Aghabani training with L'Artisan du Liban
Aghabani training with L'Artisan du Liban

‘Aghabani’ is a traditional Syrian embroidered textile with elegant patterns inspired by the flora of the Middle East. These handicrafts have been produced for centuries by Syrian artisans following ancient techniques, and are used to make tablecloths, clothing, pillows and other decorative items. Before the conflict broke out, these beautiful products were exported from Syria and could be found in stores around the world, including Lebanon.
Thanks to funding of the European Union, in 2014 UNHCR started a workshop in Tikrit, North Lebanon for Syrian and Lebanese women on the ‘Aghabani’ embroidery technique. Next to learning new skills the programme also offers the participants a chance to meet and interact, fostering a greater social cohesion between the two communities.
By the end of 2015, a total of 50 Lebanese and Syrian women will have benefited from the training, conducted by UNHCR in partnership with the Lebanese NGO Al Majmoua and the private non-profit company ‘L’Artisan du Liban’.
The embroidery is hand-made with an Aghabani machine, traditionally using silver, gold and white silk threads. Most of the women attending the workshop had never used an Aghabani machine before, let alone knew of the potential of the skill. The training encourages women to innovatively apply the Aghabani techniques to bring new designs onto the modern market.
“Every session lasts for three hours, and the women will have 35 sessions over three months. While learning this ancient embroidery tradition, Syrian and Lebanese women also have the opportunity to come together and socialize”, says UNHCR’s Danya Kattan.
There are currently 33 women participating in the course. Before the training started, the centre was rehabilitated by UNHCR’s partner Al Majmoua, thanks to a generous contribution of the European Union.







The Aghabani training is part of the support provided by the European Union in response to the Syrian crisis. Since the beginning of the crisis, the EU generously contributed over USD 165 million (EUR 127 million) for UNHCR’s activities in Lebanon, to meet the humanitarian needs of Syrian refugees and support Lebanese public institutions and vulnerable Lebanese communities.
UNHCR's note: This story has been published in Arabic at:
http://www.unhcr.org/ar/news/latest/2016/8/57c4536f4.html.