“The Syrian Heritage Days Festivity”

DAMASCUS, (ST)_ Without any doubt, Damascus, the oldest living city, is the most important among world cities which deserves to celebrate the World Heritage Day. This festivity was DEDICATED by the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture UNESCO, in April 18th every year.

“Damascus is a city of heritage and civilization and all those who attended the events and activities of the Syrian Heritage Days which have been presented in the most beautiful Damascene heritage sites, must really feel pride and joy. No matter how difficult is the  crisis in our country nowadays, but we have never forgotten our heritage. ” The Syrian researcher and historian Marwan Murad said.

“Wherever you are touring in Damascus you can see heritage sites because Damascus is a store of information of the past civilizations that have passed in this country. All Damascene monuments symbolize the prestigious human civilization. It is known clearly that the Syrians have excelled in all fields because they work from the heart for the heritage and humanity.. ” added Murad wishing  that the future generations take the task to preserve our rich heritage for being a mirror of our civilization.

The activities of the Syrian Heritage Days was organized by the Syrian Ministry of Culture and started at Azem Palace in the old city of Damascus.

The three-day event includes various cultural and artistic activities through which the participants could present to the audience the Syrian’s ancient heritage in a contemporary style.

It is worth mentioning that most activities were held in historic places in the old city of Damascus such as Khan Asaad Basha,al- Azem Palace, Dar Mardam Beck and other heritage places.
The Minister of Culture Dr. Lubana Mshaweh said in the opening ceremony that holding such activities aims to revive the Syrian heritage memory. Besides, the Minister stressed the necessity to focus on traditional handicrafts and industries and support them permanently because they express the Syrians’ cultural and civilization identity.

By her turn, Presidential Political and Media advisor Dr. Butaina Shaaban said that holding the Syrian Heritage Days informs the whole world that Syria is strong with its heritage, identity and old civilization.

Dr. Shaaban added that such activities are a great evidence of the Syrians’ love for their country and their strong commitment to its heritage and its cultural and human identity.

Khan Asaad Pasha activities included market for handicrafts where various ancient Damascene products were shown like Alagbana, Brocade, Copperplate, Mosaic and Damascene

Glass vaccination.

In Azem Palace there was the fashion show including traditional designs that distinguished each Syrian governorate from the other.

Among the activities, the Sham Dervishes troupe presented a beautiful performances of Mawalwiyah dancing that astonished the audiences.

Touring in another corner of Khan Asaad Basha you can see Syrian traditional foods especially those went back to Mary Kingdom such as ” Merso ” dessert, dates back to 1800 BC. Besides, the most famous Damascene foods like tourmos, foul, balila were presented in the Khan.

M.Wassouf