West Asia

The countries & regions of West Asia:

Bahrain | Iran | Iraq | Jordan | Kuwait | Lebanon | Oman | Palestinian Territory | Qatar | Saudi Arabia | Syria | United Arab Emirates | Yemen

Bahrain

Situated off the east coast of the Arabian mainland, Bahrain has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years and has been cultivating its own rich heritage. Bahrain’s Islamic heritage is evident in its wind towers, intricate door carvings, restored houses and mosques, and these crafts are still practiced by skilled weavers, boat builders and potters. Geometric forms and decorative Arabic motifs abound on walls, doors, floors and pathways.

Iran

The unique geographical situation of Iran, serving as a bridge between the East and the West, together with its diverse climatic conditions and various raw materials, have contributed to the flourishing of many arts and crafts in this country over its long history. During the pre-Islamic era, precious items such as textiles, metalworks, jewellery, luster wares and glasswares were sent from Iran to China and Europe. The extensive application of geometrical designs on glazed tiles, ceramics, carpets as well as metal, wood and stone engravings, and the making of khatam (marquetry) and enamelled objects, led to the perfection of these designs. Iranian carpets and kilims are famous all over the world.

Iraq

The territory of present-day Iraq is approximately equivalent to that of ancient Mesopotamia, which fostered a series of early civilisations. Iraqi crafts go deep into its rich diverse history and geography. The main items of Iraqi crafts include various types of kilims and carpets, textiles, ceramics, brass and copper works, woodwork, palmtree products, leatherwork, calligraphy and reproduction of Islamic prints, painted glass and musical instruments.

Iraq

The territory of present-day Iraq is approximately equivalent to that of ancient Mesopotamia, which fostered a series of early civilisations. Iraqi crafts go deep into its rich diverse history and geography. The main items of Iraqi crafts include various types of kilims and carpets, textiles, ceramics, brass and copper works, woodwork, palmtree products, leatherwork, calligraphy and reproduction of Islamic prints, painted glass and musical instruments.

Jordan

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (al-Mamlakah al-Urdunniya al-Hashimiyah) is predominantly Arab. Jordan has a very rich history of arts and crafts that consists of embroidery, jewellery, weaving, basketry, ceramics and pottery. Embroidery is one of the most important traditional crafts of Jordanian women and one which has, in recent years, been incorporated into high fashion, but also grace the decor of many Jordanian homes. Jewellery has a long history in the Kingdom; stores of gold and silver jewellery dating from Roman times have been unearthed on various archaeological sites. Jordan has many natural clay deposits, which have been used for many centuries in the making of pottery.

Kuwait

The Bedouins of Kuwait are known for their hospitality, pride, honour, courage and endurance. The main areas of the crafts of this country are weaving, pearl diving and ship building. The weaving of wool, known as ‘Al Sadu’, a term also used for the Bedouin loom, is the oldest craft practised by the Bedouins of Kuwait. They are also skilled at building tents, rugs, cloaks and saddlebags - items suited to the Bedu migratory lifestyle. It is a craft that requires a high degree of dexterity and skill, and the designs reflect the austerity of the natural environment of the desert and are governed by the wider principles of Islamic culture. Kuwait has a rich maritime tradition, and even in this age of super tankers, dhow boat building is a carefully preserved art.

Lebanon

Lebanon’s long and often turbulent history dates back to the dawn of civilisation. The country has reached a high level of cultural achievement in the arts, with a popular form of poetry being zajal, where poets enter into a witty dialogue of improvised verse. The national dance is the “Dabke”, which is performed throughout the country by dancers wearing traditional Lebanese mountain costumes. The theme of the dance relates to village life. Local crafts include glass-making, weaving, pottery, embroidery and brass and copper work.

Oman

Oman has a rich heritage of traditional handicrafts that reflect its cultural identity and history. Omani artisans are known for their skill in creating a wide variety of handmade products using locally sourced materials. Popular handicrafts include intricately designed silver jewellery, pottery, particularly from Bahla, and textiles, such as handwoven garments and carpets. Bahla is a world Craft city for Pottery and Ceramics. Woodwork is also a significant craft, from finely carved doors, furniture, and traditional dhow boats. Basket weaving with palm fronds is common in rural areas, while Omani incense burners, mabkhara, are highly valued for their distinctive designs. The Omani government actively supports the preservation of these crafts through initiatives that encourage artisans and promote their products both locally and internationally. These handicrafts play an essential role in Omanis cultural heritage, attracting tourists and preserving traditional skills for future.

Palestinian Territory

The Israeli occupation of Palestine hinders the mobility of people and products. Therefore, Palestinian crafts centres either operate in the Occupied Territories, where activities are limited to local events, or in exile, where they focus on job creation for women in refugee camps and preserving Palestinian identity in the face of Israeli claims to that heritage. One example of a society in the Occupied Territories is The Society of In’ash el-Usra which aims to empower Palestinian women, providing high quality care and education for children, supporting victims of war, occupation, and social circumstances, and also studying and preserving Palestinian Folklore and developing Rural Handicrafts and Industries.Oman has a rich heritage of traditional handicrafts that reflect its cultural identity and history. Omani artisans are known for their skill in creating a wide variety of handmade products using locally sourced materials. Popular handicrafts include intricately designed silver jewellery, pottery, particularly from Bahla, and textiles, such as handwoven garments and carpets. Bahla is a world Craft city for Pottery and Ceramics. Woodwork is also a significant craft, from finely carved doors, furniture, and traditional dhow boats. Basket weaving with palm fronds is common in rural areas, while Omani incense burners, mabkhara, are highly valued for their distinctive designs. The Omani government actively supports the preservation of these crafts through initiatives that encourage artisans and promote their products both locally and internationally. These handicrafts play an essential role in Omanis cultural heritage, attracting tourists and preserving traditional skills for future.

Qatar

The state supports cultural activities in Qatar, and the National Council for Culture, Arts and Heritage (NCCAH) supervises traditional heritage. The Arts and Traditional Crafts Department promotes handicrafts through workshops, symposiums, exhibitions and festivals like the Annual Doha Cultural Festival. The NCCAH also participates in international events such as cultural weeks in other countries. Among the traditional handicrafts which have remained alive and thus preserved are the Bedouin wool-weaving, boat-building, gypsum work, clothes tailoring, and more.

Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest Arab country of the Middle East, with an estimated population of 28 million. Many of the traditional crafts of Saudi Arabia include weaving, jewellery, costumes, nomadic equipment, traditional weapons and household crafts.

Syria

The main crafts of Syria include brassware, silver ware, steel blades, jewelry, furniture, carpets and kilims, Intarsia (carved wood), textile and pottery. Some areas of Syria have a history of prolific silversmithing, and the production of Damascus steel blades. Metal inlay is also a highly specialised craft within Syria, where the craftsmen use undecorated cast or wrought pieces, applying the inlay in specialised workshops.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The United Arab Emirates is home to a rich cultural heritage that has been strongly influenced by its desert and oasis living people. The skills of desert life are still held in high esteem by many of the UAE’s people and members of the older generation recall that they were crucial to their own survival. The UAE has evidence of body adornment dating back to the Stone Age, including materials of shell, mother of pearl, bone, stone and some gemstones. The UAE is also known for its history of stone vessels, producing recognisable shapes and decorative patterns.

Yemen

Information coming soon!

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