Damascus, Feb. 12 (SANA) Amid rows of newly published books and crowded aisles at the Damascus International Book Fair, visitors are pausing at an unexpected attraction: a live demonstration of stained glass making, one of the city’s oldest traditional crafts.
Inside the pavilion of the Damascus Directorate of Culture, sheets of colored glass catch the light as artisans cut, grind and assemble intricate patterns — a process that blends centuries-old techniques with modern design tools.
The display has transformed the cultural stand into what organizers describe as a bridge between literature and visual heritage, offering fairgoers a close look at a craft long associated with the architectural and artistic identity of Damascus.
Abdullah Soufieh, a stained-glass artisan invited by the Directorate of Culture to participate in the event, said his goal is to revive and reinterpret a trade passed down through generations.
“Our aim is to present this heritage craft in a contemporary way,” Soufieh said, explaining that the featured piece at the exhibition centers on the “Damascene Rose,” reimagined with modern colors and patterns.
While computer-assisted design and automated vinyl cutting are now used in early production stages, he said much of the work remains manual — from cutting and shaping the glass to assembling pieces using copper foil and tin soldering techniques.
Stained glass in Damascus is closely linked to Islamic geometric ornamentation and the warm color palettes that decorate domes, mosques and traditional wooden interiors. According to Soufieh, the time required to complete a piece varies depending on the complexity and precision of the design.
Visual artist Raghad Sweid, a graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts, said she joined the initiative to highlight the intellectual and aesthetic dimensions of the craft. She added that the exhibition offers what she described as “visual nourishment,” particularly for art students and enthusiasts, by demonstrating how artistic ideas take shape through both craftsmanship and technical knowledge.
The Damascus International Book Fair continues to draw large crowds, with cultural demonstrations such as the stained glass workshop adding a tangible layer of heritage to the literary event.
M.S
