Basalt Sculpture Forum in Deir Ezzor to celebrate the city’s victory over Terrorism

DEIR EZZOR, (ST)- The Syrian city of Deir Ezzor, which had experienced a brutal terrorist siege by ISIS terrorist organization for more than three years before it was liberated by the Syrian Arab army in 2017, is now gradually recovering and celebrating victory in different aspects of life, including culture.

Within this framework, the city of Deir Ezzor is hosting the “Fourth Basalt Sculpture Forum-Victory” in which prominent fine artists and sculptors from different Syrian provinces are taking part to confirm Syria’s victory and stress the Syrians’ steadfastness and determination to rebuild their country on right bases. The forum kicked off on Monday and will last for 20 days.

 According to Member of the executive Bureau of Deir Ezzor Governorate Siham al-Khater, “the forum is the first of its kind in this province. 12 sculptors from all over Syria are to produce 10 basalt sculptures talking Syria’s victory over terrorism, particularly in Deir Ezzor, and depicting the country’s heritage, nature and history.”

These artworks are to be distributed and exhibited at the governorate’s squares and roundabouts, al-Khater added, pointing out that concerned parties in the governorate have ensured all elements necessary to make the forum a success, including the rocks and sculpture-related equipments.

On his part, Mohammad Joudeyeh, Director of the forum, said that the city of Deir Ezzor has been chosen as the place for holding this event to celebrate the city’s being free of terrorism and to bring back the smile for the locals who suffered a lot from terrorism and experienced very difficult humanitarian conditions under the terrorists’ siege. 

He added that the event is an opportunity for artists from different provinces to exchange expertise and achieve one goal , represented in producing major artworks that tell the story of Syria’s victory and maintain the region’s heritage and traditions.

According to Joudeyeh, the basalt artworks are scheduled to be implemented at public parks.

He revealed that a 12 meter high sculpture are to be produced in honor of the martyrs who sacrificed in defense of the homeland.

Hamda Mustafa