Damascus, Dec. 31 (SANA) In the historic al-Qanawat neighborhood of Old Damascus stands the Damascene Heritage House, a space that offers visitors a living journey into the city’s memory by bringing together stories, artifacts and traditional architecture that reflect the identity and collective history of Damascus and its people.
Behind the cultural project is heritage researcher Haytham Tabbakha, who transformed the traditional house into a living platform for preserving Damascene heritage and passing it on to younger generations.
Speaking to SANA, Tabbakha said the idea of the Damascene Heritage House began about 15 years ago, when the project was located in another site in the al-Amin neighborhood and consisted of only one floor. After moving to the current Arab-style house in al-Qanawat, the collection of heritage items gradually expanded.
The house covers an area of about 100 square meters and includes a liwan (long narrow-fronted hall), a central courtyard, two rooms overlooking the street and two rooms opening onto the alley. In line with traditional Damascene houses, it features two historic entrances: the haramlik for women and the salamlik for men.
The building itself reflects the spirit of traditional Damascene architecture, forming an essential part of the heritage message that Tabbakha seeks to convey to visitors.
Preserving Identity Through Story, Craft, and Tradition
The house contains a wide range of old household tools, including copperware, pottery, glassware, traditional textiles, prayer beads, rings, stamps, coins, photographs and documents. It also displays historical devices such as an English rotary telephone, cameras and radios dating back to the mid-20th century.
Among the most notable items are a French bag and sword, each about 250 years old, along with authentic Damascene household tools such as copper stoves, pots, irons and traditional kettles. Tabbakha notes that no modern reproductions can truly replicate the craftsmanship of the original items.
He says each piece in the house carries its own story, adding that his passion for collecting heritage began in childhood and continues as he searches for missing items that complete the picture of old Damascene life.
Where Academic Study Meets Lived History
According to Tabbakha, the Damascene Heritage House aims to preserve Damascus’ cultural identity and pass it on to new generations. It is not merely an exhibition space, but a living environment that revives details of the city’s past, from social customs to traditional professions such as upholsterers, wool beaters, silk workers and cotton merchants.
The house also displays tools related to farming and harvest practices, along with popular proverbs associated with them. Tabbakha says the site attracts local visitors, researchers and universities, with students and academics benefiting from its contents for their studies and research, particularly through stories linked to childhood, traditional games and folk tales.
Looking Ahead: Protecting Damascus’s Architectural Soul
Tabbakha expressed hope that the project could expand into larger venues, such as Khan Asaad Pasha, allowing the collection to be displayed more comprehensively. He also called on relevant authorities to pay greater attention to heritage and museums and to facilitate restoration efforts to preserve Damascus’ architectural identity.
He concluded by stressing that preserving heritage is a collective responsibility that requires cooperation between individuals and institutions to safeguard the cultural memory that strengthens awareness of Damascus’ history and its importance for future generations.
The Damascene Heritage House forms part of the al-Qanawat neighborhood, which was established as a residential area outside the walls of Old Damascus in the 18th century and developed during the Ottoman era as part of the city’s urban expansion.
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