Medina National Web Sites: Algeria, Cyprus, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, Palestinian Authority, Syria, Tunisia

• Material Heritage
• Performing Arts
• Folk Traditions
• Food & Gastronomy
• Handicrafts
• What is…

Handicrafts
Syrian Traditional Handicrafts

Syrian folklore is certainly one of the richest in the world. Its costumes, artisanat, artefacts and varied products are a concrete expression of daily life as it evolved in Syria over the centuries. It also reflects the country’s geographical diversity and the way its inhabitants adapted to life along the costal plains of the Mediterranean, in the high mountains, on the fertile inland plains and in the desert. Today many craftsmen still make use of traditional materials: iron, copper, silver, gold, wood, silk, cotton, and wool, which for the most part are found in Syria, but, after much experimenting, they are gearing their production to need new needs. Traditional objects are being revamped are more modern objects are being invented. Syria was equally famous for the fine quality objects of daily use such as candlesticks, ewers, basins and rose water sprinklers and incense burners that can now be admired in some of the great museums of Europe and America and a few church collections. The museum of popular Arts and traditions in Damascus houses a collection of objects, that attest to wealth and diversity of Syrian folklore and the traditions passed on from one generation to the next. Given the rapid social changes and mechanization of production, these objects and the skills associated with them run the risk of disappearing forever. The international fair that was first opened in Damascus in 1953 provides another opportunity to display Syrian handicrafts. Craftsmen and among them the famous Damascene sword makers, display their work and demonstrate the various techniques drawing large crowds of admirers.
 

Topics index