Damascus International Fair - Syria

Damascus International Fair - Syria

A Syrian puppeteer entertains children at the Damascus International Fair by imitating the role of the “Hakawati,” a traditional storyteller, while using hand puppets. The performance reflects Syria’s cultural heritage and was part of activities organized for young visitors. September 3, 2025. Photo by Mohammad Daher/ABACAPRESS.COM

Damascus International Fair - Syria

Damascus International Fair - Syria

A Syrian puppeteer entertains children at the Damascus International Fair by imitating the role of the “Hakawati,” a traditional storyteller, while using hand puppets. The performance reflects Syria’s cultural heritage and was part of activities organized for young visitors. September 3, 2025. Photo by Mohammad Daher/ABACAPRESS.COM

Damascus International Fair - Syria

Damascus International Fair - Syria

A Syrian puppeteer entertains children at the Damascus International Fair by imitating the role of the “Hakawati,” a traditional storyteller, while using hand puppets. The performance reflects Syria’s cultural heritage and was part of activities organized for young visitors. September 3, 2025. Photo by Mohammad Daher/ABACAPRESS.COM

Ancient Arab storytelling tradition shines amid hardship in Syria

STORY: Ancient Arab storytelling tradition shines amid hardship in Syria SHOOTING TIME: March 26, 2024 DATELINE: March 27, 2024 LENGTH: 0:02:53 LOCATION: Damascus CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Al-Nofara Cafe 2. various of Ahmed Al-Laham telling stories 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): AHMAD AL-LAHAM, Hakawati in Damascus 4. various of Ahmed Al-Laham telling stories 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): AHMAD AL-LAHAM, Hakawati in Damascus 6. SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): SALEH AL-RABBAT, Owner of the Al-Nofara Cafe STORYLINE: Amid conflict and turmoil in Syria, many Syrians choose to seek solace in traditional forms of entertainment that remind them of better old days. One such form is Hakawati, or storyteller, whose popularity is on the rise as people want something to take their minds off of the seemingly never-ending crisis. The Hakawati tradition dates back to a time without modern technology. Men would gather in coffee shops to listen to tales of love and war, which served not only as entertainment but a means of