Celebrating Syria Presents:
A Tale of Two Cities, and More!
Double Bill: Talk and Music Concert
With Professor Husam AlWaer and HiJazz
Date and time:
Saturday, 17th May, 2pm - 5pm (Doors opens 1:30pm)
Location:
Rethink Rebuild Society (The Syrian Community Centre)
Join us to listen to Prof. Husam AlWaer as he shares his latest research into the historical and cultural significance of Damascus and Aleppo, the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, and their lasting contributions to the socio-cultural and economic vibrancy of the modern world.
In the second half of this special evening, HiJazz will take us to a unique place with their music which blends the warmth of old Damascus alleys with a breeze from the Scottish Highlands.
“We’re not here to reinvent the wheel. We’re here to remind you why it rolled in the first place. So close your eyes, and let the music take you somewhere familiar”.
Through this rich visual presentation, Prof. AlWaer will delve into how centuries of cultural shifts—from the Amorite to Ottoman and French influences—have shaped the architecture and urban morphology of Aleppo and Damascus, leaving each city with a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Learn about the cities' roles as key cultural centres of the Arab world and historic hubs of international commerce. He will also explore how the cities have continued to evolve, particularly after the Syrian revolution began in 2011 and till today.
All proceeds from the event will go towards funding another year for the students of Iqra School in Syria, a school completely funded by Rethink Rebuild Society and the Syrian community in Manchester and its friends and supporters. Please give generously!
* This event is for people aged 14 and above.
Professor Husam AlWaer:
Husam is an 'urbanist', with a background in architecture, urban planning and sustainability. He is currently Chair of Urban Design at the University of Dundee, having previously researched and taught at Reading and Liverpool universities. He has worked with various UK and International governmental and corporate agencies on research, training and engagement projects.
Husam’s work has had a demonstrable impact in both academia and practice. He has a focussed interest in the past and future of sustainable places, towns and cities (including the 20 minute Neighbourhoods), and in particular the development of new approaches to sustainable urbanism and the way new methodologies are facilitated and managed.
Husam is an award-winning author with published work on a wide range of subjects from architecture, urbanism, sustainability, and healthy neighbourhoods to the specifics of placemaking facilitation and performance evaluation. He brings insight to research, teaching, community stakeholder engagement and professional practice at the intersection between theoretical and contemporary policy and practice.
HiJazz:
HiJazz is a newly formed band hailing from Syria, with a hint of Scottish flavour. They don’t write new music - their passion lies in reviving timeless classics. For them, it’s all about nostalgia and bringing the past back to life. Each song they play carries a story, a memory, and a heartbeat from home.
