Damascene Arabesque and the Experience of Jewelry Making

Workshops

Syrian artists Marhaf Abu Ghuddah and Salam Sweid present two unique workshops that combine the aesthetics of Islamic architecture with the art of jewellery making. Inspired by the rich Damascene heritage and the Andalusian Alhambra Palace, the two-day workshops offer participants a creative, hands-on experience that combines heritage and personal style.

Day One 

Participants will learn about the aesthetics of Damascene architecture and its elements, such as carved wooden doors, mashrabiya windows, and colorful mosaics. After a visual tour of these houses, they will learn to draw geometric and botanical motifs inspired by Damascene arabesque. They will then transfer these motifs directly onto sheets of soft copper to prepare for design.

Day Two 

On the second day, participants will begin crafting the designs by cutting and shaping them. They will then combine beads and colored stones inspired by the colours of Damascus—indigo blue, olive green, and gold—to create unique jewellery pieces that embody the spirit of Syrian heritage.
The workshop is not just an artistic activity, but a sensory experience that revives memories and warmth of Damascene homes. Each participant translates their sense of color and motifs into a personalized design immortalized in a piece of handmade jewelry.

Date:

Wednesday, October 22 – 4:00 to 6:00 PM

Thursday, October 23 – 4:00 to 6:00 PM

Adults (Ages 16+)

SOCO, 17th Floor, Learning Space 3

About the Instructors

Mourhaf Abu Ghedeh

A Syrian artist based in Abu Dhabi specialises in the art of gilding and traditional geometric decoration. She grew up in Aleppo, surrounded by its ancient Islamic architecture and rich libraries, which influenced her passion for shaping classical patterns and reinterpreting them in contemporary forms. She has presented numerous workshops in collaboration with cultural and governmental institutions in the UAE, focusing on connecting the past to the present through practical experiences that open the way for creativity and experimentation.
In 2024, she won a design competition sponsored by the Dubai Culture Authority in recognition of her creativity and the depth of her work. Through her commissioned and collaborative projects, she seeks to preserve heritage while presenting it with a new vision that inspires the public.

Salam Swaid

A Syrian jewellery designer based in the UAE, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Dentistry. She left the medical field to devote herself to her passion for art and jewellery design at the beginning of the millennium. She won international awards at Dubai Jewellery Week in 2012 and 2013. Her work is characterised by experimenting with new materials and translating art into jewellery pieces that carry a Syrian character with a contemporary spirit.

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