The Raqqa Directorate of Culture organized a lecture today, Tuesday, titled "Contexts of Raqqan Folk Attire and Its Meanings: A Detailed Reading of the Men’s Abaya," in which journalist Muayyad al-Ajili revealed the secrets of the aesthetic and cultural identity carried by traditional Euphrates clothing and the symbols woven onto local garment fabrics.
The lecture uncovered the hidden social messages behind the way clothes are worn, addressing the details of men’s abayas and their various names, which have changed historically with the seasons, weather changes, and the type of fabrics used. The speaker explained that current daily usage is limited to specific names, among which the abaya appears in spring and the khashiya in summer.
Al-Ajili added in a statement to Sana Cultural that the abaya and folk attire in Syrian heritage are symbols of identity, dignity, and honor for all segments of society without distinction. He pointed out that successive policies and the stereotyping of society throughout the years of Baath rule led to the decline of this authentic heritage and the shrinkage of its historical and social symbolism in favor of modern concepts.
For his part, Hassan al-Hasan, deputy director of culture in Raqqa, pointed out the importance of the lecture in keeping pace with the Directorate’s celebration of the International Day for Intangible Cultural Heritage, to preserve the heritage identity in the governorate and enhance its presence in various fields of life. This day is celebrated annually on October 17.
This day, established by UNESCO during the 42nd session of its General Conference in November 2023, marks the 20th anniversary of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. It serves as an opportunity to celebrate living heritage such as stories, songs, customs, crafts, and arts, and to raise awareness of the importance of safeguarding and transmitting it to future generations.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
Comments (0)