Bartella Forum for Syriac Culture and Arts holds exhibition of handicrafts and folk clothing

BARTELLA, Iraq — On Wednesday, the Bartella Forum for Syriac Culture and Arts held an exhibition of handicrafts and folk clothing at the Cultural Center of the Syriac Orthodox Church in the Nineveh Plains town of Bartella, Iraq.

The event was attended by Archbishop of Mor Matta Monastery Archdiocese Mor Timothy Matta Al-Shamani, clergy, a large crowd of people from Nineveh Plains.

The exhibition, entitled Bartella Transcends its Syriac Heritage and Creativity, was held with the participation of 30 female and male youth. It included handicrafts and heritage works such as sewing and embroidery of folk clothing, accessories, candle making, wedding supplies, wood burning, leather bags and belts, flower arrangements, in addition to some old collectibles.

At the end of the opening ceremony, the forum’s chairman, Behnam Matti Shamni, delivered a speech in which he referred to the role of heritage in enhancing the identity of Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people and the importance of preserving this cultural heritage through these works and exhibitions.

He thanked all parties and people who supported the exhibition financially and morally.

Appreciation certificates were distributed for the participants as encouragement and appreciation for their participation.