“From Palmyra to Damascus” Forum a Message that War Never Stops Wheel of Life in Syria

DAMASCUS, (ST)- “War never stops the wheel of life in Syria”, Tourism Minister Bisher Yazji said at the opening ceremony of the Fifth Forum of Arts and Invention “From Palmyra to Damascus” which kicked off its activities on Sunday at the Dama Rose Hotel in Damascus.

The first day of the five-day event was distinguished by the arrival of the statue of Queen Zanoubia of Palmyra and the memorial of martyr archeologist Khaled al-Ass’ad to the Umayyad Square. The two statues will be placed beside the monument of the Syrian Arab Army at the square.

 The opening also included artistic activities among which were a photography exhibition and a documentary that depict the history of the Syrian culture and civilization and the systematic destruction of the Syrian cultural heritage by the terrorist organizations.

According to Yaziji, “From Palmyra to Damascus” forum carries symbolic indications. “It is a message of hope and it is an attempt to uncover terrorism and its supporters by words and images,” he said.

“War never stops the wheel of life in Syria…on the contrary it strengthens the Syrians’ determination to confront challenges,” Yaziji stressed, pointing out that placing the statue of Queen Zanoubia at the Umayyad Square means that “Damascus will continue to host all civilizations and cultures despite the tragic events caused by the ongoing crisis.”

He clarified that the diverse activities of the forum present works of some Syrian creative artists who, despite difficult circumstances in the country, are still producing distinguished artistic works starting from their exceptional belongingness and unique ability to link between their present and their history and civilization.

No power in the world can cancel the Syrian civilization

Director of the Forum Tajudddin al-Moammad, on his part said “we brought this forum to Damascus, the capital of jasmine, accompanied by Queen Zanoubia to affirm to the world that Syria is the cradle of civilizations and that no power in the world can cancel these civilizations and their Syrian makers.”

Artist Yasin Rustum, designer of Queen Zanoubia statue, said this piece of art was a message to the world and to Syria’s enemies saying that “you won’t be able to undermine our history, dreams and hopes.” He pointed out that the statue took a month to be achieved.

He stressed determination to keep working together with other national artists to restore the monuments damaged by the acts of the terrorist organizations in the archeological city of Palmyra. 

The rest of the forum’s activities, which included, sculpture exhibition, folkloric performances, fashion show, documentaries and cultural symposiums, will be held at Khan As’ad Pasha in Damascus.

The terrorist organization calling itself the “Islamic State” (ISIL) has attacked the historical city of Palmyra, a UNESCO world heritage site, and wrought havoc there. The attacks have triggered the world’s fear over the destiny of the world cultural heritage.

ISIL terrorists beheaded prominent archeologist Khaled al-Ass’ad and hanged his body to a column in the square of Palmyra’s National Museum. They also destroyed very important relics in the historical city including the Temple of Bel and the temple of Baal Shamin.

Hamda Mustafa