Master Class of Ayntab Needlework

On October 25, 2023, a master class of Ayntab needlework was held in the village of Aynatb under the leadership of Houri Ipekjian. The workshop was organised by Today Art Initiative within the framework of the "#Pariahs: Performing Europe's historical memory " project. The participants of the workshop got acquainted with the technique of Ayntabian needlework, this important knowledge of the forgotten cultural heritage of Cilician Ayntab was transformed to the inhabitants of the village of the same name, the first embryo of a cultural bridge was created between the needlwork, which is one of the symbols of Cilician Ayntab and the New Aintap village.

Houri was born in Aleppo, Syria. Her ancestors are from Cilician Ayntab. She started embroidering 38 years ago when she was still in Syria, and since 2015 she has been restoring, developing, and spreading Armenian needlework traditions in Armenia. Houri's creations include Ayntab, Urfa, Van, Swaz, Vaspurakan, Tigrakakert, and many other types of Armenian needlework. She participates in many exhibitions and courses and passes on the most famous Armenian needlework to the new generation.

The masterclass took place in Aintap School No. 1.

The project is co-financed by the EU Creative Europe programme, coordinated by CHORUS.

Photos by Anton Khlabov