Damascene Rose listed on the UNESCO’s list of human heritage

Bogota (ST): The UNESCO announced that it has decided to put the Damascene Rose and all heritage crafts related to it on the list of the intangible human heritage of the Organization.

The UNESCO website said that the decision came during the 14th meeting of the International Committee for the protection of intangible cultural heritage currently being held in the Colombian capital Bogota.

The Syrian Trust for Development said that thanks to the joint efforts exerted by the living heritage program in the Trust, the people of al-Mrah town and several governmental and non-governmental bodies, the Damascene Rose was registered on the UNESCO list for human heritage. 

Member of the Syrian Trust for Development, Fares Kallas extended deep thanks to the committee, noting that the Damascene Rose has been an inexhaustible source of inspiration for successive generations as it strengthens adherence to society and homeland.

He added that the Damascene Rose also occupies a special position in the hearts and minds of Syrian people, and various samples of this rose can be seen on wood and copper objects made by skillful Damascene handicraftsmen.

Kallas went on to say that the annual festival of the Damascene Rose constitutes an important event that advocates sublime values and noble traditions of the Syrian society, referring that the this year’s festival was held under the motto: “From Syria to Humanity”. 

The Damascene Rose is mostly found  in the Eastern Qalamoun town of al-Mrah in Damascus Countryside. The harvest of the crops usually starts in May with a huge festival.

The rose’s fragrance is usually distilled to be used for the manufacture of medicines, syrups and jams.

The fragrance of the Damascene Rose can also be seen in mosques, and churches all over the country.

Beyond being known for its heady fragrance, the Damascene rose has long been used for rose oil or “attar of roses”, and is commonly used to flavor food and make rose water.

K.Q.