Theft of handicrafts market in Tartous sparks outrage among Syrian craftsmen

The handicrafts market in Tartous was subjected to widespread theft, with unknown individuals looting rare artistic and craft items, sparking outrage among Syrian artisans.

5 April, 2026 16:49

NEWS DESK

Anonymous individuals broke into shops and looted rare art and craft artifacts, sparking widespread outrage among the public and cultural circles.

Craftsmen emphasized that the theft was not limited to material possessions, but was considered an attack on Syrian identity and the legacy of artisans who spent years developing and preserving the arts of wood and copper engraving and handwoven textiles.

The owners of these "golden hands" expressed their sorrow at the theft of pieces imbued with the spirit of their creators and hours of passion and creativity. They viewed the incident as a reflection of the growing security challenges amid rising rates of theft and crime in the region.

Craftsmen and activists launched appeals to pursue the perpetrators and recover the stolen items, which represent the fruits of years of labor and efforts to preserve Syrian national heritage.