As our final 'Celebrating Syria' event on Sunday 23rd July we had Syria's most celebrated contemporary novelist, Khaled Khalifa, address the audience in Manchester, telling them about his experience of writing under oppression, his perspective on the Syrian Revolution and his projections for the future of Syria.
We had the perfect finish to our two week long 'Celebrating Syria' festival, on Sunday 23rd July, with a lively afternoon of Syrian tradition and culture. We had delicious Syrian home made food, Syrian coffee, Syrian quiz, Quran recital, Arabic poetry, Maté tea, Mawlid singing, Dabkeh dancing and much more! A very enjoyable, happy afternoon.
On Saturday 22nd July, we hosted the London Syrian Ensemble, who are a collective of some of Syria’s finest musicians. The Ensemble includes both newly arrived and long-term UK residents who either studied or taught in the eminent Damascus Conservatoire. They bring the sounds of Syria through a diverse repertoire of classical and traditional music.
We hosted a calligraphy workshop on Saturday 22nd July with the wonderful Abdullah Al-Anezi. Abdullah is a self-taught calligrapher practising Arabic and Western calligraphy. In this hands-on workshop, we learnt to write basic letters and forms of classic Arabic calligraphy using traditional tools such as bamboo pens, coated paper, and ink.
On Friday 21st July, we were delighted to have Diana Drake, author of 'My House in Damascus,' give a talk as part of the 'Celebrating Syria' festival. Diana took us on a journey into the heart of Syria as it is today, illustrated with her own photos and writing.
Rethink Rebuild Society
First Floor
Discovery House
Crossley Road
Manchester
SK4 5BH
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 161 222 9779
Mobile: +44 7730 194083