Damascus, Sept 5 (SANA)The 63rd Damascus International Fair, which concluded on Friday, evolved into a cultural gathering featuring a diverse range of Arab traditions, with the return of Arab embassies and countries bringing an interactive presence that helped revive human and cultural ties after years of absence.
The Arab pavilions showcased the rich and varied identities and heritage of their respective countries, introducing Syrian visitors to traditional clothing, arts, handicrafts and everyday cultural practices. Their participation added a cultural dimension to the fair alongside its commercial and business activities.
Egyptian pavilion highlights galabias and traditional textiles
The Egyptian pavilion focused on traditional textiles and the country’s textile industry.
Amr Mohamed Al-Shami, a representative of al-Shami Fashion, told SANA that the company displayed handmade Egyptian galabias and dresses, highlighting an aspect of Egypt’s long-standing cultural identity.
He said cotton galabias remain widely popular across the Arab world because of their quality and competitive prices, adding that participation in the fair offered promising opportunities for trade and the expansion of Egyptian products into new markets.
Sudanese pavilion showcases coffee rituals and bridal henna
The Sudanese Embassy pavilion offered visitors a sensory introduction to Sudanese culture, featuring traditional wedding clothing, handmade straw plates, Sudanese henna, incense and agricultural products.
Batoul Jibril said the participation aimed to reintroduce Sudanese cultural identity to Syrian visitors by highlighting everyday customs and traditions.
She noted the strong interest shown by visitors in the food products and handicrafts on display.
A dedicated section also demonstrated traditional coffee preparation and roasting, a practice with a special social significance in Sudan that is closely associated with wedding ceremonies.
Libyan pavilion highlights architecture and palm-leaf crafts
The Libyan pavilion featured a broad selection of the country’s historical and cultural heritage.
Abdel Majid Dandouna, the pavilion’s representative, said the participation focused on showcasing Libya’s historical richness through sections dedicated to architecture, traditional crafts and clothing, offering visitors a visual journey through Libyan cities and archaeological landmarks.
The exhibits included traditional pottery, handmade palm-leaf products, wool carpets, folk costumes and historical objects.
A Libyan visual artist also created a live painting featuring Syrian landmarks, including the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus and the waterwheels of Hama, highlighting cultural exchange and ties between the two countries.
Damascus International Fair, first launched in 1954, is one of the oldest trade fairs in the Middle East. Its 63rd edition was held under the slogan “Syria Shines Anew,” bringing together around 1,000 entities and companies from 60 countries and reaffirming the fair’s historic role as a platform connecting international trade with cultural and intellectual exchange.
kA/MZN
