The inauguration of Abu Alshamat Sabil - Saturday, November 29th, 2008

The Old City of Damascus witnesses today a cultural ceremony that restores more of its former glory and glamour. The Inauguration of Abu Al Shamat Sabil, which has been suffering for a long time in a status of disrepair and neglect, will be celebrated with the presence of many local administrators and cultural authorities.

Sabils have provided the residents of Damasus with clean drinking water for centuries, and represent important landmarks that have witnessed Damascus' history in both its bitter and sweet days.

This restoration process was supervised by many parties, among which is the project for rehabilitating the Old City of Damascus, part of the Program for Sustainable Urban Development, conducted in cooperation between the German Technical Cooperation gtz and the Syrian Ministry of Local Administration and Environment. Collaborating partners included the Governorate of Damascus, IFPO (French institute for Near East Studies) and the Syrian Environmental Association.

The restoration of Sabil Abu Al Shamat was sponsored by "Damascus, Capital of Arab Culture 2008," while the costs of utilities and continued maintenance was donated by the Abu Al Shamat family.

The inauguration includes a tour in the historical Kanawat area around the Darwish mosque, a visit to the newly restored Al Baroudy house, a documentary about the restoration of Umayyad mosque, followed by a presentation on the history of sabils in the Old City of Damascus. The opening ceremonies begin at 5:30 p.m., in front of the Sabil, and the ceremony is concluded with a traditional celebration at the Abu al Shamat Zawyia.

All media and information representatives are invited to attend this unique event, which marks the beginning of a series of similar Sabil restorations.