
Syrian Women at the Heart of the Revolution
These women are not just names in the memory of the revolution, but rather a foundation for building a free Syria. Their struggle is a living testimony that change begins
As Syrians, many of us do not possess much knowledge about the richness and diversity of our material culture. There is no unified understanding or image that we as Syrians have of our material culture, and this is due to two matters. First, it is vast and very diverse, but secondly, it has been faced with the threats of war, globalization, as well as colonization. War not only directly impacted tourism and our economy, but also the continuity of our craftsmen and women and our local businesses, all of which are key in the preservation of our material culture. As someone passionate and obsessed about Damascus and material arts across Syria, I set out on a mission to directly support our artists, craftworkers, and culture!
I founded R’s Culture recently to pave the path for Syrians, and others abroad who are unable to be in Syria, to obtain authentically-made Syrian goods, created by local craftsmen and women from the city and villages, at the highest quality and for the prices they are worth, beyond inflation and the lack of capabilities in Syria. They are in need of your help, as this is not something that is currently within the priorities or financial capabilities of many Syrians in the country. I cannot open a school, buy them a bus or offer them electricity, but I can at least support them in the continuity and spread of culture. Whether it is embroidered dresses and scarves, silver, upholstery, tablecloths or jewelry, supporting them means supporting our endangered heritage and culture. In the past, we could identify a Palestinian woman through her dress, a bedouin woman by the gold coins jingling on her bracelet, a Damascene woman by her Turquoise jewelry… often, particular patterns or colors meant coming from a particular area. There was so much beauty and diversity, but today, we see clothing of completely cheap quality, one that is repetitive and not unique, and, most importantly, one that is soulless. Help maintain our culture and support our Syrian artists and preservers of our culture by being representatives of your country.
These women are not just names in the memory of the revolution, but rather a foundation for building a free Syria. Their struggle is a living testimony that change begins
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