Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Damascus, SANA – A celebration was held on Friday evening on occasion of inscribing the Damascene Rose (aka Damask Rose) and associated heritage practices and craftsmanship in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, during which a statue of the rose by sculptor Hisham al-Mleih was unveiled.
The celebration included a screening of a documentary on the Damascene Rose and its economic, medical, aesthetic, heritage, and cultural significance, as well as unveiling the special logo for the rose.
The Syria Trust for Development is one of the most important partners who gave special attention to the Damascene Rose since 2007, with programs for supporting its cultivating via granting loans to farmers and encouraging its cultivation in new areas.
In a statement to SANA, Reem al-Ibrahim from the Living Heritage Program and the Syria Trust for Development said the inclusion of the Damascene Rose in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list is an achievement for Syria and a source of pride for all Syrians.
Al-Ibrahim said that after the Damascene Rose was nominated for inclusion in the list, the Trust worked with governmental and non-governmental partners to support the Damascene Rose project, adding that there is a plan by the Trust to increase rose production at higher standards starting with next year.
Chairman of al-Mrah Association for the revival of development of the Damascene Rose Madyan Bittar said the Association is proud of this significant event, and that it is working in coordination with the authorities to build reservoirs to provide irrigation for rose fields during drought years.
Hazem Sabbagh
