Damascus, July 22 (SANA)Crochet craftsmanship took center stage at Syria International Textile Exhibition “NASTEX 2026” as ‘Nool al-Badia’ Association transformed simple threads into artistic creations reflecting the history ofPalmyraand the rich heritage of its desert, blending authenticity with traditional craftsmanship.The exhibition featured finely crafted crochet pieces, intricate amigurumi dolls, and traditional palm-frond handicrafts, showcasing the elegance of Syria’s cultural heritage while adapting it to contemporary tastes.Speaking to SANA, association member Kifaa al-Zoubi said that participating in NASTEX provided an important platform for the association, particularly as it was among its first exhibitions outside Palmyra since its establishment nearly a year ago.She explained that the event enabled the association to introduce Palmyrene heritage to a wider audience after its products had previously been marketed only within a limited local area.Al-Zoubi noted the strong interest shown by visitors in the handcrafted products, saying the craftswomen displayed a variety of crochet products, including shawls, handbags, cushions, and accessories made from cotton and silk yarns, with designs developed to meet modern tastes.They also presented traditional palm-frond handicrafts, one of the most distinctive features ofPalmyrene heritage, made by hand-weaving palm leaves into decorative and heritage-inspired items.Al-Zoubi noted that the association is a women’s cooperative and includes around 75 women from Palmyra engaged in traditional handicrafts and textile production aimed at preserving the city’s cultural heritage.The association member Maram Rahham said she specializes in making crochet amigurumi dolls depicting animals native to the Palmyra region.Syria’s International Textile Exhibition “NASTEX 2026” concluded on Tuesday after attracting the more than 300 companies from 20 countries at the Damascus New Fairgrounds.