Damascus, Aug. 13 (SANA)An exhibition titled “We Build with Mud” was held atDamascus University’sFaculty of Architectureon Thursday, showcasing traditional earthen and mud-brick building techniques and exploring their potential role in heritage preservation and reconstruction.

The exhibition, attended by Culture MinisterMohammad Yassin al-Saleh, featured models, soil samples and molds produced during a practical workshop on mud brick and earthen construction.

Al-Saleh said Syrian architecture reflected the country’s geographic diversity and the use of materials including stone, basalt, mud and wood. He said traditional building materials embodied accumulated knowledge and skills passed down through generations.

He stressed that reviving traditional materials did not mean reproducing the past, but studying and developing inherited knowledge through scientific research and modern standards to meet contemporary needs.

The minister said preserving heritage also required protecting the knowledge and skills associated with historic buildings, particularly during reconstruction and heritage-preservation efforts.

Syrian Engineers Syndicate President Malik Haj Ali said protecting heritage and carrying out reconstruction that respects local identity required cooperation among institutions, universities, engineers and researchers.

He called for training specialized engineering professionals in the restoration of historic buildings and the use of earthen and local materials, while developing their application on scientific foundations and avoiding materials incompatible with heritage structures.

Damascus University President Mustafa Saem al-Dahr said the university sought to support architectural activities that protect Syrian identity and reflect the country’s history and cultural character, while preparing a generation that combines modern knowledge with awareness of heritage.

The exhibition included a visual presentation on the development of earthen architecture, featuring international and Syrian examples, as well as models of multistory buildings using mud, stone and wood according to environmental and climatic conditions.

It also featured soil samples collected from different parts of Syria in dry and wet states, along with practical demonstrations and educational activities involving students and children.

The exhibition highlighted the importance of reviving local building techniques through scientific research and developing their use in heritage restoration and reconstruction projects.