One of Syria's last remaining brocade sellers - in pictures

  • Maher Derki, 17, works in one of Syria's last remaining brocade stores as his father did before him. All photos: Danny Makki / The National
    Maher Derki, 17, works in one of Syria's last remaining brocade stores as his father did before him. All photos: Danny Makki / The National
  • Brocade is a silk cloth embroidered with silver or gold threads.
    Brocade is a silk cloth embroidered with silver or gold threads.
  • A lack of tourism and low demand for brocade has hurt the industry.
    A lack of tourism and low demand for brocade has hurt the industry.
  • Samer Derki’s 50-year-old store showcases several brocade fabrics and rugs.
    Samer Derki’s 50-year-old store showcases several brocade fabrics and rugs.
  • The handicrafts market sits adjacent to the Sulaymaniyah mosque.
    The handicrafts market sits adjacent to the Sulaymaniyah mosque.
  • The courtyard of Sulaymaniyah is often thronged with visitors.
    The courtyard of Sulaymaniyah is often thronged with visitors.
  • The hand-decorated wooden pieces in the bazaar are a feature of Sulaymaniyah.
    The hand-decorated wooden pieces in the bazaar are a feature of Sulaymaniyah.