syrian heritage in an entertaining way for children” she said.  

Mrs. Al-Dasuky added drawing workshops were also carried out in the festivity as children, who are from different provinces,  were asked to express the heritage of their provinces through drawing  the most famous archaeological landmarks there such as the waterwheels in Hama, the Ummayyad Mosque in Damascus andArc de Triomphe in Lattakia.  

“ the  Children’s Public Library Association is the first free interactive library  in Syria. Its only obsession and main slogan is “ I have the right to read “ . it was established in 2007 and carries out constantly activities in cooperation with government and  civil sides “ according to Al-Dasuky. 

In turn, the artist Maya Ghanoum , who participated in the festivity said “ my painting in the exhibition displayed the simple Syrian rural heritage house which was made of wood and clay  and surrounded by trees “.  

“ we as Syrians  are very proud of our heritage.  Syrian Artists should  employ art to spread and preserve Syrian heritage ” Artist Ghanoum stressed.  

The participant in the festivity artist Joudi Hbabou told Syriatimes “ artists in Syria  have given  top priority to revive Syrian heritage through searching for the most important  heritage’s features and symbols and embody them in their artistic works “.  

Artist Hbabou explained that through her painting she tried to combine between heritage art and the modern Mandald art ( mandala is a complex abstract design that is usually circular in form ). In essence , mandalas represent the connection between our inner worlds and outer reality.   

She underscored that  you can design mandala to symbolize a state of mind that you would like to achieve.  

“ my painting showcased Syria’s map surrounded by flowers to express  hope for  future . Syria will recover and will  witness prosperity in all fields “ the artist expressed.    

Interviewed by : Rawaa Ghanam  

Photos by : Rawaa Ghanam