Umayyad Lantern splendor of eighth century Damascus glass and Umayyad mosque lighting.

At any point in time lanterns like this one numbered 1200 not including the street lighting. The Mamluk Dynasty years later reproduced the lamps and bequeathed them by the hundreds to friends and for favors. Umayyad lanterns provided ( they thought) royal Islamic lineage. A campaign tying the Cairo princes to what they believed was their rightful royal rule of greater Syria and Damascus.

Illustrations Aida Dalati

Embroidered by Majd in New Jersey.

Hair and gown design by Tulip Kurdi

Syrian Folk Art Handmade in America, 22 inches tall