Damascus Coffee Shops Retain Traditional Charm

Audio slideshow produced during an IWPR workshop for young Syrian journalists held in Beirut, October 2009.

Despite the opening of western-style cafes in Damascus, the old coffee shops are still a favoured destination for those interested in the traditions of the old city.

The Nawfara café, the oldest in Damascus, teems every night with people who come to listen to Abu Shadi, the storyteller. He recites the tales of historic heroes whose sagas adorn the cafés walls.

The 100-year-old cafe has been a meeting place for revolutionaries, writers, critics and intellectuals in addition to the neighbourhoods elderly. It also attracts foreign tourists.

More information about the IWPR Syria multimedia project: http://iwpr.net/windowonsyria

This multimedia piece was produced during an IWPR workshop for young Syrian journalists held in Beirut, October 2009.

Trainer: Don Duncan
Editor: Raed Rafei
Project manager: Susanne Fischer

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• syria
• tourism