Left-Right Photo:Chargée d’Affaires, a.i. (CDA) Vida Soraya S. Verzosa with the author of the book, Ms. Heike Weber, and Indonesian AmbassadorH.E. Wajed Fauzi with his wife Mrs. Radyanti Fauzi (second from left) together with other guests who attended the exhibition.

7 November 2021, DAMASCUS, Syria- As part of the celebration of the National Children’s Month and the World Children’s Day 2021, Chargée d’ affaires, a.i. Vida Soraya S. Verzosa of the Philippine Embassy in Damascus, Syria attended the Embroidery Pattern Language of the Levant Exhibition and the signing of the book entitled “Anat and Her Hero Baal” by Ms. Heike Weber, author of the book.  

Ms. Weber showed original embroidery pieces which also presented in the book, that compared the traditional patterns of the Levant with the early patterns of human kind in the area of eastern Mediterranean and the near East.

The Levant is often described as the cradle of the European culture.  Important inventions like agriculture and writing were made in this area.  These cultural achievements are the result of a complex understanding of nature and a distinctive philosophy in life.  The exhibition aimed to trace old human patterns, symbolizing the essential philosophy of life, and to give proof of these patterns in the embroidery of the Levant.

On the other hand, Ms. Weber also launched a book entitled “Anat and Her Hero Baal”.  The book talked about Anat who appeared as fierce, violent, wild, sexual and fertile war-goddess but also an establisher of peace.  Her character in this passage anticipates her subsequent warlike role against the enemies of Baal.  She is later described ritually re-enacting battle, and then purifying herself in her temple, where she received a message from Baal asking her to establish peace on terms favorable to him.

CDA Verzosa noted that this art exhibition is in line with the Agreement for Cultural Cooperation between the Republic of the Philippines and Syrian Arab Republic, as the two countries seek to strengthen friendship through cultural relations. 

At the end of the call, Ms. Weber signed the book that CDA Verzosa bought.  END.