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.