Shipbuilding industry in Arwad Island dates back to more than 2500 BC

The island of Arwad is known as the center of Syria’s boat-building industry. It’s one of the few places in Syria that’s been virtually untouched by 10 years of war, but it has not been spared from the impact of economic sanctions. 

 

Arwad is Syria’s only inhabited island and has a rich history in boat building.  

 

It was once a powerful Phoenician naval epicenter. 

 

Every day, the sound of cotton rope hammered between keel planking echoes across this tiny island. 

 

The residents of Arwad Island in Tartous  have excelled in the industry  of marine ships and wooden boats since ancient times. 

 

They have  inherited this industry from their Phoenician ancestors and they use different types of wood and manual tools.

 

“The industry of shipbuilding is learned by the sons since their childhood, not by academic study.” This  was confirmed by Khaled Hammoud , who is  one of Arwad Island  residents and works in the shipbuilding industry.  

 

He  pointed  out  to the Syrian News Agency ( SANA) that the people of  Arwad  island are constantly trying to develop this industry, in which they have achieved continuous success until today, as they are able to  manufacture the largest ships  that match global industries. 

 

For his part, Captain Farouk Bahlawan, who is also one of the residents of Arwad Island and works in shipbuilding industry,  explained  to SANA reporter that the shipbuilding in Arwad Island  is characterized by  high quality, durability and the ability to resist. 

 

He added that  thanks to the experience they gained over many years, they have the ability to develop and modernize each boat or ship  until they reach the form that is appropriate for each period of time. 

 

 Member of the Executive Office of  Craftsmen Union  in Tartous Munzer Ramadan said  that the boats and ships industry in Arwad is a historical Phoenician industry  which was founded  more than 2500 BC years ago . 

He noted that shipbuilding industry is at risk of being disappeared  as a result of the lack of financial returns for the  workers in general, as most of  the  workers did not  teach their children to use  it as a source of livelihood. 

 

Ramadan stressed the importance of finding  a way to support  and preserve this industry.

 

Rawaa Ghanam