Maha Alkurd

Aghabani tablecloths, embroidered with gold or silver threads, are a cherished part of Syrian culture, passed down through generations. Tracing back to Syrian-Ottoman history, Aghabani embroidered fabrics are particularly renowned among the men and women from Damascus and its outskirts, the city where this art has been practiced for over 200 years. Once gracing a Damascus dining table, this vintage beauty now adorns our home, symbolizing heritage, family, and the timeless art of Syrian craftsmanship.
Embroidering Aghabani textiles to make tablecloths or clothing is a skill passed down from generation to generation, mainly among Syrian women. Women bring their selected fabrics to woodblock printers that have a variety of designs to choose from. The selected designs are printed on the fabric with washable blue ink as a guide for the embroidery, which is usually done using a special Aghabani sewing machine with gold or silver viscose threads. The finished fabrics are then washed, ironed, and ready for sale in shops.

Syrian artists like Marwan Barakat remind us of the cultural and social wealth that Syrians have to offer to the world, and inspire us to express ourselves and our talents, and to pursue our dreams, leaving a lasting legacy for us and for Syria.

Muhammad Faris, an exceptional and prominent figure in the history of space, is considered the second Arab person to set foot in space. He was born in the city of Aleppo, Syria, in 1951, and grew up in an environment filled with dreams of aviation and space. He received his basic education in his hometown before pursuing his military education, which later opened the doors for him to become an astronaut.