Annual handicrafts Exhibition held in Lattakia

Under the title “ Phoenix” the annual handcrafts works exhibition was recently held at the Central Library of Tishreen University in Lattakia province including various activities and with the participation of civil associations, and students of Tishreen University there.

The five-day event was held by the Baath Arab Socialist Part Branch of Preparation, Culture and information office in the governorate in cooperation with the Offices of Youth, Economics and Trade Unions.

The exhibition showcased handicrafts works, sculptures, rural women’s products, waste recycling works, ornamental plants, food industries, wool and crochet pieces, photography, and drawing on stones.

Head of the preparation office branch of Tishreen University Dr. Moe’ena Badran said “ since Lattakia governorate was subjected to a devasting earthquake, The title of the exhibition stressed that it is like a phoenix, it will rise and start life again to face strongly the repercussion of the earthquake”.

She pointed out that the number of participants reached 175 in addition to the participation of a number of civil societies and families of martyrs, noting the number of participations of the wounded reached 14 who aimed to market and display their products so that the proceeds would benefit the families of martyrs and children with cancer.

“As a Syrian, I am very proud of my heritage, which represents our identity and our civilization. Heritage is a message which should be transferred through generations ” The participant Essam Kasr Ghalioun expressed to the Syriatimes e-newspaper.

 He pointed out “ there is a close relation between art and heritage. Therefore, I tried to document the heritage and archaeological sites of several governorates through my paintings and sculptures”.

“My artworks in the exhibition varied between oil paintings on natural topics, several decorative works in addition to gypsum sculptures which embodied famous archaeological sites including as the Citadel of Aleppo, the Umayyad Square in Damascus, Palmyra, the waterwheels of Hama, and the Triumphal Arch in Lattakia” Ghalioun added.

In turn Mrs. Nawal Nassour expressed to Syriatimes “ Traditional handicrafts works are a piece of the spirit and imagination. I prefer handicrafts products more than using machines because they express feelings, aesthetic and artistic visions”

She participated in the exhibition through her crochet and wool works, various types of accessories, bags and clothes.

Nassour called on to market Syrian handicraft products abroad as many of her works were taken as gifts to Arab and foreign countries, which were greatly admired.

According to the participant Zaki Samhani, who has an Olvera nursery, he participated in the exhibition to encourage the idea of ​​returning back to treat illnesses using medical herbs that Syria is famous for.

“My exhibits included seedlings of sage, lemon balm, cactus and rosemary. The exhibition was an opportunity to introduce these herbs to the younger generation” Samhan said.

From Al-Raqqa province, Mrs. Amal Al-Hussein, who came to Lattakia because of the terrorist groups said “ I did not give up or lose hope, and I started again to learn handicrafts which contributed to strengthening me to overcome the difficult circumstances.

“ My artworks in the exhibition, which depended on recycling, tree bark and beads, varied between baskets, tablecloths, plates, pens, accessories and decorative pieces.

Interviewed by : Rawaa Ghanam