Asmaa is an artist from Aleppo, and her project is called “Armaghan: A Gift with a Story,” an activity focused on natural stone mosaic.
She began her journey in 2018 in a small room in her home; since then, the project has grown and the woman has gained great recognition in her city. She began as a student, then became a trainer herself, eventually leading courses in collaboration with various organizations, promoting vocational training for women in Syria .
The idea and evolution of the project in Aleppo
The core of her project is to train young women to enable them to enter the job market. 
Traditionally, mosaics are known as wall and floor panels.
But Asmaa came up with another idea: since traditional panels are so heavy, she began creating modern products suitable for any type of home: “The new generations love them, and even those living abroad can finally appreciate objects made with local stone, elements that reflect their heritage, identity, and culture. This way, people can buy them and take them with them all over the world.”
Syrian craftsmanship is renewed
Among Asmaa’s creations are mirrors with unique and original shapes, carpet panels, lamps in various styles and design elements that combine metal and mosaic, applied to boxes, incense burners, clocks and everything related to interior design: “I have managed to integrate the Armaghan philosophy into every mold of mosaic art”, says the woman with great satisfaction.
The challenges and support of the RestarT program
The journey hasn’t been easy, and there have been many challenges to overcome. The biggest challenge? “It was the search for a suitable location and funding. Since mosaic is a very expensive art, I was able to find a location and secure support for the project only thanks to the RestarT program. This allowed me to preserve a traditional craft, offering new job and training opportunities for Syrian women and passing on the art to future generations.”
At first, Asmaa struggled to source the different types of mosaic stone, but after the changes in Syria, she was able to source various types of stones, raw materials, and paints for portraits.
The young women she trained joined her team and received grants from organizations to work independently. From the beginning of her collaboration with RestarT , and based on the principles of reciprocity and communion, she wanted to invest in the professional training of women in Syria , welcoming as many as possible.
The role of RestarT
The support provided by the RestarT program included raw materials, stones, stone cutters, adhesives, and various types of wood. The program representatives in Aleppo kept abreast of the progress of the activity by frequently visiting Asmaa’s workshop. They closely monitored her progress, always encouraging her to keep going.
The milestones: from women’s empowerment to the impact on Syria’s future
The change that occurred after meeting RestarT allowed Asmaa to further develop her business. What was once a small room evolved into a structured laboratory, with a team of qualified women. Her products became famous in
Aleppo and the brand name – Armaghan: Your Gift Has a Story – is now linked to the art of mosaic.
But the achievement she is most proud of is “Having succeeded, as a woman, in mastering a profession traditionally reserved for men. I have demonstrated that I can work in it, that I can teach it to others, that I can innovate it, making my city, Aleppo, proud of me.
One of my successes is having transformed a craft made of wall and floor coverings into furnishing objects present in every home, dedicated to anyone who loves their culture and their roots.”
Thanks
Asmaa’s words are precious and full of hope for her future: “I want to thank RestarT for helping me, and everyone who supported me, especially my family and my teacher. My mother and aunt were the people who encouraged me the most, firmly believing in my ability to succeed.
Furthermore, the funds we returned to the program contributed to the development of another project, and our country desperately needs this boost to grow. I thank the RestarT program because it has a noble purpose: it doesn’t just provide financial assistance, but also monitors the progress of its beneficiaries, conducts field visits, offers encouragement, and informs them of other projects they can, in turn, support.