Traditional handicrafts exhibition opens in Damascus

With aim of spreading craft culture and introducing Syrian craftsmen who have proven their presence and creativity with their globally desirable products throughout history, the activities of heritage handicrafts exhibition were launched at the Arab Cultural Center in Abu Rummaneh.

The event is organized by Dummar Incubator for Syrian Traditional Arts ( CISTA) in cooperation with the Damascus Culture Directorate.

The exhibition, which will continue until next Thursday, includes a collection of products by the sheikhs of Al-Kar ( Master craftsmen), which are made with high craftsmanship and precision, such as Phoenician glass, copper and plastic arts, cutting arts, laser engraving, oriental chandeliers, inlaying wood with seashells, essential oils and musical instruments.

“The exhibition is an important platform to highlighting the original Syrian heritage, art and creativity, as well as introducing the civilizational history to the new generations through traditional handcrafted products, as they represent a bridge between the past and the present” the Director of Culture in Damascus Na’ima Suleiman said in a statement to SANA.

Director of CISTA Loua’IShakko indicated in a statement that the exhibition encourages the craftsmen to invest their passion for the Syrian handicraft and attract the young people to learn these professions and crafts and benefit from technical development in manufacturing and preserving Syrian identity at the same time.

Ahmed Addas Sheikh Al-Karof the craft of engravers, “cutting and laser engraving” explained that the craft work is like a study of history through its embodiment of many arts that flourished in ancient times and developed over time.

Addas called for working to encourage the return of expatriate craftsmen to Syria and to launch their work to global markets, which contributes to enhancing Syria’s presence and constitutes an essential tributary to the national economy.

Plastic artist Najwa Al-Sharif, who participated in the field of mosaics on glass by displaying glass panels and pottery pieces of various shapes, stressed the importance of working with Dummar CISTA, which is interested in modernizing and introducing heritage to the world.

The artist indicated that she contributes to carrying out training courses that target women who are interested in learning traditional crafts.

Rawaa Ghanam