Civilizations Dialogue - Reflection of Archaeological History in Syria

The Exhibition of "Dialogue Among Civilizations", opened at the National Museum in Damascus on January 18 and lasts until March, includes 26 archaeological pieces representing different eras starting from the Bronze Era throughout the Iron Age, the Classical Era until the Islamic Era.

The most important exhibits are: the Syrian Alphabets, potteries carrying Egyptian and Cypriot effects, Statues for women from Palmyra, stones, clay, wood, ceramic artefacts and manuscripts written by Arabic calligraphy.

The displayed pieces talk about the ancient world and the Syrian civilization, which enjoyed a strategic location that enabled it to communicate with the ancient civilizations of the region.

Minister of Culture Dr. Riad Ismat pointed out that the exhibition underlines Syria's message in embracing the successive civilizations, saying "Syria is a piece of mosaic on understanding, tolerance and amity and it integrated with the overall universal picture of the human being".

Dr. Bassam Jamous, Director of Antiquities and Museums said that Syria has witnessed the flourish of many ancient cities thanks to its geographical position between the Asian and African Continents and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, making it a point of contact and communication and a bridge linking the economy and culture of many peoples.

Dr. Jamous hailed the influence of the Syrian local civilization which saw the first agricultural revolution, the oldest alphabets, the first piece of music and other cultural activities.

Secretary of the Syrian National Committee of the UNESCO Dr. Nidal Hasan said "the Syrian efforts contributed to enriching the humanitarian civilization and enlightening its way,".

Hasan described the exhibition as an opportunity to identify the ancient innovative works and to get acquainted with the importance of culture of museum and the artistic and aesthetic values of the displayed pieces, as well as an attempt to build a special relationship with the Museum through its cultural and educational role.

Abdel Munim Osman, Representative of UNESCO Director General said that the importance of the selected exhibits lies in the fact of being a window on the multiple ways where different cultures have affected the history of Syria and played an important role in transmitting knowledge between the Mediterranean Sea and Mesopotamia.

Secretary of the Syrian Museums Mona al-Mu'azzen said "Choosing Syria as one of the five countries to embrace this cultural event in cooperation with the UNESCO comes in appreciation of its global role and efficient impact in embodying dialogue among various humanitarian civilizations and enrichment of the varied cultural heritage ".

The exhibition is organized by the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums in cooperation with UNESCO, the Spanish Organization for Cooperation and Development and the ISESCO.