|
|
| Sumptuous Syrian Textiles. June 2010 Dijanne Cevaal Fiona Wright Damascus is a town that has always been there it seems. Either Damascus, or Aleppo just up the road hold claim to being the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities –around 6000 years in all. Many characters of the Old Testament hung out here as did Knights of the Crusades and today many friendly, welcoming locals. Dijanne Cevaal has a real affinity with the Middle East, she has taught and toured Textile Exhibitions around many countries there and for her Syria rates as a real highlight. The people are very friendly and welcoming and there is so much here intact and easily accessible- extensive Roman Ruins, Crusader Castles, souks or covered markets; a warren of treasures waiting to be discovered and bartered over, packed full of carpets, textiles and hours worth of satisfying exploration. As a recent travel article on Damascus points out “it is mix of Jews, Christians and Muslims spiced by Greek, Roman, Persian, Byzantine, Arab and mostly recently French culture” as you can guess not only will a sense of history prevail,,there is a rich culture to explore and the food it amazing! Imagine standing at the edge of the Souk, looking through a massive Roman Gate at an eighth century mosque, your eye passing along a shop selling 21st Century electrical items- that view sums the country up- layers of history living together. This journey of exploration will revolve around a travel journal- time to collect ideas, discuss designs, sketch or stitch samples inspired by some of the places we visit and things we see, Fiona and Dijanne are practicing artists and used to working on the road, catching ideas, raiding markets and starting off projects to finish back home. We will visit local artisan weavers, felt makers and a textile restorer,a gentleman who weaves tent straps[Berber goat hair is the most desirable fibre as it is more water proof!] , ancient roman ruins- Palmyra once a major stop on the legendary Silk Road, Crusader Castles, Saladin’s Fortress, souks and great food experiences. You are most welcome to join us. |
| ||||||||||||||
