War drains Syria of skilled craftsmen

Last Update: 2019-03-29 00:00:00 - Source: Rudaw

It's business as usual for this glass blower. But for how long?

Artisans like him are worried about the impact eight years of conflict has had on their traditions and skills.

Many of the country's specialized artisans have fled the country, seeking safety.

Manual glass blowing know how, like that of many other craft professions, is gradually fading in Syria.

And few people have stayed to pass on the secrets of the trade.

Khaled Al-Hallak, a glass factory owner whose profession was passed down from his grandfather via his father, says that glassblowing has been hit hard by the Syrian conflict.

"This profession was affected by the crisis in Syria where there is no more tourism in the country," he says.

"Bombs were landing near the factory, so we were highly affected."

Damascus traders and craftsmen have established themselves as masters of their profession in the region.

But decorative arts are now rarely produced in Damascus, a city that historically exported its hand-manufactured products to the world.

Ziad Al-Shayeb makes copper plates and intricately designed chandeliers.

"Before the crisis we had a strong economy, we were exporting a lot, we used to have a shipment out of Syria on weekly basis," he explains.

"Now we have goods in stock where there is no exporting," he says.

Many of these artisanal traditions, which have been passed down through generations, cannot be learned at schools or academies.

Fuad Abrash is the head of Damascus oriental handicrafts.

In his workshop there is a breathtaking display of work ranging from backgammon and chess boards to tables and other furniture.

The Syrian conflict has killed more than 400,000 people and displaced half the country's population, but Abrash says that's not the only reason behind the lack of apprentices.

"Our youth are focusing on computers and electronics," he says, adding that knowledge of art and physical strength are required for his work.

A craftsman polishes a backgammon board to perfection.

The skill that has gone into making this beautiful box is obvious.

But will there still be Syrian craftsmen producing these intricate objects 20 years from now?