Syria’s traditional glassblowing is an artisanal craft with origins dating back over two thousand years, beginning in the era of the Phoenicians and continuing through the Roman period, with Damascus emerging as a renowned center for high-quality glass production and intricate designs .

The techniques developed in Syria, particularly in cities such as Damascus, Aleppo, Sidon, Hama, and Palmyra, have influenced glassmaking traditions across the Mediterranean and beyond, establishing a legacy that is still recognized today .

The craft’s methods, largely unchanged since the 1st century BC, involve melting recycled glass at high temperatures and shaping it into various forms such as vases, plates, and decorative items, often adorned with vibrant colors and intricate motifs .

Glassblowing in Syria is not only a technical art but also a vital part of the country’s cultural identity, reflecting centuries of craftsmanship and artistic expression passed down through generations .

The products, ranging from hookah bottles to decorative pieces, showcase the creativity and imagination of Syrian artisans, making the craft a symbol of Syrian heritage and community pride .

The influence of various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, is evident in the motifs and techniques preserved by Syrian glassblowers .

Currently, the traditional glassblowing craft in Syria faces severe challenges.

The ongoing conflict and economic hardship have drastically reduced the number of practicing artisans, as many have fled the country or shifted to other employment, resulting in a significant loss of traditional skills and knowledge .

In some liberated areas, such as Urem Al-Kubra in Aleppo, artisans like Yassin Arab and Hussein Najjar have returned to their workshops, striving to revive the craft despite adversity .

However, the artisan community remains small and vulnerable, with the risk of the craft disappearing if current trends continue .

Recognizing

Syria’s traditional glassblowing is an artisanal craft with origins dating back over two thousand years, beginning in the era of the Phoenicians and continuing through the Roman period, with Damascus emerging as a renowned center for high-quality glass production and intricate designs .

Title:

Content: Art of glassblowing returns again in Aleppo countryside liberated from terrorism

The town of Urem Al-Kubra in Aleppo province in northern Syria has historically been famous for its skilled glassblowing craftsmen. The war considerably affected this traditional craft inherited from our ancestors, but after the liberation of the city from terrorism, some artisans have brought it back to life. The artisan, Yassin Arab learned the glassblowing craft from his father when he was a child, and after the town was liberated from terrorism, he returned to his small facility, where he worked to restore it and start working again. Arab does not hide his enormous passion for the craft of glassblowing and his belief in the need to preserve this ancient Syrian heritage. Regarding the working mechanism, the artisan explained to SANA that he uses recycled glass, melts it again in the oven at high temperature, and then chooses a specific shape for its manufacture, whether hookah bottles, vases, plates, small jugs, fish houses for decoration, decorated cups and antiques of different sizes. After that, t he piece is blown, rotated and processed by the artisan until it takes its final shape using white and brown colors, and once the manufacturing of the product is finished, it is decorated and colored to give it the required aesthetics. For his part, Hussein Najjar noted that he learned the craft of blowing glass manually since he was young and has been working in this field for 40 years. He added that he is able to make any shape or glass container, using his imagination, and considered that the art of glassblowing is one of the types of plastic arts. Traditional glassblowing is a profession that dates back more than two thousand years (since the time of the Phoenicians) and was included in December 2023 by UNESCO on the list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity that needs urgent preservation. Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

The techniques developed in Syria, particularly in cities such as Damascus, Aleppo, Sidon, Hama, and Palmyra, have influenced glassmaking traditions across the Mediterranean and beyond, establishing a legacy that is still recognized today .

The craft’s methods, largely unchanged since the 1st century BC, involve melting recycled glass at high temperatures and shaping it into various forms such as vases, plates, and decorative items, often adorned with vibrant colors and intricate motifs .

Title:

Content: Bella Hadid flashes her toned figure in shorts and a cropped sports top while showing off her creative side as she learns the art of glassblowing

It appears Bella Hadid has found a new hobby that showcases her artistic side.

On Sunday, the catwalk queen took to her Instagram page and posted a step-by-step video of herself making her own glass piece, using classic glassblowing technique in a workshop.

Considering the extreme temperatures it takes to make glass from beginning to end, Bella opted to keep her cloths to a minimum and wore skimpy white shorts with a cropped purple sports top.

Showing her creative side: Bella Hadid, 25, learned the classic art of glassblowing to make her own glass piece and posting a video on her Instagram page on Sunday

Glass is made from the process of heating sand to an extremely high temperature so that it turns into a moldable liquid. When it solidifies, a piece of glass is formed in whatever shape the creator has molded it into.

In the video, viewers will find Bella at the stage where she's working to shape the molten red hot material.

She can be seen sitting down and jabbing a long, sharp wrench-like tool with her scorching hot material, which was attached to a hollow blow pole about three feet long.

She was concerned with safety and wore goggles to protect her eyes.

Shaping: The video shows Bella at the stage where she's working to shape the molten red hot material that is attached to a blow pole

Working it: An instructor can be heard voicing a couple of tips as she spins that object around to the point where a small hole begins to form

Dose of heat: By the end of the first clip, Bella gets up and gives the hot material another dose of intense heat by placing it into a fiery furnace

An instructor can be heard voicing a couple of tips as she spins that object round and round to the point where a small hole begins to form.

By the end of the first clip, Bella gets up and gives the hot material another dose of intense heat by placing it into the fiery furnace.

For the next phase, the instructor assists Bella and slowly spins the blow pole while she sands down the still-molten red piece with two black blocks.

The heat is so intense that you can see steam floating into the air as they continue the sanding-down process.

Honing it: For the next phase, the instructor assists Bella and slowly spins the blow pole while she sands down the still molten red piece with two black blocks

Team work: Bella and the instructor work together to begin molding the molten hot object into shape with those two black blocks

Trippy: Bella gave her 53.7 million Instagram fans and followers a look at how her glass piece is looking at this stage of the process

More intense heat: At one point, the Washington, DC, native can be seen kneeling down using a small propane tank to heat up the object to make a few more changes

At one point, the Washington, DC, native can be seen kneeling down using a small propane tank to heat up the object to make a few more changes.

'Oh yeah, that's the one right there,' a man's voice from behind the camera can be heard saying as they continue to spin the object while jabbing it with that sharp tool.

As the process continues, Bella sits down, spinning the blow pole back and forth as it rests in a round plate that she holds with her right hand.

'It's a perfect shape,' the instructors says in encouragement.

'Here it is, ladies and gentlemen,' the man continues just as Bella gets up to blow into the pole to expand the molten hot material out to form some sort of glassware or vase.

Example: The catwalk queen drew out the shape of her piece she was trying to attain with chalk

Rounding it out: As the process continues, Bella sits down and spins the blow pole back and forth as it rests in a round plate that she holds with her right hand

Major phase: 'Here it is, ladies and gentlemen,' the man from behind the camera continues as Bella starts blowing into the pole

Expanding: Bella then process of blowing into the pole to expand the molten material out to form some sort of glassware

Old technique: Glassblowing is the practice of shaping a mass of glass that has been softened by heat by blowing air into it through a tube, or in this case a pole

The final clips shows a closeup of Bella spinning the glass while adding a few intricate touches to the piece with a prong-like tool.

Glassblowing is the practice of shaping a mass of glass that has been softened by heat by blowing air into it through a tube

It was was invented by Syrian craftsmen in the area of Sidon, Aleppo, Hama and Palmyra in the 1st century BC, according to Britannica.

The technique has remained essentially the same to the present day.

Ancient art form: Glassblowing was was invented by Syrian craftsmen in the area of Sidon, Aleppo, Hama and Palmyra in the 1st century bc, according to Britannica

Lovin' it: The glassblowing technique has remained basically the same to the present day

Advertisement

Bella Hadid flashes her toned figure in shorts and a crop top while learning the art of glassblowing

No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

Glassblowing in Syria is not only a technical art but also a vital part of the country’s cultural identity, reflecting centuries of craftsmanship and artistic expression passed down through generations .

The products, ranging from hookah bottles to decorative pieces, showcase the creativity and imagination of Syrian artisans, making the craft a symbol of Syrian heritage and community pride .

The influence of various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, is evident in the motifs and techniques preserved by Syrian glassblowers .

Currently, the traditional glassblowing craft in Syria faces severe challenges.

The ongoing conflict and economic hardship have drastically reduced the number of practicing artisans, as many have fled the country or shifted to other employment, resulting in a significant loss of traditional skills and knowledge .

In some liberated areas, such as Urem Al-Kubra in Aleppo, artisans like Yassin Arab and Hussein Najjar have returned to their workshops, striving to revive the craft despite adversity .

However, the artisan community remains small and vulnerable, with the risk of the craft disappearing if current trends continue .

Recognizing

Recognizing


Syria’s traditional glassblowing is an artisanal craft with a lineage extending over two thousand years, rooted in the ancient civilizations of the region, including the Phoenicians and later the Romans, who significantly influenced the development of glassmaking techniques in the area .

Archaeological evidence from sites such as Sidon, Aleppo, Hama, and Palmyra demonstrates that glass production and blowing techniques were established and refined by Syrian craftsmen as early as the 1st century BC .

Damascus, in particular, emerged as a major center for glass production during the Roman period, and the styles and methods developed there have had a lasting impact on glassmaking traditions throughout the Middle East .

The craft’s historical evolution is marked by a continuous transmission of knowledge and skills across generations, with families often maintaining glassblowing workshops for centuries .

Syrian glassblowers are renowned for their ability to create a wide array of items, including vases, plates, decorative objects, hookah bottles, and religious artifacts, many of which feature intricate designs and vibrant colors that are distinctive to the region .

The use of recycled glass, melted at high temperatures and shaped through blowing, rotating, and decorating, is a hallmark of the Syrian tradition, reflecting both resourcefulness and a deep understanding of material properties .

Culturally, glassblowing in Syria is far more than a technical skill; it is a vital component of the country’s intangible heritage and a symbol of artistic expression, creativity, and community identity .

The craft is closely linked to local traditions, with many families passing down their expertise through generations, fostering a strong sense of pride and continuity within their communities .

The products of Syrian glassblowing often incorporate motifs inspired by nature and Islamic art, and the craft itself is considered a form of plastic art, where the imagination and vision of the artisan are as important as technical proficiency .

Artisans such as Yassin Arab, who learned the craft from his father, and Hussein Najjar, with four decades of experience, exemplify the dedication and skill required to sustain this tradition .

The importance of glassblowing in Syrian culture is underscored by its role in daily life, religious practices, and artistic traditions.

Glass items produced by Syrian artisans are not only functional but also serve as decorative and symbolic objects, reflecting the region’s rich cultural narratives and diversity .

The craft’s integration into community life has made it a source of economic livelihood and a means of reinforcing social bonds, especially in cities like Damascus and Aleppo, which have historically been centers of glass production .

Despite its deep roots and cultural significance, traditional glassblowing in Syria faces existential threats.

The ongoing conflict in Syria has had a devastating impact on the craft, leading to the destruction of workshops, displacement of artisans, and a dramatic decline in the number of skilled craftsmen actively practicing traditional glassblowing .

Many artisans have been forced to abandon their workshops or flee the country, resulting in a significant loss of traditional skills and knowledge, and threatening the transmission of the craft to younger generations .

Economic hardship further compounds these challenges, as artisans struggle to source materials, sustain their businesses, and access markets amid instability and lack of financial support .

The destruction of infrastructure and the collapse of local markets have also undermined the livelihoods of craftsmen and reduced the demand for handcrafted goods .

Additionally, cultural erosion is a growing concern, as younger generations are increasingly drawn to more stable professions or emigrate, risking the disappearance of traditional skills .

The current status of the craft is precarious.

The number of practicing traditional glassblowers has declined sharply, with many workshops shuttered and only a handful of artisans remaining in key centers such as Damascus and Aleppo .

However, there are notable examples of resilience and revival.

Following the liberation of areas like Urem Al-Kubra in Aleppo, some artisans, including Yassin Arab, have returned to their workshops to restore and continue the glassblowing tradition, often using recycled glass and traditional techniques .

Experienced craftsmen like Hussein Najjar continue to produce a wide range of glass items, combining imagination and skill to keep the craft alive .

These revival efforts are seen not only as a means of economic recovery but also as vital acts of cultural preservation and community identity reinforcement .

Recognizing the urgent threat to this ancient craft, UNESCO included Syrian traditional glassblowing on its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in December 2023 .

This designation is a response to the risk of extinction posed by the loss of artisans, destruction of workshops, and lack of economic opportunities for craftsmen .

UNESCO’s listing aims to draw international attention and support for safeguarding the craft, ensuring that future generations can continue to engage with and learn from this significant aspect of Syrian heritage .

The organization’s safeguarding measures focus on providing support for training, documentation, and promotion of the craft, as well as encouraging initiatives such as training programs for young artisans and efforts to revitalize interest in traditional glassblowing .

UNESCO’s recognition underscores the importance of preserving not only the technical skills and knowledge involved in glassblowing but also the cultural significance the craft holds for the Syrian people .

The listing is intended to mobilize international support, raise awareness, and encourage initiatives that can help revitalize and sustain the craft amidst the challenges faced by Syrian artisans .

The safeguarding efforts are also aimed at preserving cultural diversity and supporting sustainable development in the region by maintaining the livelihoods of the artisans .

From the perspective of Syrian artisans, the future of glassblowing is seen as a matter of both cultural survival and economic necessity.

Artisans like Yassin Arab and Hussein Najjar emphasize the importance of passing on their skills to younger generations and view the revival and continuation of glassblowing as essential for the cultural and economic recovery of their communities .

They regard the craft as a living cultural practice that requires not only technical skill but also imagination and creativity, and they are committed to preserving and revitalizing this ancient art despite the severe challenges posed by war and economic difficulties .

In summary, Syria’s traditional glassblowing is a historically rich and culturally significant craft that embodies the artistic heritage and identity of the region .

Its history stretches back over two millennia, with Damascus serving as a key center of innovation and production.

The craft’s importance in Syrian culture is reflected in its role as a form of artistic expression, a source of community identity, and a means of economic livelihood.

However, the ongoing conflict and economic hardship have placed the craft in jeopardy, leading to a sharp decline in the number of practicing artisans and threatening the transmission of traditional skills.

UNESCO’s urgent safeguarding designation in December 2023 highlights the critical need for preservation efforts, international support, and community initiatives to ensure that this unique element of Syria’s intangible cultural heritage endures for future generations .

Syria’s traditional glassblowing is an artisanal craft with a lineage extending over two thousand years, rooted in the ancient civilizations of the region, including the Phoenicians and later the Romans, who significantly influenced the development of glassmaking techniques in the area .

Title:

Content: Bella Hadid flashes her toned figure in shorts and a cropped sports top while showing off her creative side as she learns the art of glassblowing

It appears Bella Hadid has found a new hobby that showcases her artistic side.

On Sunday, the catwalk queen took to her Instagram page and posted a step-by-step video of herself making her own glass piece, using classic glassblowing technique in a workshop.

Considering the extreme temperatures it takes to make glass from beginning to end, Bella opted to keep her cloths to a minimum and wore skimpy white shorts with a cropped purple sports top.

Showing her creative side: Bella Hadid, 25, learned the classic art of glassblowing to make her own glass piece and posting a video on her Instagram page on Sunday

Glass is made from the process of heating sand to an extremely high temperature so that it turns into a moldable liquid. When it solidifies, a piece of glass is formed in whatever shape the creator has molded it into.

In the video, viewers will find Bella at the stage where she's working to shape the molten red hot material.

She can be seen sitting down and jabbing a long, sharp wrench-like tool with her scorching hot material, which was attached to a hollow blow pole about three feet long.

She was concerned with safety and wore goggles to protect her eyes.

Shaping: The video shows Bella at the stage where she's working to shape the molten red hot material that is attached to a blow pole

Working it: An instructor can be heard voicing a couple of tips as she spins that object around to the point where a small hole begins to form

Dose of heat: By the end of the first clip, Bella gets up and gives the hot material another dose of intense heat by placing it into a fiery furnace

An instructor can be heard voicing a couple of tips as she spins that object round and round to the point where a small hole begins to form.

By the end of the first clip, Bella gets up and gives the hot material another dose of intense heat by placing it into the fiery furnace.

For the next phase, the instructor assists Bella and slowly spins the blow pole while she sands down the still-molten red piece with two black blocks.

The heat is so intense that you can see steam floating into the air as they continue the sanding-down process.

Honing it: For the next phase, the instructor assists Bella and slowly spins the blow pole while she sands down the still molten red piece with two black blocks

Team work: Bella and the instructor work together to begin molding the molten hot object into shape with those two black blocks

Trippy: Bella gave her 53.7 million Instagram fans and followers a look at how her glass piece is looking at this stage of the process

More intense heat: At one point, the Washington, DC, native can be seen kneeling down using a small propane tank to heat up the object to make a few more changes

At one point, the Washington, DC, native can be seen kneeling down using a small propane tank to heat up the object to make a few more changes.

'Oh yeah, that's the one right there,' a man's voice from behind the camera can be heard saying as they continue to spin the object while jabbing it with that sharp tool.

As the process continues, Bella sits down, spinning the blow pole back and forth as it rests in a round plate that she holds with her right hand.

'It's a perfect shape,' the instructors says in encouragement.

'Here it is, ladies and gentlemen,' the man continues just as Bella gets up to blow into the pole to expand the molten hot material out to form some sort of glassware or vase.

Example: The catwalk queen drew out the shape of her piece she was trying to attain with chalk

Rounding it out: As the process continues, Bella sits down and spins the blow pole back and forth as it rests in a round plate that she holds with her right hand

Major phase: 'Here it is, ladies and gentlemen,' the man from behind the camera continues as Bella starts blowing into the pole

Expanding: Bella then process of blowing into the pole to expand the molten material out to form some sort of glassware

Old technique: Glassblowing is the practice of shaping a mass of glass that has been softened by heat by blowing air into it through a tube, or in this case a pole

The final clips shows a closeup of Bella spinning the glass while adding a few intricate touches to the piece with a prong-like tool.

Glassblowing is the practice of shaping a mass of glass that has been softened by heat by blowing air into it through a tube

It was was invented by Syrian craftsmen in the area of Sidon, Aleppo, Hama and Palmyra in the 1st century BC, according to Britannica.

The technique has remained essentially the same to the present day.

Ancient art form: Glassblowing was was invented by Syrian craftsmen in the area of Sidon, Aleppo, Hama and Palmyra in the 1st century bc, according to Britannica

Lovin' it: The glassblowing technique has remained basically the same to the present day

Advertisement

Bella Hadid flashes her toned figure in shorts and a crop top while learning the art of glassblowing

No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

Title:

Content: You are here

Where astrology meets mythology: Discovering ancient sanctuary of Khirbat at-Tannoris

By Saeb Rawashdeh - Mar 21,2024 - Last updated at Mar 21,2024

Nabataean depiction of Atargatis from Khirbet at-Tannor that was placed on the inner temenos enclosure entrance (Photo courtesy of Jordan Archaeological Museum)

AMMAN — Khirbat at-Tannoris, located at the northern border of Edom, near Wadi Al Hasa, was excavated by the American archaeologist Nelson Glueck in 1937. Few decades later, Glueck published a book “Deities and Dolphins” in 1965 highlighting the artistic side of the sanctuary as well as the Nabataean belief system. Sculptures at Khirbat at-Tannoris were evaluated by different scholars and one of them has been a German historian Robert Wenning who studied the Nabataean astral belief.

Khirbat at-Tannoris and the nearby Khirbat adh- Dharih were found by the Nabataeans, but the monumental extension of the sanctuaries at both sites took place in the first half of the 2nd century AD (that is the early phase of the new Provincia Arabia after Roman Empire annexed Petra in 106 AD).

“The subject of the frieze of the Qasr adh- Dharih, excavated by François Villeneuve and Zeidun Muheisen, was recognised in 1999 by the bust of Libra with a balance as busts of the zodiac figures in alternation with standing Nike figure,” Wenning said, adding that the busts of Taurus, the Gemini, Cancer, Libra and a fragment of Sagittarius and some Nike figures are also preserved.

The identification of the busts is facilitated by their crowning attributes, such as the horns on the bust of Taurus, the professor said, noting that another researcher, Judith McKenzie, elaborated on the zodiac approach and gave a new interpretation of the so-called Dolphin Goddess from Khirbat at-Tannoris.

“Previously, Glueck understood that this bust was a representation of the Syrian goddess Atargatis and that this relief was the corner-stone of his interpretation of the entire decorative programme of Khirbat at-Tannoris,” Wenning said, adding that McKenzie correctly demonstrated that the marine creatures in the hair of the bust are clearly fish, and not dolphins, identical to the fishes in the zodiac.

The counterpart of the bust with the fish is a female bust with ears of grain in the hair, so-called Grain Goddess, how Glueck described her.

“McKenzie identified the two busts as zodiac signs, Virgo and Pisces, already suggested by Starcky and the busts decorated the outer pilasters of platform III, which is about a century later than the main phase of the sanctuary,” Wenning elaborated, noting that there are five other panels with busts, but they follow a more simplistic pattern.

The zodiac roundel with a bust of a female deity in its middle is carried by a Nike and in comparison with other zodiacs (the arrangement of the signs at the at-Tannoris zodiac differs from the usual sequence).

“It starts at the top with the bust of Aries, runs down to Virgo in the left half, then turns back to the top to Libra and runs down to Pisces in the right half. To explain this peculiarity the two halves have been interpreted as the civil year beginning with the month Nisan [consists of 30 days] on the left, and the normal year beginning with Tishri [seventh month of ecclesiastical year] on the right,” Wenning explained, adding that this presumed blending and integration of two calendars and two different New Year was result of the Egyptian influence.

Due to political, economic and social influence of the Egyptian society, there are certain parallels for a divided zodiac, but, significantly, none for a divided zodiac ring nor for a change of sequence of zodiacs.

“Indeed, another interpretation seems to be possible. Not only is the sequence of the signs unusual, but also the iconography of various signs as busts,” Wenning said, adding that the zodiac is organised in pairs, the most prominent ones being the two on top.

Consequently, Aries and Libra indicate the spring and the autumn equinox, and East and West. In the Babylonian mythology, the ram is connected with the moon, the scales with the sun, and both moon and sun are male deities, Wenning underlined.

“That might explain why Aries is here pictured as a male bust, wrongly interpreted by Glueck as bust of Athena. At first glance it may seem far-fetched to bring in Babylonian models as an explanation, but one must consider that Hellenistic-Roman world was thoroughly acquainted with Babylonian astronomy.

Convincingly, the two masks in the frieze of the Tomb with the Armour at Petra and the masks of some tombs at Hegra are interpreted as a representation of the beheaded Sumerian-Babylonian demon Humbaba, Wenning said.

up
4 users have voted.

Newsletter

Get top stories and blog posts emailed to you each day.

Archaeological evidence from sites such as Sidon, Aleppo, Hama, and Palmyra demonstrates that glass production and blowing techniques were established and refined by Syrian craftsmen as early as the 1st century BC .

Damascus, in particular, emerged as a major center for glass production during the Roman period, and the styles and methods developed there have had a lasting impact on glassmaking traditions throughout the Middle East .

The craft’s historical evolution is marked by a continuous transmission of knowledge and skills across generations, with families often maintaining glassblowing workshops for centuries .

Title:

Content: Art of glassblowing returns again in Aleppo countryside liberated from terrorism

The town of Urem Al-Kubra in Aleppo province in northern Syria has historically been famous for its skilled glassblowing craftsmen. The war considerably affected this traditional craft inherited from our ancestors, but after the liberation of the city from terrorism, some artisans have brought it back to life. The artisan, Yassin Arab learned the glassblowing craft from his father when he was a child, and after the town was liberated from terrorism, he returned to his small facility, where he worked to restore it and start working again. Arab does not hide his enormous passion for the craft of glassblowing and his belief in the need to preserve this ancient Syrian heritage. Regarding the working mechanism, the artisan explained to SANA that he uses recycled glass, melts it again in the oven at high temperature, and then chooses a specific shape for its manufacture, whether hookah bottles, vases, plates, small jugs, fish houses for decoration, decorated cups and antiques of different sizes. After that, t he piece is blown, rotated and processed by the artisan until it takes its final shape using white and brown colors, and once the manufacturing of the product is finished, it is decorated and colored to give it the required aesthetics. For his part, Hussein Najjar noted that he learned the craft of blowing glass manually since he was young and has been working in this field for 40 years. He added that he is able to make any shape or glass container, using his imagination, and considered that the art of glassblowing is one of the types of plastic arts. Traditional glassblowing is a profession that dates back more than two thousand years (since the time of the Phoenicians) and was included in December 2023 by UNESCO on the list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity that needs urgent preservation. Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Syrian glassblowers are renowned for their ability to create a wide array of items, including vases, plates, decorative objects, hookah bottles, and religious artifacts, many of which feature intricate designs and vibrant colors that are distinctive to the region .

The use of recycled glass, melted at high temperatures and shaped through blowing, rotating, and decorating, is a hallmark of the Syrian tradition, reflecting both resourcefulness and a deep understanding of material properties .

Culturally, glassblowing in Syria is far more than a technical skill; it is a vital component of the country’s intangible heritage and a symbol of artistic expression, creativity, and community identity .

The craft is closely linked to local traditions, with many families passing down their expertise through generations, fostering a strong sense of pride and continuity within their communities .

The products of Syrian glassblowing often incorporate motifs inspired by nature and Islamic art, and the craft itself is considered a form of plastic art, where the imagination and vision of the artisan are as important as technical proficiency .

Artisans such as Yassin Arab, who learned the craft from his father, and Hussein Najjar, with four decades of experience, exemplify the dedication and skill required to sustain this tradition .

The importance of glassblowing in Syrian culture is underscored by its role in daily life, religious practices, and artistic traditions.

The importance of glassblowing in Syrian culture is underscored by its role in daily life, religious practices, and artistic traditions.

The importance of glassblowing in Syrian culture is underscored by its role in daily life, religious practices, and artistic traditions.

Glass items produced by Syrian artisans are not only functional but also serve as decorative and symbolic objects, reflecting the region’s rich cultural narratives and diversity .

The craft’s integration into community life has made it a source of economic livelihood and a means of reinforcing social bonds, especially in cities like Damascus and Aleppo, which have historically been centers of glass production .

Despite its deep roots and cultural significance, traditional glassblowing in Syria faces existential threats.

Despite its deep roots and cultural significance, traditional glassblowing in Syria faces existential threats.

Despite its deep roots and cultural significance, traditional glassblowing in Syria faces existential threats.

The ongoing conflict in Syria has had a devastating impact on the craft, leading to the destruction of workshops, displacement of artisans, and a dramatic decline in the number of skilled craftsmen actively practicing traditional glassblowing .

Many artisans have been forced to abandon their workshops or flee the country, resulting in a significant loss of traditional skills and knowledge, and threatening the transmission of the craft to younger generations .

Economic hardship further compounds these challenges, as artisans struggle to source materials, sustain their businesses, and access markets amid instability and lack of financial support .

The destruction of infrastructure and the collapse of local markets have also undermined the livelihoods of craftsmen and reduced the demand for handcrafted goods .

Additionally, cultural erosion is a growing concern, as younger generations are increasingly drawn to more stable professions or emigrate, risking the disappearance of traditional skills .

The current status of the craft is precarious.

The current status of the craft is precarious.

The number of practicing traditional glassblowers has declined sharply, with many workshops shuttered and only a handful of artisans remaining in key centers such as Damascus and Aleppo .

However, there are notable examples of resilience and revival.

However, there are notable examples of resilience and revival.

Following the liberation of areas like Urem Al-Kubra in Aleppo, some artisans, including Yassin Arab, have returned to their workshops to restore and continue the glassblowing tradition, often using recycled glass and traditional techniques .

Experienced craftsmen like Hussein Najjar continue to produce a wide range of glass items, combining imagination and skill to keep the craft alive .

These revival efforts are seen not only as a means of economic recovery but also as vital acts of cultural preservation and community identity reinforcement .

Recognizing the urgent threat to this ancient craft, UNESCO included Syrian traditional glassblowing on its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in December 2023 .

This designation is a response to the risk of extinction posed by the loss of artisans, destruction of workshops, and lack of economic opportunities for craftsmen .

UNESCO’s listing aims to draw international attention and support for safeguarding the craft, ensuring that future generations can continue to engage with and learn from this significant aspect of Syrian heritage .

The organization’s safeguarding measures focus on providing support for training, documentation, and promotion of the craft, as well as encouraging initiatives such as training programs for young artisans and efforts to revitalize interest in traditional glassblowing .

UNESCO’s recognition underscores the importance of preserving not only the technical skills and knowledge involved in glassblowing but also the cultural significance the craft holds for the Syrian people .

The listing is intended to mobilize international support, raise awareness, and encourage initiatives that can help revitalize and sustain the craft amidst the challenges faced by Syrian artisans .

The safeguarding efforts are also aimed at preserving cultural diversity and supporting sustainable development in the region by maintaining the livelihoods of the artisans .

From the perspective of Syrian artisans, the future of glassblowing is seen as a matter of both cultural survival and economic necessity.

From the perspective of Syrian artisans, the future of glassblowing is seen as a matter of both cultural survival and economic necessity.

From the perspective of Syrian artisans, the future of glassblowing is seen as a matter of both cultural survival and economic necessity.

Artisans like Yassin Arab and Hussein Najjar emphasize the importance of passing on their skills to younger generations and view the revival and continuation of glassblowing as essential for the cultural and economic recovery of their communities .

They regard the craft as a living cultural practice that requires not only technical skill but also imagination and creativity, and they are committed to preserving and revitalizing this ancient art despite the severe challenges posed by war and economic difficulties .

In summary, Syria’s traditional glassblowing is a historically rich and culturally significant craft that embodies the artistic heritage and identity of the region .

Its history stretches back over two millennia, with Damascus serving as a key center of innovation and production.

Its history stretches back over two millennia, with Damascus serving as a key center of innovation and production.

Its history stretches back over two millennia, with Damascus serving as a key center of innovation and production.

The craft’s importance in Syrian culture is reflected in its role as a form of artistic expression, a source of community identity, and a means of economic livelihood.

The craft’s importance in Syrian culture is reflected in its role as a form of artistic expression, a source of community identity, and a means of economic livelihood.

The craft’s importance in Syrian culture is reflected in its role as a form of artistic expression, a source of community identity, and a means of economic livelihood.

However, the ongoing conflict and economic hardship have placed the craft in jeopardy, leading to a sharp decline in the number of practicing artisans and threatening the transmission of traditional skills.

However, the ongoing conflict and economic hardship have placed the craft in jeopardy, leading to a sharp decline in the number of practicing artisans and threatening the transmission of traditional skills.

However, the ongoing conflict and economic hardship have placed the craft in jeopardy, leading to a sharp decline in the number of practicing artisans and threatening the transmission of traditional skills.

UNESCO’s urgent safeguarding designation in December 2023 highlights the critical need for preservation efforts, international support, and community initiatives to ensure that this unique element of Syria’s intangible cultural heritage endures for future generations .


Syria’s traditional glassblowing is an artisanal craft with a history spanning over two thousand years, originating during the Phoenician era and flourishing through the Roman period and the Islamic Golden Age .

The craft has been especially prominent in cities such as Damascus, Aleppo, Sidon, Hama, and Palmyra, where generations of skilled artisans have developed and preserved unique glassblowing techniques that remain largely unchanged to this day .

Syrian glassblowers are renowned for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and the ability to create both decorative and functional items such as vases, plates, and hookah bottles using traditional methods .

The craft’s techniques and styles reflect the historical influences of civilizations that have inhabited the region, including the Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Phoenicians, making it a vital part of Syria’s cultural identity and artistic heritage .

Culturally, glassblowing in Syria is more than a production technique; it is a form of artistic expression and a symbol of community identity and continuity .

The skills and knowledge required for this craft have traditionally been passed down through families, with artisans like Yassin Arab and Hussein Najjar—who has practiced for 40 years—emphasizing the importance of preserving this ancient heritage .

However, the ongoing conflict and economic challenges in Syria have severely impacted the craft.

Many workshops have been damaged or destroyed, and a significant number of artisans have been displaced or forced to abandon their trade, leading to a dramatic decline in practitioners .

In Damascus, fewer than 100 artisans are reported to still practice traditional glassblowing methods .

UNESCO recognized the urgent threat to this cultural heritage by including Syrian traditional glassblowing in its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in December 2023 .

This designation highlights the risk of

Syria’s traditional glassblowing is an artisanal craft with a history spanning over two thousand years, originating during the Phoenician era and flourishing through the Roman period and the Islamic Golden Age .

Title:

Content: Art of glassblowing returns again in Aleppo countryside liberated from terrorism

The town of Urem Al-Kubra in Aleppo province in northern Syria has historically been famous for its skilled glassblowing craftsmen. The war considerably affected this traditional craft inherited from our ancestors, but after the liberation of the city from terrorism, some artisans have brought it back to life. The artisan, Yassin Arab learned the glassblowing craft from his father when he was a child, and after the town was liberated from terrorism, he returned to his small facility, where he worked to restore it and start working again. Arab does not hide his enormous passion for the craft of glassblowing and his belief in the need to preserve this ancient Syrian heritage. Regarding the working mechanism, the artisan explained to SANA that he uses recycled glass, melts it again in the oven at high temperature, and then chooses a specific shape for its manufacture, whether hookah bottles, vases, plates, small jugs, fish houses for decoration, decorated cups and antiques of different sizes. After that, t he piece is blown, rotated and processed by the artisan until it takes its final shape using white and brown colors, and once the manufacturing of the product is finished, it is decorated and colored to give it the required aesthetics. For his part, Hussein Najjar noted that he learned the craft of blowing glass manually since he was young and has been working in this field for 40 years. He added that he is able to make any shape or glass container, using his imagination, and considered that the art of glassblowing is one of the types of plastic arts. Traditional glassblowing is a profession that dates back more than two thousand years (since the time of the Phoenicians) and was included in December 2023 by UNESCO on the list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity that needs urgent preservation. Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Title:

Content: Bella Hadid flashes her toned figure in shorts and a cropped sports top while showing off her creative side as she learns the art of glassblowing

It appears Bella Hadid has found a new hobby that showcases her artistic side.

On Sunday, the catwalk queen took to her Instagram page and posted a step-by-step video of herself making her own glass piece, using classic glassblowing technique in a workshop.

Considering the extreme temperatures it takes to make glass from beginning to end, Bella opted to keep her cloths to a minimum and wore skimpy white shorts with a cropped purple sports top.

Showing her creative side: Bella Hadid, 25, learned the classic art of glassblowing to make her own glass piece and posting a video on her Instagram page on Sunday

Glass is made from the process of heating sand to an extremely high temperature so that it turns into a moldable liquid. When it solidifies, a piece of glass is formed in whatever shape the creator has molded it into.

In the video, viewers will find Bella at the stage where she's working to shape the molten red hot material.

She can be seen sitting down and jabbing a long, sharp wrench-like tool with her scorching hot material, which was attached to a hollow blow pole about three feet long.

She was concerned with safety and wore goggles to protect her eyes.

Shaping: The video shows Bella at the stage where she's working to shape the molten red hot material that is attached to a blow pole

Working it: An instructor can be heard voicing a couple of tips as she spins that object around to the point where a small hole begins to form

Dose of heat: By the end of the first clip, Bella gets up and gives the hot material another dose of intense heat by placing it into a fiery furnace

An instructor can be heard voicing a couple of tips as she spins that object round and round to the point where a small hole begins to form.

By the end of the first clip, Bella gets up and gives the hot material another dose of intense heat by placing it into the fiery furnace.

For the next phase, the instructor assists Bella and slowly spins the blow pole while she sands down the still-molten red piece with two black blocks.

The heat is so intense that you can see steam floating into the air as they continue the sanding-down process.

Honing it: For the next phase, the instructor assists Bella and slowly spins the blow pole while she sands down the still molten red piece with two black blocks

Team work: Bella and the instructor work together to begin molding the molten hot object into shape with those two black blocks

Trippy: Bella gave her 53.7 million Instagram fans and followers a look at how her glass piece is looking at this stage of the process

More intense heat: At one point, the Washington, DC, native can be seen kneeling down using a small propane tank to heat up the object to make a few more changes

At one point, the Washington, DC, native can be seen kneeling down using a small propane tank to heat up the object to make a few more changes.

'Oh yeah, that's the one right there,' a man's voice from behind the camera can be heard saying as they continue to spin the object while jabbing it with that sharp tool.

As the process continues, Bella sits down, spinning the blow pole back and forth as it rests in a round plate that she holds with her right hand.

'It's a perfect shape,' the instructors says in encouragement.

'Here it is, ladies and gentlemen,' the man continues just as Bella gets up to blow into the pole to expand the molten hot material out to form some sort of glassware or vase.

Example: The catwalk queen drew out the shape of her piece she was trying to attain with chalk

Rounding it out: As the process continues, Bella sits down and spins the blow pole back and forth as it rests in a round plate that she holds with her right hand

Major phase: 'Here it is, ladies and gentlemen,' the man from behind the camera continues as Bella starts blowing into the pole

Expanding: Bella then process of blowing into the pole to expand the molten material out to form some sort of glassware

Old technique: Glassblowing is the practice of shaping a mass of glass that has been softened by heat by blowing air into it through a tube, or in this case a pole

The final clips shows a closeup of Bella spinning the glass while adding a few intricate touches to the piece with a prong-like tool.

Glassblowing is the practice of shaping a mass of glass that has been softened by heat by blowing air into it through a tube

It was was invented by Syrian craftsmen in the area of Sidon, Aleppo, Hama and Palmyra in the 1st century BC, according to Britannica.

The technique has remained essentially the same to the present day.

Ancient art form: Glassblowing was was invented by Syrian craftsmen in the area of Sidon, Aleppo, Hama and Palmyra in the 1st century bc, according to Britannica

Lovin' it: The glassblowing technique has remained basically the same to the present day

Advertisement

Bella Hadid flashes her toned figure in shorts and a crop top while learning the art of glassblowing

No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

The craft has been especially prominent in cities such as Damascus, Aleppo, Sidon, Hama, and Palmyra, where generations of skilled artisans have developed and preserved unique glassblowing techniques that remain largely unchanged to this day .

Syrian glassblowers are renowned for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and the ability to create both decorative and functional items such as vases, plates, and hookah bottles using traditional methods .

The craft’s techniques and styles reflect the historical influences of civilizations that have inhabited the region, including the Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Phoenicians, making it a vital part of Syria’s cultural identity and artistic heritage .

Culturally, glassblowing in Syria is more than a production technique; it is a form of artistic expression and a symbol of community identity and continuity .

The skills and knowledge required for this craft have traditionally been passed down through families, with artisans like Yassin Arab and Hussein Najjar—who has practiced for 40 years—emphasizing the importance of preserving this ancient heritage .

However, the ongoing conflict and economic challenges in Syria have severely impacted the craft.

Many workshops have been damaged or destroyed, and a significant number of artisans have been displaced or forced to abandon their trade, leading to a dramatic decline in practitioners .

In Damascus, fewer than 100 artisans are reported to still practice traditional glassblowing methods .

UNESCO recognized the urgent threat to this cultural heritage by including Syrian traditional glassblowing in its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in December 2023 .

This designation highlights the risk of

This designation highlights the risk of