Homs - Syria has been famous for various handicrafts documenting its glorious history and heritage as the skill of Syrian craftsmen helped them craft innovations that are models of precision, finesse and creativity .
In the ancient times, men depended on the handicrafts as the main source of livelihood while nowadays these industries are not restricted to men as craftswomen have started to work in this domain.
Chairman of the Federation of Homs Handicrafts Associations Abdul-Jabbar al-Shallal underlined the importance of the ancient handicrafts, pointing out that a market for traditional handicrafts will be established for displaying craftsmen's products particularly after tourists have become more interested in buying handmade products over the past few years.
Chairwoman of the Women Union-Homs Branch Hala al-Atasi said that the Union gives great attention to the women who are willing to work and achieve their economic independence through holding training and qualification courses on embroidery, sewing and other handicrafts.
She added that the Union provides microloans for the women who want to carry out small-sized projects to improve their income.
Craftswoman Hiyam Dawood said that she makes paper-made roses with different shapes and sizes using colored papers, cloth, feather and beads, pointing out that she sometimes earns SP 5,000(USD100) per day.
Craftswoman Roua'a Homsi said that she uses colored straw for making baskets, vases and trays, adding that she usually participates in exhibitions organized by the Women Union.
With regard to the industry of Alagbani (a type of cloth Syria is famous for), craftswoman Sahar Ghossin said "Homs is one of the Syrian cities famous for producing Alaghabani. It is an important industry with an aesthetic touch as colored silk threads used for making this expensive type of cloth."
Handmade products are still displayed in the markets across the Syrian cities embodying the Syrian originality and heritage.
By Ruaa al-Jazaeri/Zahra
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2010
