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Whether you are looking for a rare object, or for an authentic exportable antique one, which is a rather delicate
thing, or for a handicraft object in remembrance of your trip, or just looking for new sights, don't miss the souks
of Damascus, Aleppo or some other important cities.
Valuable antique pieces (archeological or historical) may not be exported without a special permit from the Directorate
of Antiques. You will have to contact them with the sale certificate, which you will obtain from any serious antiques
merchant. Imitations of all kind are abundant, a fact requiring some prudence if you are not an expert. Souks and
antiquarians installed in hotels commercial galleries and in shops in the city streets offer large quantities of
the most varied ancient objects and artifacts that are not old enough to be classified as antiques. You may find
some ivory carvings, damascene objects of marquetry, jewellery, carpets with knotted stitches or made according
to the kilim technique, and a complete paraphernalia of old and often irresistible things. Be prudent. Do not make
your purchases at random.
Evaluate if possible the age of the object, its condition and go into a pitiless but courteous argument in order
to obtain a good price. Argue without fear. Rehearse before a mirror a varied repertory of significant gestures
and grimaces. Relax the atmosphere with a joke. Pretend to leave or actually leave to the next shop. You are likely
to be followed and taken back by your victim if he still wants to conclude the deal. You are of course never sure
that your merchant did not consider you as his victim! But no matter; if you are satisfied with your purchase,
that's all that* really matters.
Contemporary handicrafts are not to be ignored. Silks, Damascene textiles and other brocades have made Damascus
famous. Later on in this book you will know of the best purchases for every city, but do note that Aleppo, the
capital of northern Syria, is one of the most privileged places, and is a very active handicraft centre. Very beautiful
tablecloths and other textiles are made there.
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