In the heart of a healing Damascus, creativity has carved out an unlikely refuge. A once-abandoned building – left skeletal and silent – has been reborn as a radiant hub for artistic expression, thanks to a two-week exhibition led by the Madad Art Foundation.
Designed in 2008 to resemble a Damascene rose, the Massar building had stood untouched for years, a monument to halted ambitions. Now, it has been transformed into an immersive showcase of resilience and imagination, featuring the powerful works of 29 rising Syrian artists.
Path is the first major exhibition of its kind since the fall of the Assad regime, offering a platform for art and a sanctuary for long-stifled voices.
We are still here, say Syrian creatives
Residents glimpsed what the country’s artistic landscape has to offer as they walked around the maze of intricate installations and unconventional creations, inside the Massar Rose building for the first time.
A sign by the Madad institute read: “We are here, we are still here, and we are from here. A path of 29 stories, similar to stories of all Syrians.”
Hundreds of visitors passed a mural named Accumulation in the vast space. The mural showcases four abstract paintings with burning candles that symbolise the essence of giving. The pieces, created by Dalaa Jalanbo, reflect the conflict of peace and forgiveness versus the burdens of history.
Jalanbo told The National: “We would often walk past this location and gaze in from the outside, but we could never enter or experience it from the inside. This space is crucial for us now. It should be a place of art.”
Excited Damascus residents took selfies and photos next to the artworks, which include a display of 300 suspended clay swords by artist Rala Tarabishi.
“I carried my anger and pain for years and used [the swords] as armour to protect myself, or so I thought,” Tarabishi explained. “My journey to reach a clear visual definition of forgiveness led me to realms of anger and hatred towards what hurts. These realms took the shape of several swords embedded in the ground, representing the situations we ultimately ended up forgiving or failing to pardon.”
She added: “When you embed your sword into the earth instead of using it as a weapon, you’re putting an end to the fight.”
Tarabishi is one of a crop of artists taught by Syrian artist Buthayna Ali, founder of the Madad Art Foundation, who died last year.
“Dr Ali is and will always be my main source of inspiration,” she said. “She always made us continue our fight as artists to show the world we’re here and deliver our messages through our work. Path is a gift from us, her 'children', to her for all the guidance and love she gave us.”
'We were not able to express ourselves'
Artist Zeinab Al-Abrar’s mixed media on canvas installation called (To) is another tale of forgiveness, as Syria look towards building a new future.
“This painting embodies the journey of inner peace, as it extends over seven metres of raw canvas, extending from the wall to the floor,” Al-Abrar said. "The random words reflect the emotional chaos and experiences since childhood, while the wrapped lower part symbolises the past.”
Telling this story in a once-uninhabitable location is a testament to the will of the country’s rising generation, she added.
“I never imagined we would be able to use this place. This should have happened years ago, but the place was not for us, like lots of things that were not for us. Now is our time to work on the country, on ourselves. We have a big responsibility. After the fall of the [Assad] regime, all the symbolism, life is now coming out, we were not able to express ourselves,” said Al-Abrar.
Fouad Khattar’s Sailing in the Storm installation attracts crowds with its complicated paper sculpture display that features a single boat carrying several smaller boats, surrounded by knives falling on it from all sides.
Attempting to symbolise the feeling of helplessness that a person experiences when they want to help others but cannot, Khattar’s work invites viewers to contemplate this human condition from afar.
The artist, 23, said: “The boat is similar to us. We are simple people but have a very complicated core. We are used to the idea that we will get somewhere. People see the boat and think about travelling. In this project I wanted to convey the fact that we are powerless to help those people on the boat.”
Two sisters, Razan and Malaz, were standing in front of a work called Hidden Dimension. They speak as one creative mind that they call “Orabi”, using the imagery of trees as a metaphorical exploration of visual evolution and the transformative power of human perception. Orabi says: “Orabi is one mind made by two, Orabi is that mind space. They say creativity is about 'thinking outside the box'. Orabi believes there is no box.”
'Is it worth carrying the burdens of hatred and regret?'
Artist Judi Chakhachirou’s Elapse provokes a deeper question, the artist says. “Ultimately, we must ask ourselves: Is it worth carrying the burdens of hatred and regret?”
Chakhachirou’s installation contemplates loss, regret and forgiveness. The viewer finds themselves within a vibrating circular space, at the centre of which a gravestone hangs from a rope, representing the connection between the present and the past. Chakhachirou added: “Every day, new stories are written about people who have departed us in various ways.”
Artist Hala Nahar reflects shared experiences and hopes for a better life in Syria in a video installation called Rebirth.
She told The National that feelings of hope were renewed or born after several events, including the fall of the Assad government. “Before the fall of the regime, my dream was to be able to express through art what we feel and our suffering in this country, without fearing for ourselves and our families.”
Kareem Al-Khateeb’s Us/As a Divided Camel is a surreal take, using four paintings representing the body parts of a camel, on the struggle of the human spirit. This artwork highlights resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.
Al-Khateeb said: “My work embodies the suffering a person faces on their path to tolerance with their surroundings, such as society, country, friends and loved ones.
“They will undoubtedly be faced with two choices. The first is to not compromise and sacrifice, thus remaining a prisoner of themselves. The second, which also entails suffering, is a long series of sacrifices of ideas, convictions and other things to identify with their surroundings.”
As Syria emerges from more than 50 years of oppression, it is at a crossroads of tradition and transformation. Art serves as a means of healing and a reflection of its troubled history while offering a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.
Using the remains of a landmark from the Assad era as an open-air art gallery is an inspiring start towards reviving Syria’s cultural landscape.
The Path exhibition runs until April 18
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
MATCH INFO
Cricket World Cup League Two
Oman, UAE, Namibia
Al Amerat, Muscat
Results
Oman beat UAE by five wickets
UAE beat Namibia by eight runs
Namibia beat Oman by 52 runs
UAE beat Namibia by eight wickets
UAE v Oman - abandoned
Oman v Namibia - abandoned
'Outclassed in Kuwait'
Taleb Alrefai,
HBKU Press
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What is a black hole?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
Hydrogen: Market potential
Hydrogen has an estimated $11 trillion market potential, according to Bank of America Securities and is expected to generate $2.5tn in direct revenues and $11tn of indirect infrastructure by 2050 as its production increases six-fold.
"We believe we are reaching the point of harnessing the element that comprises 90 per cent of the universe, effectively and economically,” the bank said in a recent report.
Falling costs of renewable energy and electrolysers used in green hydrogen production is one of the main catalysts for the increasingly bullish sentiment over the element.
The cost of electrolysers used in green hydrogen production has halved over the last five years and will fall to 60 to 90 per cent by the end of the decade, acceding to Haim Israel, equity strategist at Merrill Lynch. A global focus on decarbonisation and sustainability is also a big driver in its development.
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, last-16. first leg
Atletico Madrid v Juventus, midnight (Thursday), BeIN Sports
MATCH INFO
League Cup, last 16
Manchester City v Southampton, Tuesday, 11.45pm (UAE)
OPENING FIXTURES
Saturday September 12
Crystal Palace v Southampton
Fulham v Arsenal
Liverpool v Leeds United
Tottenham v Everton
West Brom v Leicester
West Ham v Newcastle
Monday September 14
Brighton v Chelsea
Sheffield United v Wolves
To be rescheduled
Burnley v Manchester United
Manchester City v Aston Villa
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Company%20Profile
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COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Korean Film Festival 2019 line-up
Innocent Witness, June 26 at 7pm
On Your Wedding Day, June 27 at 7pm
The Great Battle, June 27 at 9pm
The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion, June 28 at 4pm
Romang, June 28 at 6pm
Mal Mo E: The Secret Mission, June 28 at 8pm
Underdog, June 29 at 2pm
Nearby Sky, June 29 at 4pm
A Resistance, June 29 at 6pm
Tips from the expert
Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.
- Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
- It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
- Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
- Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Transmission: ten-speed
Power: 420bhp
Torque: 624Nm
Price: Dh325,125
On sale: Now
Tonight's Chat on The National
Tonight's Chat is a series of online conversations on The National. The series features a diverse range of celebrities, politicians and business leaders from around the Arab world.
Tonight’s Chat host Ricardo Karam is a renowned author and broadcaster who has previously interviewed Bill Gates, Carlos Ghosn, Andre Agassi and the late Zaha Hadid, among others.
Intellectually curious and thought-provoking, Tonight’s Chat moves the conversation forward.
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Profile
Name: Carzaty
Founders: Marwan Chaar and Hassan Jaffar
Launched: 2017
Employees: 22
Based: Dubai and Muscat
Sector: Automobile retail
Funding to date: $5.5 million
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
SQUADS
Bangladesh (from): Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Mahmudullah Riyad, Mohammad Mithun, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Taijul Islam, Mosaddek Hossain, Nayeem Hasan, Mehedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadat Hossain, Abu Jayed
Afghanistan (from): Rashid Khan (capt), Ihsanullah Janat, Javid Ahmadi, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan, Ikram Alikhil, Mohammad Nabi, Qais Ahmad, Sayed Ahmad Shirzad, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zahir Khan Pakteen, Afsar Zazai, Shapoor Zadran
Day 1, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Dimuth Karunaratne had batted with plenty of pluck, and no little skill, in getting to within seven runs of a first-day century. Then, while he ran what he thought was a comfortable single to mid-on, his batting partner Dinesh Chandimal opted to stay at home. The opener was run out by the length of the pitch.
Stat of the day – 1 One six was hit on Day 1. The boundary was only breached 18 times in total over the course of the 90 overs. When it did arrive, the lone six was a thing of beauty, as Niroshan Dickwella effortlessly clipped Mohammed Amir over the square-leg boundary.
The verdict Three wickets down at lunch, on a featherbed wicket having won the toss, and Sri Lanka’s fragile confidence must have been waning. Then Karunaratne and Chandimal's alliance of precisely 100 gave them a foothold in the match. Dickwella’s free-spirited strokeplay meant the Sri Lankans were handily placed at 227-4 at the close.
Off-roading in the UAE: How to checklist
Company: Instabug
Founded: 2013
Based: Egypt, Cairo
Sector: IT
Employees: 100
Stage: Series A
Investors: Flat6Labs, Accel, Y Combinator and angel investors
Leading all-time NBA scorers
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 38,387
Karl Malone 36,928
Kobe Bryant 33,643
Michael Jordan 32,292
LeBron James 31,425
Wilt Chamberlain 31,419
