Culture Ministry Launches Syrian Cultural House Project At Damascus Book Fair

Damascus, Feb.12 (SANA) Ministry of Culture launched on Thursday the Syrian Cultural House project, which is based on three main phases focusing on participation, digital transformation, training and qualifying participants.

The project, which comes within activities of Damascus International Book Fair,  aims to make culture a concept accessible to every Syrian home and to enhance the role of creative individuals and emerging cultural projects in revitalizing the cultural landscape.

The project is a national initiative that seeks to transcend the elitist nature of culture and transform it into a daily practice available to everyone. It will provide a cultural incubator that supports and empowers creative initiatives and activates the role of Syrian intellectuals.

In her opening remarks, director and founder of the Syrian Cultural House, Taqwa Alal, said that launching the project at the heart of Damascus International Book Fair marks a new historical beginning and establishes Damascus return as a compass for Arab culture.

She emphasized that the project will be the first national cultural incubator to create a lasting impact and reshape the Syrian cultural scene with a contemporary vision.

In his speech at the ceremony, Minister of Culture, Mohammad Yassin Al-Saleh, emphasized the ministry’s vision of empowering youth, noting that the project’s primary concept is that of a cultural partner.

He explained that the Syrians, through their resistance to the winds of discord and rumors, are a cultural partner, not limited to any institution or degree, but rather working to solidify Syria’s culture and heritage.

The minister highlighted the importance of empowering Syrian artisans to achieve a level of mastery that will restore Syria’s position as a leading exporter of traditional crafts. He stressed the role of cultural business incubators in supporting innovators and the community as a whole.

Minister of Culture also considered the large turnout at the Fair a reflection of the importance of culture in the lives of Syrians, confirming that it is an integral part of their daily needs. This, he added, is not surprising for the Syrian people, given their rich and ancient civilization.

Poetry and Musical Performances: The launch ceremony included a poetry recital by poet Abdul Rahman Al-Sheikh Maktabi, who recited verses praising Syria and those returning to it after the victory. He recalled the heroism of those who liberated it and celebrated all regions of Syria, from Homs to Idlib and the Syrian coast.

MZN