Syrian craftsmen are ambassadors of Syrian heritage to international exhibitions 

The skilled and creative work of the traditional craftsmen in the Syrian city of Al-Tal in the Governorate of Rural Damascus exceeded the borders of Syria, and they were able, with the help of the Syrian Trust for Development and other parties, to preserve it.

Arafat Ogabashi, head of the heritage professions in the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Tourism noted that the Damascene artisans are the masters of the world in these traditional professions. There are more than 14 artisans in the industrial and craft area in the city of al-Tal. They inherited the craft from parents and grandparents, and were able to maintain its continuity by teaching it to new generations. Their production reached most countries of the world through participation in international exhibitions.

In a statement to SANA reporter, Ogabashi confirmed that some of these heritage pieces have spread, and many of them can be found in international museums, pointing out that what distinguishes the Syrian craftsman is the accuracy of his work and his talent which qualify him to became the ambassador of his craft to the world. He hoped that the craftsmen have priority to participate in external exhibitions, given the fact that their assembly in the city of al-Tal includes the most important traditional craftsmen, not only at the level of Damascus countryside governorate, but also at the level of Syria and the Arab world, which requires work to increase the blocks allocated to this craft.

The existing cooperation between craftsmen and the Syrian Trust for Development contributed to graduating a group of young men and women who became experts in this craft, according to Yasser al-Ghadban, a mosaic and oriental work expert. This step contributed to preserving this profession, which is considered as the tourist and cultural front for Syria as the manufactured pieces mimic history, originality and Syrian values.

Al-Ghadban indicated that this cooperation has so far resulted in the graduation of two courses, and the training of the third course has begun.

A number of artisans noted that talent is the most important condition for creativity, followed by love for work that leaves the fingerprint of the craftsman in every piece they produce. They expressed their keenness to participate  in most of the international and Arab exhibitions that are held in Europe and the Gulf countries, as they contribute to marketing products that are becoming popular in countries around the world, because they are hand-made and they constitute a masterpiece that attracts the beholder.

Head of the Craftsmen’s Association in Damascus Countryside Governorate Muhammad Ataya stated that each craftsman in the assembly specializes in producing a specific type, pointing out that most families are still keen on having some heritage pieces in their homes for their beauty and value.

Ataya noted that gathering craftsmen in this craft area helped preserve the profession and its continuity by training future generations on it, in addition to providing the craftsman with all services they need especially electricity.

Inas Abdulkareem