By Oula Mahfouz
Damask is a traditional textile fabric known for its remarkable patterning and high quality. The name “damask,” which is also commonly used in German, comes from the Arabic term “damas,” which refers to the city of Damascus in ancient Syria. The word is first documented in German in the 15th century and was adopted from the Italian word “damasto”. This is because Italian merchants first brought the damask fabric to Germany.
Originally, damask fabric originated in the ancient Orient and was further developed over time in different cultures. Traditionally, damask was made from threads of silk and even gold, but nowadays other materials such as cotton, linen or synthetic fibers are also used.
The special feature of damask is its high quality and durability, so it was used mainly by noble and rich families. The fabric is often densely woven and has a smooth, shiny surface. Because of its strength and simultaneous flexibility, damask is often used for fine fabrics such as tablecloths, bedding, clothing, curtains and furniture covers.
The industry is currently suffering from numerous problems in Syria due to low demand resulting from difficult economic conditions. It is proving difficult to obtain raw materials due to the embargo on Syria. There is also a shortage of qualified workers in this sector. Furthermore, the number of tourists has dropped sharply due to the ongoing war in Syria since 2011. Radwan Al-Aseel, owner of one of the two remaining damask manufacturers in Damascus, expressed to tünews INTERNATIONAL: “This industry is on the verge of extinction, and we are doing everything we can to keep it alive.”
The term “damask” is also used in other contexts. In knife production, for example, Damascus refers to a special forging technique in which different layers of metal are welded together to create a unique pattern. Such Damascus knives are popular for their sharpness and aesthetics and are also called “Damascus knives” in German.
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Damast ist ein traditionelles Textilgewebe aus Syrient. Foto: tünews INTERNATIONAL / Radwan Al-Aseel
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