Homs, June 16 (SANA) A cultural event celebrating Circassian heritage brought together traditional dress, cuisine, folklore and music in Homs on Monday as part of Syria‘s Intangible Heritage Week, an initiative aimed at promoting awareness of the country’s diverse cultural traditions.
Held at the Culture Palace and organized by the Homs Directorate of Culture in cooperation with the Najeeb Foundation for Heritage, the event featured exhibitions of traditional Circassian clothing, handicrafts, household items and cuisine, alongside artistic performances showcasing Circassian customs, dances and folklore.
Organizers said the event sought to highlight Circassian culture as an integral part of Syria’s social and cultural landscape while encouraging younger generations to engage with their heritage.
Linda Hatouzo, executive director of the Najeeb Foundation for Circassian Heritage, said the foundation focuses on preserving Circassian identity through educational and cultural programs, including teaching the Circassian language, customs and traditions to children.
She said the foundation also offers educational courses in Arabic and English, Quranic studies and vocational training programs aimed at developing practical and craft skills among young people.
Aya Saleem, head of the Heritage Department at the Homs Directorate of Culture, said the event was dedicated to introducing visitors to Circassian folklore through displays of traditional food, clothing and cultural artifacts, as well as a live artistic program reflecting the community’s heritage.
Saleem noted that activities organized as part of Intangible Heritage Week have attracted strong public attendance since their launch, reflecting growing interest in preserving cultural heritage and documenting traditional practices.
Local officials said the event helped showcase the contribution of Circassians to Syria’s cultural diversity and provided an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the community’s history and traditions.
The event forms part of a broader week-long program dedicated to Syria’s intangible cultural heritage. Activities scheduled throughout the week include exhibitions, storytelling sessions, discussions and performances highlighting traditional songs, customs, folklore and oral history from different regions of the country.
R A H/ABD
