Damascus, SANA- Pottery is an important cultural heritage in Syria and one of the oldest traditional crafts associated with the emergence of man in ancient times, with roots dating back to the fifth century BC. It combines traditional creativity and skill in shaping clay.

This craft originated in Mesopotamia and the Levant, later spread to various parts of the world.

Pottery is considered an embodiment of human history, as it was used to make utensils and tools necessary for daily life, in addition to expressing the cultural identity and creative ability of the artist. Additionally, pottery is used in many celebrations and social occasions, forming an integral part of daily life.

Nowadays, Syrian craftsmen are contributing to the revival of this art form by using modern techniques that combine traditional and contemporary. This process is not just a physical production, but also an expression of art, history, and heritage that deserves to be preserved and passed on to future generations.

Craftsman… I will pass this craft on to my children

“Kitchen utensils, cups, water jugs, water bottles, waterfalls, all made of pottery… It is the oldest profession in the world. It dates back to the days of Prophet Noah… Our family has passed this craft down for 500 years, and it has been passed down from generation to generation… I inherited it from my ancestors and I, in turn, passed it down to my children, who will pass it down to their children so that it does not become extinct,” this is what Abu Ali, who works in the pottery industry, said.

He clarified that he worked on developing the shapes and models to be in line with the requirements of the current times, confirming that pottery is 100% healthy as it protects the water and keeps it cool, as it is a natural and environmentally friendly material.

Regarding the types of pottery, Abu Ali said that the shapes were very limited in the past to two or three models, such as the jug and the jar, but now the shapes have diversified to suit the requirements of the times, pointing out that there are multiple uses for pottery other than cooking pots, glazed pots, or pots coated with thermal glaze, or household tools, and there are models for decoration in restaurants and clubs, such as waterfalls, vases, and planting beds.

He said that those who work in the pottery industry are now very few in the country, pointing out that he participated in several local exhibitions in Damascus, Aleppo, Salamiyah, and Daraa, and two exhibitions in Dubai in 2002 and 2006, and that he won first place in these two exhibitions.

Iman Alzuheiri / Fedaa al-Rhayiah