Re
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Shadi AI Hallaq, son of storyteller (Hakawati) of Damascus, Rasheed AI Hallaq
My work focuses on intangible cultural heritage in the area of Shadow Play (Karagoz and Hacivat. locally known as Karagoz and Hacivat) Shadow Play consists of focusing a light source through colourful translucent shadow puppets against a white screen. The puppets are custom made of the genuine skin of animals such as cows, goats, camels and donkeys for this specific type of show. They are made in a particular way so as to make them translucent, and coloured with plant-based dyes which give the puppets a colourful makeover against the fabric during the shows.
I still hold such performances; however, I have struggled to safeguard this endangered cultural heritage, given the current political situation in the Syrian Arab Republic. Please note that since 1993 and up until this day, I have been the only person practicing this art, which has been documented in printed and visual media, both national and international.
I have involved the local community and organised a one-day workshop to train Syrian volunteers. Also, I held a live Shadow Play performance for children to help them make their own puppets on the following day and perform their own puppet show which, indeed, took place and revolved around the characters of Karagoz and Hacivat.
There have been numerous contributions from Syria and other parts of the world since 1993.
I also took part in conserving old puppets, which were made 400-600 years ago, by displaying them in Azm Palace Museum of Folklore in Damascus.
These items have been documented in a book which is currently in print and gives a detailed account of Shadow Play with an explanatory caption for each item displayed at the museum.
I wish to support the inscription of this endangered Syrian cultural heritage (Shadow Play) on the UNESCO's Safeguarding List and continue to engage audiences directly by holding such performances and organising workshops that teach this heritage and ensure its continuity.
Shadi Rasheed AI Hallaq
On 17/02/2016. Le ~_, A''R,, . 20t?J ~lllltt0136800009 1111'1111 11 mn1
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---~--~_\ __ L£.d.... ~.L-~-~---{(_W __~-~-~)2.u.~J ... ?.J~~---:-~--~-~----6j .. 1.~------;r~---~-~--~--~/_A-~ __ g_A?__~(.__:; ___ ~--~-~---.I.~-~~-=Y.\-~----~--~------·------g_ _/.~ __ j__~~--L:eJ·---~----~--k:-::-C. ./. ... ~----~--J.. .. -----.------____ i::?. .xJ.~ .. --~--:::: ~- --~- ~-\ ~ ------.----.-----.. ----.-----.---.---.---.. -- .. ------. --· ------.------.-----.------fr~------ Wafa Hassan Hams Governorate 24/12/2016 Ghada Harb As-Suwayda Governorate Mohammad Zeinah Hama Governorate Alaa Mbayyedh Damascus Governorate Khulood Alnafouri Damascus Governorate Habib Bashour Damascus Governorate Ghaid Deeb Damascus Governorate Sanaa Hadid Hams Governorate Nidaa Asaad Misyaf Yasser Dayyoub Latakia Rudaynah Mansour Damascus Sawsan Amqaydah Damascus lzdihar Assi Damascus Maysaa Hammoud Damascus lhtimad AI-Asaad Deir Ezzur Suaad AI - Hassan Deir Ezzur Maryam Lafi Assamarah Deraa Ahmad Saif Shaheen Latakia Fidaa Faisal As-Suwayda 2 6 w r \.J~'l __~yt0. 0-U' ~~ 2~ L__.,_.~___,Ju~/L__(- JLJ,_u\ u~(- ~ u \._..gcY cJ..;, lb J: u \ ~_j\ ~ \,; dsa )> '.:r-S y j~\J LJL 2. '.~ J ~ c;J ~_jJ 0~--' __~V.jj \Ul) ~p c:Gt ~)~GJ) ~'" \J\.J,j}c:v\§) ~~..~J ~ ~ <. ~ J _j_rl \c.j-P ~)- l -lJ~..,pc__, 0' lJ I J ~~ls' f '-=-__,___J ' ~- \.s- o\.? ~Ls -" ::-\ · ·,. 0 --~~ L5 11 I ~· r'..;, - .. I ~ --- ~ Q - ~ ))~'/->.. --c:;:.;;;>'---~e===-- U// ~/~'l;Y(Y ~J'W, ce-~~" My name is llham AI- Ghazi and was born in 1956. I live in Aljisr Alabyad; in my childhood public festivals were held in Aljisr Alabyad Square where we played the traditional Qabeeno and Jaeeso game and attended a Karagoz and Hacivat puppet show. The celebration for us meant Karagoz and Hacivat. No two stories were the same and we always learned new things. We spent our time celebrating in the square by watching Karagoz and Hacivat show which was the most important event at the festival. My sister, Bariaa AI-Ghazi, was an actor on the national Syrian TV channel; she acted in plays such as Queen Bee. Art evokes my memories and is connected with my Damascene identity. The tales that are told in theatre are part of our heritage and tell us about the city of Damascus and its life. I would like to safeguard this heritage and ensure its continuity for future generations in order to preserve our Syrian heritage. Therefore, I call for its inscription on the UNESCO's World Heritage Lists, which would aid with its protection. llham AI-Ghazi 25/12/2016 I, the undersigned, Tala Jouni, join in the call for the inscription of Karagoz and Hacivat on the UNESCO's Heritage List, in my capacity as a participant and concerned member of the local community. I make sure my children attend any activity germane to Karagoz and Hacivat which is both entertaining and beneficial to the younger generations. Talah Jouni Latakia Governorate 15/12/2016 2. L5 .. jl\\ / r ~ ~ ~___,l( ~t GL5J ~I~~~ f\ ulS" ~ CD&~ -~J -._Q ~.::; ~__t- r ~--.0 ~ wlS, er~_,_/{~~ I oy_)-b r! ~ \.;~ \ ,. ~ ~--- _ _j t ~ _,.z/ ~ .£ _) ~ \_ 5 ;J I u·~ ~ l J ~ · j-.sJ I -·; ' v V - -- ~ ~/}_;> b-~ ~ ~~ ~J ~ ~-_, 1;1/ c___r:-cj: ~.? ;;j( ~ u. ~ -;____,_:;, ~ ~ J ~_JA] ,_:_.__,.,Y-- 1...... _:__ \,;J I ~ c:5- LP . ~ - ~LsJ L.~~-':!\ (--t~~ ~ i' 0_,1_, ~/~~ l:: Y ~ ~ ._b C£ I , ;2- {j' b ::.? L__/1) - - ...... ~_;j\ ( lj} v;~r~#'~ j;_!,s__,.;~l/;>\ -& ~/~ ~\_:,~1 Y~ ~C" ot:.~\ ~::_,.-\-1 L ~ ~))ycV\~J~ ~/~~~ ~ ~~~ .J~~~ uv~_s>--]? y_y~//JY-P ~ k-11 0 u~~-~ {e( J0 ~ /~ ~ .... - ~:>W\Jl.!>YI ~ ~~~~ ~ ~ ~ - - - Art in Syria, a country known for its variety and ancient history, have given us many a phenomenon including Shadow Play which has addressed numerous issues of social, political and economic significance, all communicated with the help of the characters of Karagoz and Hacivat. I do hope that this phenomenon, that is Shadow Play, receives the inscription it urgently requires on the UNESCO's Safeguarding List. I put forward this proposal in my capacity as a 'professional' theatre director and actor and academic, in the hope that it would help safeguard this art and develop it generation after generation. Director and actor, 8/01/2017 Samer Omran I ~ , ~ ij;~~/C~ \ef_/-~ 'v~d#/.r'. , \ - / I ((?'~--' ~J ~~ ~ ~~P"'::--~ .,J '; ~ ~~ \:~r ~__...J)/~re, ~ ~ ~- ' } / ~ ;..,~~ ~___,, -~ ~ _.,· ~w ~ c;; 0 ~' /' / / . ~/ ,../~ j :____/)~ . ~ 'J ¥ ~-- ~ ~_Al~~0~~ f;~~~·J-; \ U'...J )-f.~/~) :.;. G V~ I approve of the inscription of the element of Karag6z and Hacivat (Shadow Play) on the UNESCO's Human Heritage List in order to safeguard this vital element for future generations. My endorsement is based on previous knowledge and complete awareness of the efforts put into the inscription of this element by both governmental and civil bodies. Not to mention that I have experienced the element with children during integral theatre shows using contemporary tools relevant to the element. lt was remarkable to see the magical impact that the shows had on the audience, children and adults alike, all owing to the rich magical world that exist behind the screen. Reem Mohammad - Director of Shadow Play shows Qudsaya District, Damascus, on 16/12/2016 My name is Karen Tajjer, a graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Interior Architecture (Interior Decorating). I take part in decorating the Shadow Play workshops. I endorse the inscription of the element of Karag6z and Hacivat on the World Heritage List, which would help us reactivate the Shadow Play in a contemporary way that safeguards our heritage and the cultural meanings associated with the element. Karen Tajjer - Damascus 18-11-2016 r'\'_,J; rucrf ~ 1\~Y' ~' 0..r ~~~' ~';' ~~t_g- clt • ..::._. > ~ \ ~ l::-P. r )1\ 6 \ \ L..b I ~~Q,~\1~,,~, ~~\ d--5.0~ ~,';~ ~\~'3 . 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'\ - \\ - {1\ We, the undersigned, team of volunteers with Syria Trust for Development, endorse the inscription of the Karagoz and Hacivat file on the World Heritage List, in our capacity as both spectators of and participants in interactive children activities interconnected with Shadow Play. 24-25/15/2016 Alaa Rifaii Quneitra Odai Awadh Quneitra Lata Abdullah Qamishli Ali Zaher Latakia Mohammad lsmaeel Rif Dimashq (Damascus Countryside) Yazan Karnabah Rif Dimashq Yaman Nasser Eddin As-Suwayda Ahmad Mkammal Damascus Mohammad Sakroujah Damascus Salim Sabbagh Damascus Yahya AIKurdi Damascus Madeeha Nasib Hamsho Damascus Alaa Azar Damascus Maram Dhamiriyya Damascus Hiba Almaallem Damascus /0~/Y'--;;~/ 1 /::~~' ~/ {> l:~' 0~\ D J LJ \ L-- I / I ;;.; \_; u(.r _j ~//// ~ 2-\ /_) \ ~ ~ -~_.,), uJ I~ w I ._j GJ, j; I L... Jp Le:, ~?(/I ~ . __, .--o\::::__ ~ ~_:_;) - Z'-t- Z5/!Z/2o\b ~ \ ~ ~ C_r- ~_,...o (\;)' v-{..:.___ l;) j ,.. CUJ --.s ~ 2-:~~1... J • '--.J_.J . ~~_i~ " ~;>~_, ~ - ~~,~- c?-J ~ J "1 6\-./~ __:./- rl ~J--.-1 I rL- ~..j l...rf t.:(j ~ c -;__1' , _;) JL -.J.>I ~~- "' ~J~~ r We, members of Nehna Cultural Association, work in the cultural domain with the aim of spotting talent from all over Syria. We call for the inscription of Karagoz and Hacivat on the Human Heritage List as an intrinsic part of the identity of Syrian society. This is a wish shared by communities, groups and individuals, for Karagoz and Hacivat to continue as significant characters that form an inseparable part of our society. Emil Abboud Damascus Engineer Yara Annimeh Damascus Roula Ayaso Damascus Simon Toameh Damascus Yamen AI-Sheikh Damascus Alaa Mohammad Damascus Zeinab Bakr Damascus Mirna Mahfoudh Damascus Molham Jamal Damascus Mohammad Mansour Damascus Rahaf Alaani Damascus Sami Obeid Damascus Nivinlssa Damascus Firas Qablawi Damascus Hazem Alaaqel Damascus Sabah Midani Damascus Governorate Raghdah Midani Damascus Governorate Thanaa Midani Damascus Governorate Yousef Shaddoud Hama Governorate Bushra lssa Hama Governorate Alaa Baqiya Rif Dimashq Governorate Majida Fallahah Damascus Governorate Saeed Hammoud Rif Dimashq Governorate Mohamed Zaatoul Quneitra Governorate Mansour Mohammad Damascus Governorate Dr. Engineer Maan Hanna Kusa Hama Governorate Dr. Rania Bassil Hama Governorate Abeer Aljabi Damascus Governorate Orwah Obeid Rif Dimashq Governorate Hajar Hussein Rif Dimashq Governorate Amani Azzur Damascus Governorate Wafaa Abu Shami Hama Governorate Jibran Zeinah Hama Governorate Aws Zeinah Hama Governorate Raghad Abu Shami Hama Governorate 25/12/2016 if 0.' ,.P_.J..•...... _p / _,. <)-c.:;.; J J u(. 1 . it}'r,J €,~!:-/~ ~ _,fl d" ( (.p r ./.' y_;__,._D ;[ ~_,)' ? jV \ _,..,/f,~\--,Jf_;..J '-"c.:--ts)> ,_...;;..-tr~, J.(. ,y ~ / J./0:> __. ..,..,·,,,L.( ....~ /./ .J y--- J::-7 YJ.--r ~~~ ~" ~\l.,..~ /V ..L.-_-.~ .5 J) J s:-c:_;._,. -_; ~~ _,.. 0--..) - A ~?JA.j 6--/}/ o-;wt (____ ,-Lp ~.?~tf .c:::::::: 6? '----...., . ' - ~ _;,~~ '-.__5 _.....,._, c _.S ../ ~~~\_so d- \-._g- .r ~ 7) 'vf ~ 1.J ~V f - ~ ~u1 ~J~/.... ab"l:J q\ ~~L-- ~*'b-~~ >/..~ c) ~_:.. ~ ~. ~ c::s:=~l.:.p ~ )· :;;, ~~~ ~y~~·_:) ~->JVll c:::_3·lJ\~ ~oJ_f - J .. C/ L.:_ ' l' - ~/..J ~ ' ;J&Z--l..__ - .4/:{ - I, the undersigned, Rajaa Wabi, a fine artist also involved in the supervision of workshops that transfer the knowledge relevant to the element of Karagoz and Hacivat. I would like to call for the inscription of the element on the World Heritage List on account of it being a bearer of various spontaneous expressive forms. lt also attracts children as an element of entertainment, a story with human, social and national meanings. Rajaa Wabi 15/09/2016 Name: Mwaffaq Makhoul -fine artist, cultural heritage scholar, director of School Science Museum and Director of the National Education Library. I hereby give my approval of the inscription of the element of Karagoz and Hacivat on the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, given that this simple theatre show which consists of cut-out cardboard figures has a special place in our human national memory and plays a vital role in filling our life with meaning and smiles. Karagoz and Hacivat are two fictional characters that have become ingrained in our lives and were the main rationale behind the concept of animation films. Shadow Play is a significant visual memory from our heritage culture, which created daily entertainment in the absence of the modern technology we have today. This is about the popular stories and daily tales and smiles we had experienced in the past, thanks to Karagoz and Hacivat. Mwaffaq Makhoul 28/03/2016 Social experiences are, in fact, cultural acts. Some cultural acts summon many an educational, psychological and cognitive dimension - Karagoz and Hacivat puppet theatre exemplifies that by combining drawing, imagination. story, social criticism, theatrical vocal performance, and show infrastructure with all the expertise required. Having been concerned with all of the above in my endeavours to transfer it to children and adults and help strengthen and unleash their intellectual and artistic selves and imaginations, and given my background as an artist and art critic, I have worked to safeguard this cultural heritage element and would like to offer my support to the inscription of Shadow Play on the UNESCO's Urgent Safeguarding List which would ensure its continuity for future generations, given the intellectual and artistic potential it carries. Fine Artist Ammar Hassan Shadow Play, with its various characters, is considered an element of Syrian heritage and teaches social and cultural lessons that reflect Syrian society with its different backgrounds and age groups. As a fine artist, I endorse the inscription of Shadow Play on the UNESCO's Urgent Safeguarding List so as to ensure the element is passed down to future generations. Damascus 15/1/2017 Fine Artist Abdel Aziz Dahdouh I, lmaduddin Kasahout, a fine artist, endorse the inscription of Shadow Play on the UNESCO's Urgent Safeguarding List, owing to the fact that it is one of the effective elements that contribute culturally, socially and historically to our society. lmaduddin Kasahout 18/01/2017 The fact that Shadow Play, including Karag6z and Hacivat, has social and cultural implications that have become linked to the memory of our Syrian Society, I would like to witness the inscription of this element on the UNESCO's Urgent Safeguarding List. This stems from my interest, as a fine artist, in Syrian heritage and safeguarding Fine artist Rana Hosni 19/01/2017 Due to the significant meanings and values attached to Karag6z and Hacivat which bear particular relevance to the Syrian society, I endorse the inscription of this element on the world heritage lists, in my capacity as director of a fine art centre with a profound interest in children's activities. Sometimes, we hold various shows on Karag6z and Hacivat which receive special attention and appreciation, only adding to the significance of this element. Jalal AI-Ghazi Director of the Educational Centre for Arts 25/09/2016 ..) I -- ~ I I 0 I ~ . . , . , . < ./ r __rPcSlr ~~ c.·/.-:>~~~/ , . . -fJ ~_, ./____:y_/ ~t cJ~{ ~ ~uJ ~ ~w~ ~~\ cJ\dP.V~Y~,~~,~~ ~~ ~~ I .- ~~\/c0L._;~' :s~J-f ~~~~~ /J)J A(// K~V/~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~ ~r,~ 0~ ~ ?0_/ Yr h 0Y1p ~-- ~G /~ ~PJ1 V/G 0:/ ~ ~.:.> J'-(1 ~ V~ I G ~I G;:p 0Jd:, /;s;? \:;:\P J / }11 /WJ ~): ;s G C( 0 L) I ~_) \.::\f ~ ~ V~ I / ~ ~(_, ~~ 1~\0 <( ~ ~ Vr_s Jle,J~ ( /_J~ ' e-:X& #;A 4_)c:--\:: ~~~_..)\~ I , ~ J vY' ~_:1 "~'~ 0~\ ~ ~ _..J.? ~V:OY1 ~ l ·/} wJ ' / ·- - ' / / . / ~ ~"\,-. J \ / ' .. "' - ; ~)} y--_; ~ 1 J _/I;/~' r '_,Yl~J 0YI..£J J_, ~ ~ ~)tJ ,_rj, ~ li _.;)" ./ ...... ' \ - 0 ,...J /'1 ,J ' ') I" f ../) • 1 I - L ' ?\~\ ~__,~~ t';' <.?":>(./·~f:l . ~'-"~ ~..::..,~)__., ,~~/ ~IJ J ~ t), j' Jv~ ~_; c.J__,\.ol t..__.o..!'~L ~ I I / I ' • ;, L)_,.-W c;w11r ?__, ~ 1J ~ Pt ~--/.? ?,'5-; ""'W,;_. 1 ~ _,. I_, y0 I i '_;.; ~ J I ..;.&> eft ~ L._s 1 ufr <..J'-'-' !'- c.V-I 1 ~ ~.M-- ') J ;,.._, 1- 'cY> u) I ""'.# Id c: ut< c.fo..J I ._) ~ 2 ...---" z. I~-' ·' /~/ "?; \ , r(_ <0 \ ~ le ~ '-: =v ) l.J I J l::-q lJ-' <1 / ~~ ....-v' ~ V / \ 'D. ) ' j t :.._ 9 \ . f . , • l G ~ _. . 2·/.:>l ~ ~ c~ .I • ~/J JU~~rvG'...,., , .., _,. ~_.::~"""""' - ____-vVv ~ ~ \ ~ ~ ~kJ \ tv~' ~L.: JLs -. -- - c..-·' '-1 I ' I' o ~ > ~~/;r~~ ~ . '· jl0) J ~ 2 __,------" ~ ,?. I/-" I ;! ~ __, 1__,,;, ~ I / . A Id/ ~~o~ JfWJ r..re-{~~Js ~G:J) 0~pr'd1 cv__._f>:! =J~_rf~ ,- 0;." =;.. ~ Jf), 0";r c!_.f . ~1,_.-1 \).(~ ~G ~_,~ ~ '>Lo J -'f\:r->__,_;_j ij ..- ' ~ 1.: ~ ~)I J (p ~ ff'.:__s; c?· L- , ) !:."" ~0 ~--:-> ~ ~ \ t...S _J J-r. U I ~yf_ll I ' J "::! Y' ~ \ c-);/,_;;:.- ' ~ ~__) ===~.rt ~ ~~W\ / ~ ~ ~c.% ;;_, 1...6 (...--" (/ u \...... ;-'V-' j.; ~ _;_) 1_,-)~ ~ tJ. ~ ; ~ ~ ~ ~ 2 t --> 1:- ~/ i j 0 ~~ ?' ~ \...... I J I - .J - I . ~ ~~___;;-._;.[:_/"'___. ~ Jw ~ ~ 1 - - I ,-. 0 C ~ ~\ ~ c)~_, ______) ~~I C::: ~ ~_..J> ~ 0 ~ foL,:J__..~GI~ __},~__,_;,_;)_;).-vS~~~ r~ ~~~ s~~ l- We, the staff of Educational Centre for Fine Arts in the Commercial Area, would like to express our wish for the inscription of the element of Shadow Play on the UNESCO's Urgent Safeguarding List for human cultural heritage in order to ensure the element is protected and transferred down the generations in appreciation of the cultural values and various social implications it has. Ali Sulaiman Latakia Governorate Asmahan Abdullah T artous Governorate Walaa Qabalan Quneitra Governorate Hala lsmail Deir Ezzur Walaa Sharif Damascus Governorate Ali Mustafa Damascus Governorate Rana Kabtool Damascus Governorate Nour Qadhmani Damascus Governorate Sami Dabees Damascus Governorate Sawsan Hassan Jalali Golan "~/G I ~~Li~L0~1 c)~c_s~~\' c._~\ ,, ' . ' ) -- - ' ~ _J ~.;. ~ ~ 0 ':i- Ur fp·. s..J:_ ~ -.~ \'-.·c:_/~ \ ·-=-· ~~ ~6-, ~ ~ ~~I ~~ u~r. ~~-b} 0~'~,~~~\ u~\ a...d~ LJk~l ~'-.....o_;~\0.: ~ u-~~0 ~~~'_r:-s- ~~~,u~ _., .6~..J. .. :-~ ;; ~~\ 'k. - - ... . ~-- ~__:>.W\ <::_) ~~ ~~~ ~ ~ u h---' => ~ d-~;1)~ ----- \ o)P~' c::;;::;o--$;] - _,/d2-> ~~I .1.-L.o c0?,r~~ ~ ~::> ~__) ~~ - ,.. r (.)--"'j a#/ ~ ~~~ ,;;..-::- ..> ~/ ~J'tlf' v.0~1. __)~2,-Y&-'r., We, the undersigned, have taken part in the preparation and coordination of Shadow Play workshops at Massar Children's Discovery Centre on 25/05/2015. We call for the inscription of the element of Shadow Play on the UNESCO's Urgent Safeguarding List, for it is an essential token of our traditional identity and its endurance in modem times. Rim Mohammad Jdeidat Artouz Damascus 0992315621 [email protected] Jihan Kasouhah Qudsaya Suburb Damascus 0955544591 [email protected] Lama Botros Jaramana Damascus 0993768666 lamaboutros@gmail. cam Manar Abdel Nabi Dummar Project Damascus 0933235823 [email protected] Serene AIJaafari AIAfif Damascus 0944270097 [email protected] Abdel Qader Jammal Dummar Project Damascus 0944270097 [email protected] Lujain Alkibbeh Muhajirin Damascus 0933567899 [email protected] J' Ill 0 MASSAR J ...!.lJ.)_, ~l_;t...... ofir J Jh!l J~ ~ ..:...u..)_, ~_, ~l...l"-J J li.S'.)u. .:.u~i w_p-3_,.1.1 ~ -~~~ ro-JWI J ~...J~\..9 ~~\ li.L_.JA ~ ~L..i ~ ~ - r~~M.. wqh e.~G ~kot'A.. ~.l.u:::l""'- 1 , J ,. - . 0.... '\c..'< \o\'._ / ..JI_?C" ~ ~_.:> - .J (:' / /<:>"'"' ~o ...... v,)l,c, i'jJrqj V "' c o 0 '"l.'L="\ '- l---__.; ~ Lf. ~_, _w_r-t cb ~ ti 1'/l Paris - France REF: 070217-09 Date: 07f02f2017 Dear sirs, The Syria Trust for Development is a field developmental association, a pioneer in the area of social change in Syria. The Trust works hand in hand with individuals and local communities in order to encourage and support self-reliant economic projects, enhance and develop the skills and potentials of individuals and communities, build lively and strong societies, and provide strong tools that help with tackling life challenges and changes. This is in order to achieve its primary aim: preserving the vibrant Syrian cultural identity. The Trust is in direct contact with communities, which gives it more credibility and makes greater its impact on policy makers and legislators. Its aim is to make benefit at the disposal of all the society, not only those in direct contact. This makes any positive change pursued and effected in societies have double the impact. The Trust takes upon itself the duty of revealing the best assets of those individuals and societies it serves. lt also evaluates itself in view of the results it achieves. Because intangible cultural heritage is essentially lively and vibrant in all its spiritual facets that give birth to the ideas which have been handed down from one generation to another making its way to us, we seek to safeguard it for being part and parcel of our belonging and the identity that defines not only us but also our cultural diversity. Recognising the significance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, the Syria Trust for Development endeavours to protect this heritage, along with all its aspects in the hope of sustaining its elements and raising awareness of their existence, which would fortify the Syrian cultural identity all over the world. The Syria Trust for Development was named international arbitrator in the UNESCO's evaluation committee for evaluating nominees on the lists of humanity's intangible cultural heritage for the period 2014-2016. After identifying 100 elements of Syrian intangible cultural heritage in 2013, and acknowledging the Syrian society's wish to nominate elements from this heritage, Shadow Play was selected for inscription on the UNESCO's Urgent Safeguarding Lists, which only echoes the desire of the local community and bearers of the element who are aware of the threats the element faces, calling for taking immediate measures to safeguard the element and facilitate its transfer. Since 2014, the Syria Trust for Development has organised a series of activities in support of the element, such as workshops, shows, and publications to raise awareness of Shadow Play, in addition to liaising with bearers of the element and having them involved in the various activities. However, the element remains in imperative need for additional measures. Therefore, as a representative of Syrian society, the Syria Trust for Development would like to endorse the inscription of Shadow Play on the UNESCO's Urgent Safeguarding List in order to ensure its transfer from one generation to the next and introduce the Syrian Shadow Play experience to the rest of the world while simultaneously ensuring its continuity within the Syrian society. Best regards, Fares Kallas Secretary General of the Syria Trust for development Fax: Tel: +963 11 6125030 Alexandria Street, East Mezzeh, Tel: +963 11 6125026 P.O. Box: Damascus, Syria, 2783 ii!oiill ~Jg.mJI wLD.ill Syria Trust for Development -,?JUI~ Jl4lll .!.!;110~ '4.-o~l~ ~I oJL...ll L..J_,..g- ~.)~ SG 070217-09 : ~;1.1 2017 ..b~ 07 :&>WI ·~j~~ -41 i..L: J-a.3 ·4:.;_,_... ~ l,f~~~.;-~1 J~ ~ ~,.l..jG 41..~..t:A d._.~ ~_;.o ~ 4:.;_,_.11 4.....;lA~I y.,.._.b;Jj---J~J ,..::.I.LJI ~ ~..1--••a.l.l ~.l~~~ ~L..:..l.l ~.lJ ~~ ..:.;) ~~ ..::.1 •Qi-r..ll_, ..l\r-9~1 t '4--.-L...i ~L..i.A f:..,L...... AjJ ,L_..,..g_, ~ ..::.1 • Q..i~ ~l.J:J ,..::.1 • q;~t_, ..l\r--9~1 .s..LJ ~~~ ..::.UlbJI_, ..:.G4.ll ~WI 4:.;.,._....Jl WLilll L~l ~b .}-AJ J_,~l y...L.A J rii?UJ ill~_, .l.-f~J ~~~ wl:!~ ~~ -~4:=d~ ·~~!_, ..::.L....~I ~~J ~ [r.!L;_, ~~~..rlS'i ~ t- ..::.1 • Qi?ll t-A ~~4-o J...... ol_,:u d.....ilA~I ~ l$i 0~ ..!.li.U ·0-'~4.1.1 4: 'ro; "'Q-! ~.;~ 0~ 0i ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~..wWI ~ 0i y~ .l~~~ ~ t- ~IJI.Hh d.....ilA~I ~J -~~ [r.!Li ~ ..::.1 •Qi-r..ll ~ ~ r~-' u ~ ~i4uJ .~Lu 0A ~lA uk H.;-! .h4.9 ~ ~ LS .LflAJ..:> ~ r.ill ~~ ..::.~1_, ~~ _;W)U u~\ d.....p.J.)I ~lp. · ,; I;~ U"'L....~~ .r .!.G--; ~ ,,pUI ~ JL.WI .!.\;-tll 0~ ~J ~_,.;J _;.¥.J_, L;~ ~~ J~~~ 0jQ1 0--4 *'~ ~ Jol.u.U ~-' .~J ~-' ~1_, J4.?~1 ~_,l..u:; l.i..A 0~ ~ ~ 4:.;_,__11 4.....;lA~I J-aj ·1$-lUI.;-¥ JL.illl ~\;.):.11 0~ ~i ()-A U~lj .JL.illl ~ 4:.;_,___..ll ~Lilll d...... ~\.-. r!~;l ~ if_,_Jl ~.» ~~~ d..ol...u...-...1 0~ ~lp.. ,; I;~Q-1 ~l.r-iJI .rJWI~bi~ ~ ~ ~GJII$-lUI.>-¥- JL..i.tjl ~[r.tll J-'f"'~ ~ ~ ~ 44.llil4:.;_,_.ll 4.....;lA~I ..:.S')_J. ..1....9_, 2016-2014 ~.;,.ill "~y.JI" r_,.lA.JI_, oLillt_, ~fl.J o..I=Zl.l f-4~1 ~ J (J_,.l ~ I$J_,_JI ~~ ~J 0"'~1_, .2013 rLL I$J_,_JII$.lUI.;-~ Jl..ii.tjl ~!J-tll 0-.A~ ~I ~~ ~.; ~ ~~ J..WI J4> r,.r-o ~ )-:!·...,;.\ ~ ..L...iA .~~;ill I.lA ~~;ill 0-0 .J--f"'~ ~y ~! c:::_~)o~ 0-A cLJ ua~ U ~fi..-.ly.JI ~ .s..U ~W\0~1 ~1..9 ~ 4G.l)I ~~.>_, _ ~.}_,_ .~-2- 'IVA'T' :...,. . ._,.. -~~ bj-t -L.)~~I t;U. Tel: +963116125026 Fax: +96311 6125030 Alexandriast. -West M.u.zeh -P.O.Box: 2783 -Damascus, Syria [email protected] www.syriiltrust.sy ii!oiill ii!Jg.wJI ijjlDill Syria Trust for Development ~ .::.L!uJ 0-A~ ~I..UI .::.1.1:.~10--A 41 .,!,,! ~ 4:J~I d.._jlA~I U-A[j 20141"'~ ..i.....i.AJ I.LJ ~~1.,~1 4.....k> ~ J.-.alyjl ~J o~J ,J_.l:J\ JW ~~ if~l ~Y .::.IJ~J uaJ.r£-J .~~) .::.1~\p.-J JJ a..:..LA ~~~~I ui ~J ,.::,\.bl..4JJI . .;li~~ ~ J..WI JW ~~ rG~k ~J_,___JI t <1i~ ~ ~ ~ et:J_,___JI 4..JLA~I y...i:.y ~., J4> ~ 4.....~ ~ ~l...a..ll J ...,..._,__.:JI J~ .....w~_,_,_.>i ._..JJ ~ 0-A 4...l.i.i u~ J.-:?.WI u~l ~[j ·~J_,_JI ~I .::.4-b J .u...J~) u~J ~.J_,_JI Jhll ~J,_ .~,)-' REF: 001 - 01/2017 Date 29/01/2017 Mr Talal Mualla Head of the Unit for the Development of Intangible Heritage, at the Syria Trust for Development -Syria Aga Khan Education Services (AKES) in Syria, the executive agent of the International Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), organises various activities in support of the Syrian cultural heritage sector in general and the intangible cultural heritage in particular, including Shadow Play as an intangible cultural heritage element pertinent to Syrian society and its individuals. The organisation organises different activities in relation to the element, such as children workshops and puppet shows which give cultural comic performances to children and adults alike. Bearing in mind the fundamental cultural and social meanings which the Shadow Play element bears, as well as the Syrian society's wish for planning additional activities that accentuate the element in question, AKES in Syria backs the inscription of Shadow Play (Karagoz and Hacivat) on the UNESCO's World Heritage Lists with a view to raising awareness of the element and making it widely available and known to all, all the while seeking to build new capacities and recruit new staff in order to safeguard this quintessentially Syrian heritage for the future generations. Executive Director Dr. Ali lsmail Address: Abu Rummanah, Rawdah Sqaure, Abdul Qader AIJazaeri, Building No. 15, P.O. Box 33184, Damascus, Syria Tel: +963 11 33500731 Fax: +963 11 33500730 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www .akdn.orgj arabic 2017/01 -001 : ~)l 20 17/0 1/29 :~..J~I .)_J4JI ~ J~ j U.....,'JI c.i IJJ1..4~\ ~lji.ll J ..Al:wl\ y__,b:i ~~J ...):!~ - ~-~~1~1..4'JI WWI ~\1lll · L;.. li. 'jt ~ · · t ~ I tl ~I · ''" ," -:11 ~ . ~1.1ill wl....b.ll · L;.. ~ 'jl ~ · -- - u .r'!..? - J ~ ...r .J -.JY" .,r - u r r-Y-> ~ I.J.o.J ,~\..:;. ~ '-:?.)l...)l\1 ._,Jt:UII ..::.ljili.J r-l.c. ~ -,?J_,.JI .jt:UII -.::.lji\1 t\.k! r-c.J ~ wlb~ _o.)l_)i.J -,?.J_,.JI ~ .u....JI w b ~.)L..)l\1 .}t:lll\ ~lyll ~\..£ ~ts Jl;JI ~ C->'-"'" ~ ye ~Y""' u'=>J.JC- t.!~.J Jl.ibYI eo J.= ..:..L:.iJ.J ~.J .Jfi:WI y-.WI Jp ~ wu,~ ~yJ\ i"fo ~ ... 1_,..., ~ > .)~I.J Jl.ib)A.l ~~ ~tS! Ua.J.JC- (":!~ 4J)G.. M! ~l>.... ~~ ..bt.....JI 1.J.o ~Li ~.J .)c. .. ~.J ,~\..\ ~~.J ~41 Jjt....J 1.J.o Jl:JI ._14.;.. CY""' ~ ~ W lpJ CIJ.)I r-e~ ~JY".} ~\.1ill wl...h.ll.:_,L;.. ~ 'jt ~)A j~, J.,SiJI ~I j_p wll,L...:..ill j.a .l,!j.a ~ -,?J_,.JI oY:,:,J ~ .,r-_,!1 ~J w~ ~_,Jl._,...JWI -.::.tji\1 ~\_,! ~ ( J;,lff.J jfil.fi) Jl;JI ~ c..r-:-o ~ ~t:w1 •.,u.,.JI ..:.Jil 1~ 0,..... ~ ~ o.l,!~ ~~ ylfi.J wi.J.l! .. ~ .)) ~~.J ,.:.;s.- Jlhi c·-) .)c . ~.)lill ~~I JP .. \ ~J.r-' ·..Y'~ ,T'r\At -".,y. J~ ,\0 ; J .~ •-?.J\).1 y'-'ll -¥ ~L!. ,4.;._,)1 ~ ..... •~ ...J _,.1 :.}y.J\ www.akdn.org/arabic :J_v$J) eJ" [email protected] :J_v$J) -4!;. +'I '\T' \\ T'iO • •VT' • :~.;+'I '\i \\ rn • •VT'\ :._z'.- EIN ALFUNOON Ein Alfunoon Cultural Society aims at strengthening cultural roots within Syrian society, in order to build bridges between the society and cultural institution. Ein Alfunoon has an active role in organising forums and cultural dialogue shows that discussed topics germane to Syrian TV soaps, theatre and cultural policy. The Society encourages young generations at many a level. The Society supports theatre and holds symposiums on the reality of Syrian theatre the most recent of which was the one entitled 'Our Theatre Today' (18/10/2016) which has drawn upon the challenges and problems that theatre faces and ways to offer support and maintain its presence and vitality. One of the theatre genres that the Society supports is Shadow Play, for it showcases the early days of Syrian theatre with all its various characters and concepts. The Society endeavours to offer support for this type of theatre in a restoration attempt, in line with the needs of local communities. This is due to the positive cultural and social values that Shadow Play represents, which contributes to raising society' s awareness and meeting its needs. Therefore, Ein AIFunoon would like to join in the call for the inscription of the element of Shadow Play on the Urgent Safeguarding List of World Cultural Heritage, in an attempt to safeguard Syrian theatre in general and Shadow Play in particular. Secretary Director Fadi Atiyyah Diana Jabbour I Damascus 06/02/2016 9 ~. . . .---. ~ C· i>• j;"" ~ P:- .,., ~· t ~....- C- [• ~· (., !:. 'I· ~~ ~ [ ~ ~~l f ~·-: c- .c-C7 fl! ;;., l 1; f (., 1 ·t: 1 . ~ v ~.::· E E ~ ~ t· }. r. ~·· t. ~ ~ C· 1, 1, Cf_ v Cf• t '-- C· ·~ . C· 1\1' .f' ~ t• fl 0\ b. y. t 1> E.:. e: r !:- - .t· ~. t:. ~ t t r. ~ r. ~. t ~ ~ ~ .t· r;; - ~r- c_l... t f. 1 E ~· ·~· C· f l ~ t 1;- Q ~ ~ 1· l f 1~· [• .. ~ t '( 'I· t. - J-. . f ·~. t:. f. t .. ·~.(1... ~~ gr f:- ·_ 1 ~: ~. tl... '-- [• --; ~ 1 f. .E ~ _ _ ·(1... fl .c- f r;,. s:: .' ~~- .· ~ f 1-1 . 'F [ s Q .( != -:· t. ~·.,., - ~~ [• f- - ~t 1. r. l I~~ fi 1:-. ~~ t~ l t- •(1... PI • - 1... - ·~ .,.. c_ "'' f - &. t ~ t' l ~. r:;. ~ ~ ~ ,f.· ·~· fl' .r - ~. J;o . "' ~. t. ~. [• [.,. . ~ .~· me. - [• ct· .1c- "' \.0 ff ·~. . . [• ·r . 'f.C· L~· - g. (., ff• l ~.. l . . ~ ~ t' __: f - ~f.~.( t ~1: '[~.· ~~( ~ f t "' ~ ct· - 1 ·~ - t. ~ t. ~t (1 ~. ~ o: t . ~I ~f t·f·1{~ 1~ ~t·0 ':( 1 .f. :r ~ ~ .t ·[ ~ ·r· t~... ·r· z ,.. l f f t •r (1... 1 ...... 01 4,!.' . ·t. . - - •Gl c /1 C· f... .,.- ·t' ~ ·~...... r;; - ~·. l . ., E (:;~ f ·f t 1: ~ ·~· 1 Et ~ . ' s. ~- •- - ~ CO - f:-. - ~; - t. """'.,1 \.L ~ We, the undersigned, work in the fields of photography and documentation which enable us to document and safeguard the elements of Syrian heritage, including Karagoz and Hacivat which, we believe, have functions, meanings and values that are closely interconnected with our Syrian society, hence our unreserved approval of the inscription of this element on the Human Heritage Lists. Photographer: Mohammad AIFahl Damascus Governorate Director of documentary: Bilal Zein AIAabideen Deraa Governorate 17/01/2017 We, the media team at the General Organisation of Radio and Television, cover the Shadow Play activities in various locations and would like to express our support for the inscription of the element of Shadow Play on the World Heritage List, particularly since we have seen people's appreciation of and interaction with the Shadow Play shows, irrespective of their age. Leen AI-Arbeed-creator and presenter of theatre-focused cultural programmes As-Suwayda Governorate Fuad AI-Bitar - director - City of Damascus Mirvat Nemeh - Syrian director, Drama - City of Damascus Yousef Asaad- Cameraman, Syrian Arab TV channel Rasha Mahfoudh - Journalist, Syrian Arab New Agency (SANA) - Damascus Sajed Tarmanini- Cameraman and journalist, SANA -Damascus Khaldoun Alhatt- Cameraman and journalist, SANA- Damascus Samer AI-Shighri - Journalist, SANA - Rif Dimashq 24/10/2016 ~0l~~~~,-!~'cJ~?·~ 0~__,\~~,~ - - ~ ~/ c;-r~'c.:--~IAC:S.~/VA_l~_;,--> ~--' Jw/ ~Lf__,-~U L-Jl;,_, _J,·~j _;,__.)/ __.--i..J '..? '--'-' \ J< ~ ~ ~ ~ ~__, L? ~---\~::=~ 1.- _l:/ ~G~,~~,(~~ ,~- -- :> ).i_,\.S ~\ ~ '• ---~' ----+- \s ,._, ~ v v_ <\·-'-\'~ ;o7. · ~ ~~ /-: l.:) -- '-J ~\-\\1 o/·j-Y-']rd}·7~w\~\ ~~~'~_.P I ~ ;;fw.\~ ~ cP____) I c:_) ~ ¥- AO We, the undersigned, the media team of Syrian Television and Syrian Journalism, have covered the 3- day Shadow Play workshop that was held at Massar Children's Discovery Centre, during the period 25- 27 May 2016. We call for the inscription of Shadow Play on the UNESCO's Urgent Safeguarding List, in consideration of people's interest in the activities related to the element in question and because Karagoz and Hacivat exhibits the various characteristics of Syrian society and distinguishes its cultural and social identity. Badee Sneij- Tishreen Newspaper- Damascus- 0944694632- [email protected] Rania Rishah- Syrian Television- Mezzeh- Damascus- 0988629544 [email protected] Wael Khalifah- Tishreen Newspaper- Damascus- 0966613372- [email protected] Jihad Kurdi - Kilani Group - Dummar project - Damascus - 0933043642- [email protected] IO ~ ~.J..9 ~ W ~J~I 4..9~1..9 I?.J~I uy)-llill ~W~ ~.t':>k~ ~_rill old u_p.-9_,11 ~ I..J""Ak.ll~\0-0 27 tS->J 2s 0-0 1~..1.! r~i dJ)lj .S-lA ~ ~1.)\..-ofij-G J JW~ Jl:-> ~ ~I .:.~Lull ~ ._,..WI JW~ ~ J.?.WI u~l 'W\..9 ~ JWI Jl:-> ~ l:I.J..l! J ~y .2015 ~~~J I?.J~I ~I 0-0 i...l....u.:L.o ...,..._;l_y- ~ .1,1~..9 jfiGS" ~ u~J .Jfi.il.l ~I J_p- rW . ~~~j ~\...'ill\ A~~\qi\~\- (iJ.>_;y~"i~P:- (:_-~ [!.J-? - \ b):J.V\q()@ 'f.o.~oo. C.oW\ . . .g\71~ i Shadow Play has been quite popular in the Levant countries and received great attention during the second half of the 19th Century and up until the middle of the 20th century. Many creative performers have been linked with this art; others have shown interest in researching its techniques, dimensions and aims. lt would be good to witness an interest in reviving this branch of art and situate it as a significant heritage element within the framework of popular literatures and arts. I would like to urge the parties concerned to consider the inscription of the Shadow Play on the World Heritage List, in view of its components which are closely related to our society and people and their habits and traditions. Scholar and writer Ghassan Kallas 03/01/2017 lf~~_,y; / Lf(r ,r/ ' t:.. Karagoz and Hacivat exemplifies one of the Syrian peoples' ancient practices evident in telling stories and folktales in a simple acting style. People gathered in popular cafes and listened to the stories, interacted with them by cheering and applauding and, sometimes, by being merely flabbergasted. That created an atmosphere that emanated harmony, love and familiarity, a realisation which drives our encouragement of those old traditional habits. The habits reclaim a happy social interaction between the individual and their society via the medium of entertaining stories that make the audience smile but also teach valuable lessons. In addition to the entertainment we get, we also bring back all the old traditional and historical stories that are in need of safeguarding. Or. Rani a Basseel Dr. Engineer Maan Kusa 24/12/2016 ' Support unit and the development of cultural heritage Damascus- Syria Tel-00963113330274 00963113330276 We are a group of experts in intangible cultural heritage. Our work focuses on the framework for applying the intangible cultural heritage safeguarding agreement (2003). signed by the Syrian Arab Republic in 2006. We work on safeguarding the various types of intangible cultural heritage in line with the desire of the local communities and bearers of the element to safeguard their heritage and keep it alive and transferrable from one generation to the next. Since 2003, the unit team has worked on taking numerous measures for the safeguarding of the element of Shadow Play, in collaboration with bearers of the element. We have been in contact with Puppeteer Shadi Hallaq, held a number of workshops between 2014 and 2017 and organised workshops that focused primarily on children with the aim of transferring the knowledge to them. This is not to mention that theatre shows were performed by Puppeteer Shadi Hallaq himself, in collaboration with governmental and civil bodies concerned with the element. We support the inscription of the element of Shadow Play on the UNESCO's Urgent Safeguarding List due to the threats posed to the element which call for immediate action to revitalise the element, in accordance with the needs of its bearers and its cultural identity. Team of experts: Shireen Naddaf Reem lbrahim Razan AI-Mahameed Roula Akili Lujain Saleh Executive Officer: Talal Mualla Support unit and the development of cultural heritage Syria_ Damascus Tei:00963113330274 fax: 00963113330276 u~ ~Li:il ~}bj ~ ~yi.JI ~ JW:_, ~~La)UI JLilll ~I;DI J .,~1 LJ..o ~~ ~ .2006 d..;...., J 4:.;~1 ~~I 4:.;~1 ~ ~_, ~1_, 2003 9~La)UI JLilll ~I;DI ~.3 J;d-1 ~I~_;~ .¥1Y:! ~-' ct...lyi J~l uk 9~La)UI JLilll ~I;DI u~ u~ ~ . ._p-i ..l..A./ ~ o_,.lilil:_, u.~_, ~ ~ ~~ u~ J ~.)j.)-+"'Lu..ll ~ u_3l,.:zJ4 Jh.JI J~ ~ ~ u~ ..:...1.,~) o..ll. ~~I uk 2013 r"~ ..i.:..a_, .5J.>yl ~...... 9 ~ ..LiJ r"~ c§>.3 2014 r"~ u..o ..:...~_;_,11 LJ.4 ~~ .,..L;.!!_, J)L.. 9~L:. ~WI ~ J..oi_,. ybb 0-0 o~~ l.l. ..!.IJ~_,_,s:....J~I-.s..J J_;..WI u~l W[j uk Jhll Jlp. ~~V~ ui ~J-i d....a_&a :o..o ~ :;~~":lt ..:...lb~ ~ L...;Ji .....Jh:u _-r-J u:'-"··'-WI ..:...Wb..:i.o. ..._ ~..r'.J-L:!.::.0.1 - k..~ -'-'1 - .49Lilll~l Syrian Arab Republic Ministry of Culture REF: 343/2/10 MD Date: 30/01/2017 Dear sirsjmadams of the Support Unit and the Development of Cultural Heritage Shadow Play (Karagoz and Hacivat) is considered to be an aspect of intangible cultural heritage that forms an important part of the identity of Syrian society. Analogous with the Ministry of Culture's vigorous actions to safeguard the various types and forms of intangible cultural heritage, and its recognition of Shadow Play as a pillar of Syrian intangible cultural heritage, the Ministry would like to nominate the element of Shadow Play (Karagoz and Hacivat) file for inscription on the World Cultural Heritage List, which would enable us to share our Syrian culture with the world, a culture manifest in the Shadow Play stories, vernaculars, puppeteering methods and all that says about our local environment and quintessentially Syrian qualities. This art is ancient; however, we still present it to adults and children today. lt belongs to bona fide Damascene heritage which, as tradition has it, is shown during the month of Ramadan along with the Hakawati (story teller) of Damascus. Numerous performances, aimed at both adults and children, have also been shown at cultural centres, lobbies and old cafes of Damascus. This beautiful art stirs in people a sense of happiness and takes them back to times long gone, times we all miss today. Nowadays, we are overwhelmed by satellite technologies which seem to have flourished at the expense of theatre and our heritage. Thanking you for your cooperation. Minister of Culture Mohammad AI-Ahmad SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC ~J_,_.ll 4-_;JI ~~\ MINISTRY OF CULTURE Ul.A:JI ;J\jj .? Z~" \..~- :~)' REF: 9 . DATE: L.~/~. : ~JWI ~~I ~~I .t..#J ~~ o~J o~WI ..:.;ljJI ~~ lS..l>-1 ( .1~) )~1_,5') ~ jkJI j~ u-- ~ ~ ;;,;LQ.;J\ OJ~-' ~ 0" i.;")\hj,, '~J~' ~~ ~r ..:..r L~ i~.r. ~,...~ -.s..u' -.s.)Lo')U I Jl..i:l' 0lS)i ..1..>-i jkJI J~ ~ 0i ~) ,.J:,Ld) ~lji ~ (.,?.)Lo')\j l _JlQ.;J I ...:_. i__,.: J I j~ l) Jt.:>- u-- ~ Ji. ~ j :Jj ~J_,...JI ajlQ.;J\ oJ~) 0~ '-fJ_,...J\ <.,?.)Lo)\.\1 <.jlQ.;J I ...:_.ljJ I lJ ~ ~ ~~ JWI ·l?J_,...JI ~I cJ :i.L.ob ~~_, W ~ ..:,.r ~ Lo_, ~W\1 1 ~_) ~_,b_, ..:.; lfJI ..:..r r _, J li...a.l~ J ~ V~ u j Lo _,..a.JI lh c:; L:s:J r-J,j r ~~ lh ~J,j) il...:JI (.}~ ~\.:.:- Jl 0l,a..J cJ i~ 0i o.)W \ ..:-:>;-J.) <.,?..iJ I ~~ I ~..J I ~..l4.11 ~.) ~lie) u~\..aJ~ ~lQ.;JI _?1).1 cJ ~ ~ Jl.it...aJ I_, J\.$J.l ~_,_rl l y p£J1 olj~\ 0Loj Jl r'~ . ~..iJI ~\~I lh ..:._r r'~ Lo J'\.;.)1 .../''~ J ~ ~ r Lo j5) c_r-J.I ~ ~~_, \.AI_;)-_, d~ u\.;W~ ..:.;~ \ GLoj )s- ~-' ~ ·¥-) J IJ Syrian Arab Republic Ministry of Culture REF: 713/ MD/ 10 A Date: 29/01/2017 Dear sirsjmadams of the Support Unit and the Development of Cultural Heritage Karagoz and Hacivat (Shadow Theatre) is an old art that forms part of our popular heritage. lt consists of moving shadow puppets (cut-out figures). made of dried and dyed animal skins, behind a thin translucent curtain with a stick, and focusing a light source from behind the stage through the puppets into the screen, thus displaying the shadows of the cut-out figures on the screen. Karagoz and Hacivat have given us stories of bravery, generosity, heroism and morality, while keeping the audience smiling and laughing throughout. The main characters are Karagoz and Hacivat. Karagoz is a rogue, a cantankerous man with a never ending deluge of schemes. By contrast, Hacivat is a wise man who gives advice to people but is always outwitted by Karagoz. Through the characters of Karagoz and Hacivat, puppeteers dispense wisdom and advice to their audience. The characters of Karagoz and Hacivat and the concept of Shadow Theatre, in all its forms, are all still in circulation within the Syrian society, communicating the essence of the element and its social and cultural meanings. Therefore, the Directorate of Popular Heritage, Ministry of Culture, is in favour of the inscription of the element of Shadow Play (Karagoz and Hacivat) on the UNESCO's Urgent Safeguarding List in the hope of raising awareness of the element and safeguarding it for future generations as a vital part of Syrian cultural heritage. Thanking you for your cooperation. Deputy Minister of Culture Engineer Ali AIMubayyedh SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC MINISTRY OF CULTURE REF: DATE: ~~I ~~I ;.#J ~~ o..I..:>-J o~WI Js- ~ {-~ u! y) ,~\ ~lj.ll J_,a 0.-l>-l jkJI j~ _,i J:,ly_, j§'l_? ~ _;..l-QJI er)~.::..,....~~)~~..~ r-' ,~~~ JIY~' -.::.;b ~~~#. ' er if~~~~ ~~ ~ -.::.;~ ~) ~ db\y) j§'l_? 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