'Ya Hafeth Ya Ameen' Exhibition
17 November 2015
Queen Rania Inaugurates TIRAZ Exhibition: Ya Hafeth Ya Ameen
November 17, 2015
(Office of Her Majesty – Press Department – Amman) Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah inaugurated today the TIRAZ Exhibition: Ya Hafeth Ya Ameen, the collaboration between the collections of Widad Kawar and Sami Moawiyah Yousef, in an exhibition on protective silver adornments from Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and Oman.
The exhibition holds a wide selection of silver jewelry incorporating amulets and talismans from the early 20th century; a full costume of each representative country, outlining some of the superstitions of people from that era. The various pieces were used in a time when people widely believed in supernatural powers.
TIRAZ Widad Kawar Home for Arab Dress’s permanent collection was also on display and has evolved to include a more extensive collection of costumes and home utensils from mainly Jordanian and Palestinian cities; this was done with the help of TIRAZ’s foreign consultant Brigitte Schön from Switzerland.
During the time in which the exhibition is on display, visitors will be able to create replicas of their favorite amulets, while a treasure hunt among the showcases of different areas is underway and will be launched for children to enjoy during their visit.
About
TIRAZ is a non-profit organization that aims to preserve and promote the region’s rich cultural heritage, and is able to do this with the help of the public the sponsors’ contributions to the exhibition including Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, Kawar Group, Ard Canaan, Mazaj FM, Trendesign, Intercontinental Hotel, and Al-Aydi.
Ya Hafeth Ya Ameen will run until Monday, 28th of March 2016. For more information, please contact: 06-592-7531 / 077-766-0055
'Golden Threads of Bethlehem' Exhibition
26 January 2015
On Sunday, 25th of January 2015, under the patronage of H.R.H. Princess Muna Al Hussein and H.R.H. Princess Wijdan Al-Hashemi, TIRAZ Centre officially opened its doors to its first exhibition, entitled ‘Golden Threads of Bethlehem,’ which celebrates the vibrant creativity, artistic cultural legacy and home-grown costume industry of Bethlehem from 1880 to 1948. TIRAZ Centre is a Jordanian, nascent organization that currently houses the largest collection of Palestinian and Jordanian traditional costumes, weavings, home utensils and jewelry, dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. The Widad Kawar Collection grew from her longstanding passion and commitment to preserve the disappearing culture and heritage of the Arab world, while TIRAZ Centre was a realization of her dream to share such extensive collection with the pubic for years to come.
The city of Bethlehem was selected as the first theme for the opening exhibition for several notable reasons. From a sentimental perspective, Bethlehem was the hometown of Widad Kawar, where she was gifted her first two traditional dresses “thob,” serving as the inspiration behind her collection. Bethlehem was also selected to recognize the historical significance of the city as an innovator in the fashion industry and the starting place of the unique and influential couching technique. The exhibition highlights the history and significance of Bethlehem; various arts and crafts from the area; the influence of the couching technique on surrounding villages and the Jerusalem area; as well as a celebration of the accomplishments of four pioneer women in the art of embroidery. The highlight of the exhibition is a gorgeous display of various masterfully embroidered dresses fit for a queen: the “malak” costume. Lastly, the exhibition includes a number of art pieces from the collection of Dr. Hisham Khatib.
“Golden Threads of Bethlehem” also features several interactive activities, such as the ’ Craftsmanship Challenge,’ an organized treasure hunt for the youth; as well as several lectures and embroidery workshops to be held on selective dates. The exhibition will conclude with a two-night concert featuring the talented music of “Dozan Wa Awtar.” The exhibition shall run till Saturday, March 28, 2015, with the following visiting hours: Sun, Tues, Wed and Thur. from 10am-4pm; Sat. from 10am-7pm; closed on Mon. and Fri.
As a non-profit organization, TIRAZ could not have realized its vision for this exhibition without the generous support and contribution of the following sponsors: Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Bank al Etihad, Naqsh Design House, Layali Amman and Housing Bank. More importantly, TIRAZ’ objective to host three temporary exhibitions per year cannot be possible without the public’s support, encouragement and kind donations.
Prestigious Award
18 September 2014
Widad Kawar receiving the Directorate of Heritage Award by Mr. Abdulaziz Almusallam Alkhaaldi, the Director of Heritage & Cultural Affairs of the Government of Sharjah. Mr. Abdulaziz also wrote a beautiful article about his experience with Widad Kawar and his feedback on her work.
http://alroeya.ae/2014/09/21/181200/