Arabesque in Crafts of OIC Countries

Highlights of The First International Seminar on “Arabesque in Crafts of OIC Countries” Damascus, 05 - 10 January 1997
Under the Patronage of H.E. Mr. President Hafez al-Asad, President of The Syrian Arab Republic, the Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), and the Ministry of Culture of The Syrian Arab Republic jointly organised this international seminar in collaboration with UNESCO and in cooperation with MASHAREQ International Establishment. The Seminar which took place in Damascus between 05 and 10 January 1997 deliberated on methods implemented in the art of arabesque and the difficulties encountered in its development. Experts of arabesque, scholars and specialised centers and institutions assessed the present state of this sector and discussed the future steps to be taken for developing a strategy for global cooperation on this subject.	Delegates and participants at the Opening Ceremony
It discussed important issues related to design and methods used, technical cooperation for developing skills, exchange of practiced techniques for improving quality of productions, education and training of skilled artisans, financing, economy, marketing and obstacles encountered, patronage and national policies which play an important role for promoting traditional crafts. This seminar provided a unique opportunity for bringing together traditional artisans, experts, designers and tradespeople to conduct joint research work and experiments, reflect, coordinate and exchange experiences and study new techniques. The major objective of this activity was to promote and create an awareness of Islamic arts and crafts in the world. The meeting proved to provide interesting new approaches and possible solutions to some of the major problems facing the future of crafts development and namely its specific subjects such as the arabesque. It was a good opportunity for assessing and determining the prospects of economic, social and cultural development of crafts in different regions.
*Aims*
The Seminar aimed to implement the following recommendations: to assess the present state of arabesque in crafts in the Islamic world and to determine the economic, social and cultural measures that need to be taken for the future development of this sector to discuss measures that can be taken to guard against the loss of Islamic values and traditions with a view towards maintaining the uniqueness of Islamic crafts heritage to give incentive prizes to young people with the aim of encouraging them to produce new works in arabesque	Stand displays
*Participants*
Delegations from the following countries participated: Algeria, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Denmark, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritius, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Syria, Tataristan, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, U.S.A, Uzbekistan, Yemen Republic, Venezuela

Arabesque in Crafts: Introduction | Recommendations | Declaration on Arabesque in Crafts
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