Damascus oud makers keep centuries-old Syrian craft alive

DAMASCUS: In a workshop filled with the scent of walnut wood and the sound of hand tools, Syrian craftsman Firas Salka carefully shapes what will eventually become a Damascus oud, one of the Arab world’s most iconic musical instruments. Over several months, each piece of wood is carved, assembled and polished by hand before it is ready to produce the rich, resonant sound that has defined the instrument for centuries. More than just a musical instrument, the Damascus oud is regarded as one of Syria’s most enduring traditional crafts.

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