The 1st “New Generation” Festival kicks off in Old Aleppo

” Al-Jil Al-Jadid” (New Generation)  Cultural Association launched the first edition of the “New Generation Festival” at the “Al-Hatab” square in the Al-Jdaidah neighborhood in Old Aleppo with the participation of 50 male and female producers.

The festival included several cultural programs, including artistic shows as well as a market for handicrafts and heritage and national industries.

Houri Sallahian, a supervisor of the festival, said that the festival aims to call on commercial activities to reopen their shops in preparation for the full return of life to the Al-Hatab square, which represents an important node linking commercial routes to and from the historical markets of Aleppo, and which has given it a special symbolism in the memory of the people of Aleppo.

She added “We seek through  the festival to encourage small business owners working in traditional crafts and handicrafts and to offer national products at encouraging prices during the back-to-school season”, noting that the proceeds of the festival will go to supporting students and cultural activities

Maria Khajadorian, a participant in the traditional handicrafts category who displays Etamin products, noted that similar festivals provide an opportunity for the female producer to expand her products, in addition to the symbolism of the place and its close connection to the antiquity of ancient Aleppo.

Industrialist Rami Mohammed highlighted the importance of the festival in achieving direct communication between the producer and the consumer to sell the national product at cost price, which positively affects the economy and the return of life to the region, which represents an important artery in the national economy.

Participant Ahmed Madrati spoke about his participation in the heritage products category and the uniqueness of the Al-Hatab square as an incubator for heritage products and everything that symbolizes heritage and authenticity.

He pointed to the intensive national efforts to restore the square’s luster by returning its tourist and commercial landmarks in the reconstruction phase.

The eight-day “New Generation Festival” will also include cultural and heritage singing events and segments dedicated to children with the aim of introducing them to the details of the Al-Hatab square and its historical importance, in addition to a market for direct sales.

It is noteworthy that the New Generation Cultural Association was established in 1957, and it is concerned with contributing to Syrian cultural life through traditional dance, music and theatre activities with local and Arab participation.