July 16, 2023, was a dark day for the ancient city of Damascus. A fire raged through the historic Sarouja neighborhood, reducing a number of heritage homes to ashes. Two months later, in September 2023, a residential building in the Syrian capital’s Malki neighborhood partially collapsed as a result of unauthorized excavation for a basement. While these events might not seem connected, they underscore an overarching issue: the vulnerability of Damascus properties in the face of natural and man-made crises, exacerbated by corruption, greed, and failed and vicious state policies.
Damascene brocade on verge of collapsing in war-torn Syria 1 minute read
By Rania Zanoun
Damascus, Mar 3 (efe-epa).- The generations-old art of weaving Damascene brocade is in danger of extinction due to the war that has ravaged Syria since 2011 and forced many of artisanal masters to flee the country.
“Before, 40 years ago, more than 2,000 people worked in the brocade, today it’s only me and Mr. Mohamed,” says Ahmed Shakaki, as he weaves threads of silk on his old loom at his workshop.
“We have asked the concerned authorities to help prevent this craft from disappearing,” the 60-year-old adds.
Shakaki, who has been weaving brocade for four decades, passes threads to his assistant Mohamed Rankoussi at the workshop located in a handicraft market, where these fabrics that are considered one of the most expensive in the world are being exhibited.