We recently connected with Widad Kawar and have shared our conversation below.

Widad , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

My renowned as the foremost collector of dresses from Palestine and other Arab nations has led to hosting international exhibitions across Europe and Asia. Despite the reluctance of many countries to engage with Palestinian culture, these exhibitions showcased the rich textile heritage of Palestine to the world. Promoting Palestinian culture was incredibly challenging in the 1970s and 1980s due to widespread demonization of Palestinians, a sentiment sadly echoed today with the horrific siege and attack on Gaza. These exhibitions provided thousands of people with a glimpse into our heritage. It was moving to see Arab migrants attending these exhibitions with their families and to be able to talk to them and engage with them. I fondly remember an instance outside an exhibition in Cologne, Germany, where Palestinians and other Arabs came together to celebrate with food and music.

Widad , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born in Palestine and grew up in Bethlehem. It was during vacations in Aboud, my mother’s village, that I fell in love with Palestinian village life and learned about costume and embroidery. My fascination with traditional Palestinian attire grew, especially after receiving two traditional dresses “Thobs” dating back to the 1800s. This marked the beginning of what would become The Widad Kawar Collection. After getting married, I settled in Amman, where I balanced family life with my passion for preserving Palestinian heritage. The 1967 war heightened my sense of urgency to collect authentic examples of Palestinian attire before they were lost.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Reflecting on Tiraz Centre, where my collection is displayed, fills me with pride. It has become a source of inspiration for many. I often visit, witnessing the bustling activity: students immersed in projects, curious tourists, journalists, and scholars seeking knowledge, artisans finding inspiration for modern creations, and expatriate Arabs eager to introduce their children to their heritage. The center houses my collection, open to all for exploration, learning, and enjoyment.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The events of 1948, known as the Nakba, were profoundly devastating and traumatizing for all who experienced them. I was in high school at the time, and the fear was palpable. Throughout Palestine, people faced violence and were forcibly displaced from their homes. This experience instilled in me a deep resolve to collect dresses and preserve their history, including intricate details, as a testament to their enduring significance.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://tirazcentre.org/en
• Instagram: tirazcentre
• Facebook: Widad Kawar Home for Arab Dress
• Youtube: Tiraz Centre

Image Credits
Nabil Qutaineh