The Minister of Culture, Mohammad Yassin Saleh, participated alongside entrepreneur Adham Al-Tabbah in the cultural session of the NASTEX 2026 Launch Conference in Damascus, held under the patronage of the President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, and attended by ministers, officials, ambassadors, diplomatic representatives, and leading industrialists and business figures.
Reviving an Ancient Identity
In his remarks, Minister Saleh emphasized that Syria is not starting from zero, but rather restoring an authentic cultural identity that the former regime attempted to erase—yet it remained alive despite years of distortion, marginalization, and destruction.
He stated:
“We are not building a new Syrian culture; we are restoring an authentic culture that the former regime tried to erase. We have brushed off the dust of humiliation, ugliness, and marginalization to bring back its brilliance, telling the world that this textile—these threads—are descendants of an ancient legacy more than 10,000 years old.”
He stressed that Syrian textiles are not merely an industry, but a carrier of identity, just as language carries poetry.
Value Comes from the Story
Minister Saleh highlighted a key point: marketing Syrian textiles depends not only on quality or pricing, but on the story.
A piece of ancient gold is not valued merely by weight, but by its history—and the same applies to Aghabani, Damask, and silk.
This cultural dimension, he said, must be strengthened through stories that reflect craftsmanship and Syrian identity, turning products into branded narratives rather than simple commodities.
Register now to attend NASTEX 2026, whether as a visitor eager to explore the latest innovations in the textile sector or as an exhibitor seeking investment opportunities and long-term partnerships.
Textiles Between Heritage and the Future
Entrepreneur Adham Al-Tabbah spoke about textiles as a family craft passed down through generations in Syria—particularly in Damascus and Aleppo. He explained that the industry now extends beyond traditional embroidery, expanding into:
- Technical Textiles.
- Composites.
- Fiber Materials.
He frankly addressed previous challenges, including electricity shortages, lack of support from the former regime, and sanctions that led to the loss of European markets.
Al-Tabbah affirmed that Syria’s new “Zero Problems” policy is renewing industrial hope by reopening external markets.
He said:
“We don’t want support; we want care.
The textile industry cannot remain in its embryonic stage forever—
the fetus dies if it stays more than nine months.”Read the full comprehensive report on the NAS Techs 2026 launch conference in Damascus.
Media as a Partner in Identity-Building
Ali Al-Rifai, Director of Public Relations at the Ministry of Information, stressed that the ministry now carries a clear vision: media is not merely a conveyor of news, but a partner in development and economic growth.
Closing Message to Syrian Youth
Minister Saleh concluded with an emotional message addressed to Syrian youth:
“Today, Syria opens its arms to its sons and daughters at home and abroad.
We want every person with an idea to find proper, accessible channels and supportive laws to turn that idea into reality.
Every Syrian has the right to prove himself in the way he sees fit.”
He encouraged youth to believe in themselves and begin working according to their abilities, emphasizing the importance of training and development, and urging merchants to market Syrian products in ways that benefit both craftsmen and the industry as a whole.