Damascus, (SANA) – In confirmation of the historic and cultural significance of the Phoenician ship and in appreciation of the people of Arwad island and their preservation of the method of constructing this ship until this day, Mrs. Asmaa al-Assad launched the ship Phoenicia from Arwad Island to Tartus, signaling the beginning of the trip that recreates the first trip of a Phoenician ship around Africa that took place more than 2,600 years ago, presenting to humanity once again the history of a civilization that enriched world heritage.

Phoenicia today carries to the world a message of peace and cultural communication that Syria has worked to spread throughout its history. It also expresses the continuing cultural connection between the Syrian generations, particularly since it was made by the hands of Arwad people who inherited their Phoenician ancestors' trade, becoming distinguished in manufacturing this type of ship that forms part of our history and heritage.

The trip commemorates the achievements of Phoenicians who gave humanity the first alphabet, and it also shows the global dimension of their civilization and renews one of their voyages through which they spread their expertise and culture, in addition to revealing Syria's position on the map of world civilization and its constant role in bolstering cultural communication among the people of the world.

Mrs. Asmaa al-Assad's interest is part of her interest in the factors of Arab culture that form the Arab identity throughout the ages. After extensive research, it was discovered that the manufacturing of this type of ship was almost a dying art, with Arwad being the only island in the world capable of manufacturing a ship similar to that made by our Phoenician ancestors. From here comes Mrs. Asmaa al-Assad's emphasis on preserving the elements of culture and history that form the country's identity and standing, and this project could possibly lead to the revival of this rare art.

The ship will travel 17,000 miles from Arwad past the eastern coastlines of Africa to reach its western coastlines through the Cape of Good Hope, returning next May to Syria. Afterwards, it will be displayed in the British Museum in London as the centerpiece of the Phoenician civilization display which will be held in 2009 and 2010.

The project is carried out by a delegation of experienced seamen with support from the Syrian-British Association, the British Royal Geographical Society and the British Museum, with the participation of a number of geographers, historians and archeologists and the auspices of the General Secretariat of the "Damascus, Arab Capital of Culture 2008" festivities.

Expedition Leader Philip Beale said "We realize that we will be facing many challenges and difficulties during out ten-months trip, but we will be doing cultural and documentary work, and before Phoenicia casts anchor in the British Museum, we will discover more about Phoenician sailors and the first trip around Africa. Me and the team wish to thank all who contributed to this project, particularly the people of Arwad island for hosting this project and their support that helped transformed Phoenicia from a dream to reality."

Chairman of the British Syrian Society Dr. Fawaz al-Akhras affirmed that the launch of the ship recalls the role of Phoenicians in writing the history of the old world, as the Phoenician Empire wasn't built by violent and brutal conquests, but was rather the first historic example of what is currently known as "subtle diplomacy" as the Phoenicians built an empire based mainly on trade and exploration, reaching the farthest human settlements thousands of miles away from home, weaving a network of mutual interests that met to form a model for global economy a long time before the rise of globalization in its current form.

The ship was built in the historic island of Arwad which was settled by Phoenicians in the 2nd millennium BC, using its excellent geographic position to expand their commercial and cultural relations. Phoenicia is an exact replica of Phoenician ships built by experts from Arwad who inherited the craft, using traditional construction materials and fastening its wooden boards using wooden nails made using the Phoenicians' technique. The ship is 21.5 meters long and 5.75 meters wide.

Musical performances will be organized at the ports and locations that Phoenicia will visit during its rip, with the participation of local and international singers and artist. These performances will be supervised by musician Raphael Ravenscroft.

H. Sabbagh / Mazen