Held at Damascus Opera House from 8 to 12 February 2026, Ishraqat created a national platform where art, living heritage and collective memory could support dialogue and cultural recovery.
A cross-disciplinary programme
The festival combined a visual arts exhibition, tangible and intangible heritage displays, poetry, talks, theatre and music. Interactive spaces also connected audiences with artists, craftspeople and tradition bearers from different parts of Syria.
Culture and social cohesion
Organised by Violet with UNDP, in partnership with the Syrian ministries of Culture and Youth and with support from Japan, Ishraqat framed culture as a shared space able to reconnect experiences and communities.
Practical information
The documented edition ran from 8 to 12 February 2026 at Damascus Opera House. Admission was announced as free. Future editions should be confirmed with the organisers.