Multinational Artisan Crafts Offer a Visual Illustration of Arab
Harmony
By insisting that the interior decoration be accorded
equal status to architecture, the poetry as well as vision was brought to the
structure. The integral use of arts and crafts from across the region is central to
the philosophy behind the building. The skilled craftsmanship of carved stone,
zellige mosaics, woven tapestries and beadwork mashrabiyas all add an undeniable aesthetic
value to this unique structure. Unified by the vital underlying thread of Islam,
these multinational crafts also provide a striking visual symbol of Arab unity in the Arab
Organizations Headquarters Building.
The building is a working museum, and a source of inspiration
to visitors. From the giant Egyptian walnut entrance doors to the Moroccan tile
water wall, from the Jordanian stone work and fragrant carved cedar of the Tunisian
Room to the Syrian fountain of the Damascene Room, and in
so many other exquisite examples of traditional and modern Arabesque artistry, the
building makes visionary use of its decor. The combination of modern steel, glass
and concrete with mediaeval crafts stands as a triumph of Arab artistic creation.
For a closer look at some of these crafts, select from the thumbnail images
and text links below. For a tour of this fascinating building, click on Virtual Tour from the main menu on any page.
By insisting that the interior decoration be accorded
equal status to architecture, the poetry as well as vision was brought to the
structure. The integral use of arts and crafts from across the region is central to
the philosophy behind the building. The skilled craftsmanship of carved stone,
zellige mosaics, woven tapestries and beadwork mashrabiyas all add an undeniable aesthetic
value to this unique structure. Unified by the vital underlying thread of Islam,
these multinational crafts also provide a striking visual symbol of Arab unity in the Arab
Organizations Headquarters Building.
