Damascus 21 July (SANA) – In-depth historical research blended with authentic live folkloric performances, creating a captivating spectacle at the Ministry of Culture’s pavilion at the NASTEX exhibition in Damascus.
While the lecture “Syrian Textiles Through Archaeological Discoveries” took attendees on a journey through historical periods spanning from the Bronze Age to the Ottoman era, revealing the cultural significance of this heritage over thousands of years, the performances of the “Karni Armenian Heritage Ensemble” captured the pulse of daily life through dance routines and traditional melodies. These performances coincided with the Damascus debut of Turkmen singer Mahmud Jushkin.
Syrian Textiles; A Journey of Civilization and Prosperity
In his lecture, Dr. Masoud Badawi, Director of Antiquities and Museums, traced the cultural and economic role of the textile industry in shaping Syrian identity. He presented evidence of weaving discovered at the sites of Ebla, Mari, and Qatna, where primitive looms began their journey in the Bronze Age (3100–1200 BCE) before their techniques developed and the trade in wool and linen fabrics expanded during the Iron Age (1200–333 BCE). Dr. Badawi explained that the Classical period (333 BCE–622CE) witnessed a widespread flourishing of weaving workshops, benefiting from a variety of raw materials such as Damascene silk, northern and Euphrates cotton, desert wool, and domestic linen. This strengthened Syria’s position as a pivotal industrial and commercial center in the region.
Umayyad Style and Ancient Mamluk Brocade
Badawi explained that the Umayyad era (661–750 CE) marked a pivotal period with the establishment of government-run brocade workshops producing official robes adorned with Arabic calligraphy, floral motifs, and gold thread. Meanwhile, Syrian cities maintained their industrial prominence during the Abbasid era (750–1258 CE) through the expansion of cotton and silk production and the development of natural dyeing techniques. Aleppo emerged as a central trading hub, and independent professional specializations such as embroidery and Kufic calligraphy developed.
Brocade Silk: The Pinnacle of Syrian Industry
Badawi concluded by noting that the textile industry reached its zenith during the Ottoman era (1516–1918 CE), particularly in Damascus and Aleppo, which were renowned for producing brocade adorned with gold and silver threads, damask, silk satin, and luxurious velvet for sultanic attire and diplomatic gifts.
Folklore Arts Enhance Syrian Textiles
The Armenian Heritage Ensemble, Karni, presented five dance tableaux depicting details of daily life and professions such as harvesting and herding, accompanied by singer Marie Hossepian with two renditions of traditional Armenian songs. The event also marked the first performance on Syrian stages by the renowned Turkmen singer, Mahmud Jushkin, who presented arts that are an integral part of the Syrian cultural fabric, accompanied by the Syrian Heritage Music Ensemble.
The organizers of the event emphasize d the importance of continuing to present these traditional arts (musical, vocal, and dance) regularly on Syrian stages and other cultural platforms, ensuring they are not forgotten. They also noted the ongoing support provided by the Ministry of Culture to guarantee that this cultural heritage reaches the widest possible audience.
T.S /Mazen
