Glass-blowing and other beautiful crafts, the skills of Arab artisans

From before the birth of the Christ the Arab region has been noted for its glass industry In Roman times, the region's creators of delicate glass articles took their trade to all parts of the empire.

In the Middle Ages, the glass-makers of Venice developed a reputation for the quality of their art, which they learned from the skilled Arab workers. Through the centuries, the Arab glass producers relined their creations and, with the passing years, the number of their workshops increased. In Syria in the early 1900's, Aleppo alone had 1,200 glass-making establishments.

Today, Arab glass of all colors, shapes and designs is perfected by hands whose skills have developed since antiquity.

Vying with glass and inlaid articles as Arab's most important artisan products are the hand-produced textile goods, especially Damascene brocade. A silky fabric interwoven manually with silver and gold threads in elaborate designs, it has been much sought-after through the ages. Its appeal has not diminished even in our modern world.

Another speciality of the artisans in Damascus is the fabric Damask, whose Arabic name is found in most European languages. In English alone, over thirty words are derived from the world, which is the Arabic name of Damascus. With its intricate floral and geometric patterns, the fabric is in demand in many parts of the world. In the past, it was woven exclusively from silk. However, today, it is made from all types of fibers.

In addition to the renowned Damascene brocade and Damask, there are numerous other hand-woven fabrics produced in the urban centers of Syria. Among them are Aghabani, a cotton fabric embroidered with silk, and a narrow cotton cloth. Attractive village Kaftans and chic western dresses are made from a number of these hand-made fabrics. Through the old streets of Damascus and the right miles of stone-roofed Aleppo souks, countless types of clothing for both men and women reveal the beauty and versatility of these colorful fabrics.

In the labyrinth of avenues winding in intricate patterns in both cities, the different hand-embroidered village clothing testifies to skills from every part of the Arab world. Within the jumble of ancient souks, ladies' deep crimson, bluish and yellowish Kaftans are encrusted with the rhinestones and decorated with gold and silver threads, presenting a Kaleidoscope of colors.

In tiny, always-crowded stalls lining goldsmith and silversmith souks (streets), men and women bargain for handmade jewelry. A showplace of wealth, these shops with tasteful gold and silver ornaments have been the landmark of the Middle East for centuries. A few yards away from the world of precious metals, richly colored carpets and tapestries are displayed near leather craftsmen busy fashioning slippers.

In nearby shops young men hawk their showy hand-made pottery while others sit on stools offering their ornate straw products for sale -- scenes of activities and colors that have existed in most ancient Arab cities for centuries. More than in other countries, in Cairo, Damascus, Aleppo and Beirut artisans still ply their trade.

Still, modern industry is taking its toll. Machine-made brocades, carpets, glass and other articles are gradually pushing the hand-made products from the markets. Yet, in spite of this overwhelming challenge, the traditional handicraft have not been overwhelmed.

Declared a national treasure, these handicrafts will survive as a world of ancient oriental splendor as long as the Arab artisans pass their skills down to each succeeding generation.