Damascus, SANA- At the 62nd Damascus International Fair, craftsman Mohammad Ali al-Hamwi is presenting the art of painting on natural leather and handmade bags that blend authenticity with creativity, as part of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor’s pavilion.
An agricultural engineering graduate, al-Hamwi said his passion for handicrafts led him to turn it into a project aimed at reviving and promoting Syrian heritage within the tourism industry. He pointed out to challenges facing artisans, particularly the high cost of local leather tanning.
He stressed the importance of introducing handicrafts into schools and institutes and linking universities with the community to create job opportunities and support traditional industries. Among his notable works is a model of Queen Zenobia framed in a Mamluk-style design, symbolizing Syria’s rich heritage and drawing admiration from visitors.
Reem / Manar Salameh
