More than clothes: Palestinian stories stitched in new collection of traditional thobes

A collection of 10 garments is on show at Manarat Al Saadiyat as part of Abu Dhabi Art

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, November 23, 2020. STORY BRIEF: As part of Abu Dhabi Art, there's an exhibition at Manarat Al Saadiyat called A Thobe Story.
-- "The Fishing Trip Thobe"
(Photo: Victor Besa/The National)
Journalist: Samia Badih
Section: Arts and Culture

‘The Fishing Trip’ thobe captures old Jaffa (pronounced as Yaffa) port, once a great fishing and trade hub on the Mediterranean. The focus here is on the fishermen in their small boats, using a minimalist design in white and gold thread to really capture the beauty of the harbour. Victor Besa/The National

The National

Nov 26, 2020

The traditional thobe has been transformed into a canvas, embroidered with memories of Palestine for a new showcase on display in Abu Dhabi this week.

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A Thobe Story is on show at Manarat Al Saadiyat as part of Abu Dhabi Art's community exhibitions. Hand-stitched in a traditional Palestinian embroidery style called tatreez, the works are created by Palestinian refugee women, in collaboration with the UAE's 81 Designs and design studio Naqsh Collective.

These traditional garments tell stories of Palestinian memories in three major cities – Jaffa, Akka and Gaza.

A national attire in many Arab counties, the thobe is a loose-fitting garment worn by both men and women, with designs that vary according to geography. Palestinian thobes typically bear patterns with florals and geometric figures.

A Thobe Story is on show from 10am to 8pm until Thursday, November 26, 2020. Scroll through the gallery above to see the designs.