Damascus, Feb. 4 (SANA) A cultural and heritage event was held Tuesday at the Syrian National Library, bringing together music, visual arts and traditional crafts to highlight Syria’s cultural heritage and the role of young people in preserving it.
The event was supported by the Violet Organization, the Authentic Traditions Association and Germany’s GIZ development agency. It marked the conclusion of the Youth for Unity project, which was recently implemented in seven Syrian provinces.
The program featured exhibitions of traditional Damascene handicrafts, including decorative arts, textiles, accessories and popular foods, alongside live performances. These included a traditional Arada folk display, a heritage music performance by the Tanaghom Choir, folk dances by the Circassian Charity Association troupe, and a musical segment representing Kurdish heritage.
A theatrical performance titled “Harmony,” directed by Ghazwan Qahwaji and performed by the Fada Theatre Group, addressed themes of migration, displacement and national identity.
Ahmad Ubaid, vice president of the Craftsmen’s Union, said supporting artisans economically and protecting traditional crafts from decline are essential to preserving cultural identity and strengthening the national economy.
Louay al-Asmar, a youth empowerment project officer at the Violet Organization, said the initiative reflects confidence in young people and their role in Syria’s present and future, describing diversity as a source of social strength.
Adnan Tanbakji, head of the Authentic Traditions Association, said the event carries a message of staying connected to national identity and heritage, noting that traditional crafts have endured by being passed down through generations.
During a youth dialogue session, digital training expert Mohammad al-Ajrad called for greater support for youth-led and start-up projects to help build institutional capacity and long-term impact, while other speakers urged continued backing for young people facing social and economic challenges.
GIZ representative Manuela Oettinger highlighted the role of youth in rebuilding the country, describing them as a unifying force for peace and future development.
The Youth for Unity project was carried out in Idlib, Hama, Aleppo, Homs, Lattakia, Tartous and Damascus as part of ongoing efforts to promote creativity, social cohesion and youth engagement
