For more than seven years, Syria has been undergoing one of the worst human tragedies. This once proud and splendid country, with its fabled cities of Damascus and Aleppo, has been largely destroyed and great parts of its population have been forced to leave. It is for this reason that the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha has chosen to draw attention to Syria’s extraordinary cultural heritage, illuminating its key role in artistic and intellectual world history while seeking to safeguard the irreplaceable legacy that is in such danger. Syria Matters explores five periods of Syria’s history, featuring examinations of key locations and presenting more than 120 objects, including some of the museum’s greatest collection highlights, such as the famous Cavour vase, as well as significant national and international loans. Syria Matters offers a deep understanding of the cultural contribution of Syrian art and a recognition of how the ongoing destruction affects everyone. | Syria Matters by Venetia Porter, Paperback | Indigo Chapters