Preserving and Celebrating Syrian Intangible Cultural Heritage in the UK: Strategies, Insights, and Untold Narratives

In recent times, the significance of living heritage during crises has gained prominence. While the aftermath of such crises often leads to lessons being forgotten, those in conflict zones persistently endure hardships. This study examines the pivotal role of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in bo...

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Main Author: Ataa Alsalloum
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-10-01
Series:Heritage
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2571-9408/6/10/351
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author Ataa Alsalloum
author_facet Ataa Alsalloum
author_sort Ataa Alsalloum
collection DOAJ
description In recent times, the significance of living heritage during crises has gained prominence. While the aftermath of such crises often leads to lessons being forgotten, those in conflict zones persistently endure hardships. This study examines the pivotal role of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in bolstering resilience, particularly among diaspora communities, using Syrians in the UK as a case study. We delve into the primary ICH practices that they adopt, their assimilation techniques within the UK, the impact of wartime experiences on their reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, and the consequent effects on host communities. Employing a diverse methodological framework that includes online public lectures, interviews, and direct observations, our results underscore the Syrian diaspora’s earnest commitment to preserving its rich heritage. Beyond the poignant losses of invaluable art and treasures to conflict, a dominant narrative of hope and enduring human spirit emerges. As illuminated by our findings, Syrians’ resilience extends beyond mere survival, reflecting a deep-seated pride in identity and an unyielding cultural spirit. This resilience not only marks the continuation of Syrian culture but also highlights its capacity to evolve, adapt, and enrich new environments.
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spelling doaj.art-90b634789d5744799a0ef8f16c648cb02023-11-19T16:38:38ZengMDPI AGHeritage2571-94082023-10-016106718674410.3390/heritage6100351Preserving and Celebrating Syrian Intangible Cultural Heritage in the UK: Strategies, Insights, and Untold NarrativesAtaa Alsalloum0School of Architecture, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZN, UKIn recent times, the significance of living heritage during crises has gained prominence. While the aftermath of such crises often leads to lessons being forgotten, those in conflict zones persistently endure hardships. This study examines the pivotal role of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in bolstering resilience, particularly among diaspora communities, using Syrians in the UK as a case study. We delve into the primary ICH practices that they adopt, their assimilation techniques within the UK, the impact of wartime experiences on their reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, and the consequent effects on host communities. Employing a diverse methodological framework that includes online public lectures, interviews, and direct observations, our results underscore the Syrian diaspora’s earnest commitment to preserving its rich heritage. Beyond the poignant losses of invaluable art and treasures to conflict, a dominant narrative of hope and enduring human spirit emerges. As illuminated by our findings, Syrians’ resilience extends beyond mere survival, reflecting a deep-seated pride in identity and an unyielding cultural spirit. This resilience not only marks the continuation of Syrian culture but also highlights its capacity to evolve, adapt, and enrich new environments.https://www.mdpi.com/2571-9408/6/10/351intangible cultural heritagediasporacultural adaptationheritage preservationSyrian identity
spellingShingle Ataa Alsalloum
Preserving and Celebrating Syrian Intangible Cultural Heritage in the UK: Strategies, Insights, and Untold Narratives
Heritage
intangible cultural heritage
diaspora
cultural adaptation
heritage preservation
Syrian identity
title Preserving and Celebrating Syrian Intangible Cultural Heritage in the UK: Strategies, Insights, and Untold Narratives
title_full Preserving and Celebrating Syrian Intangible Cultural Heritage in the UK: Strategies, Insights, and Untold Narratives
title_fullStr Preserving and Celebrating Syrian Intangible Cultural Heritage in the UK: Strategies, Insights, and Untold Narratives
title_full_unstemmed Preserving and Celebrating Syrian Intangible Cultural Heritage in the UK: Strategies, Insights, and Untold Narratives
title_short Preserving and Celebrating Syrian Intangible Cultural Heritage in the UK: Strategies, Insights, and Untold Narratives
title_sort preserving and celebrating syrian intangible cultural heritage in the uk strategies insights and untold narratives
topic intangible cultural heritage
diaspora
cultural adaptation
heritage preservation
Syrian identity
url https://www.mdpi.com/2571-9408/6/10/351
work_keys_str_mv AT ataaalsalloum preservingandcelebratingsyrianintangibleculturalheritageintheukstrategiesinsightsanduntoldnarratives