Business continues despite shelling

Editor's Note: As people around the world prepared to celebrate the start of a new year, Xinhua News Agency correspondents Liu Yang, Wang Lei and Chang Tiantong talked to people affected by the conflicts in Syria, Egypt and Thailand, and asked them about their hopes for 2014.

Damascus woodcarver maintains large clientele despite civil conflict

Salah, 66, is a veteran woodcarver with a tiny workshop located in the center of old Damascus.

As he carved out delicate leafy patterns on a wooden board, he told me he had been in the trade for over half a century.

"I became an apprentice to a woodcarver when I was 13," he said. Since then, he has completed more pieces of woodwork than "hairs on my head".

As a testimony to his words, he is surrounded by unfinished pieces of work, filling his shop of barely 10 square meters. There is a lot of variety, including wooden wall tiles bearing traditional patterns, and to jewelry boxes waiting to be painted and waxed.

"Business is not too bad, even with the war," he said, adding that his rich experience and low prices mean many of his customers stay loyal.

While the war hasn't kept his customers away, Salah nevertheless feels the grip the conflict has on his life.

The old city of Damascus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 3rd millennium BC, has became a favored bombing target for rebels in the suburbs.

On average, more than a dozen mortar shells land within the stone walls of the old city every day, scaring many residents away. Salah is among those who have moved, although he returns to use his workshop.

"I bought an apartment in the Mezzah district," Salah said, referring to an area containing many government buildings and considered among the safer neighborhoods. "But that means I have to spend a lot of time on the road," he said.

As a father of seven children and a grandfather to 19, Salah thought he had achieved everything he ever wanted in life.

"I have a big family, an apartment, two shops and a car. Most importantly, I love my job," he said.

I asked him what he wanted most for the New Year. "Peace," he answered.

"This country has seen more than enough war, and the people have suffered too much," he said.

"Anything for yourself?" I asked.

"Well, for me, I'd like to stay healthy. I've already cut back my working hours from 12 to eight each day, and health is definitely my top priority next year. Work comes second," he said.

Xinhua

(China Daily 12/31/2013 page12)