The most wonderful football you have ever seen is made by creative craftsman George Khouri and showcased at a mosaic workshop in one of the ancient Damascene neighborhoods.

wood-carving, mosaics and marquetry are the main techniques used by Khouri to create his masterpiece.

In an interview with SANA, Khouri said that he has been working for over 40 years as a craftsman , adding that he has faced several obstacles and spent long hours training till he mastered mosaic art.

Mosaic craft used to be a main source of income for many Syrian families till the middle of the twentieth century, he noted.

Khouri has a small workshop at Qaimariah neighborhood in Bab Touma area where he taught tens of craftsmen. At the very beginning, he created traditional mosaic patterns such as bridesmaid boxes, cupboards, tables, dice, mirrors, vases, jewelry boxes and trays. But the decline in demand due to the war unleashed his inner creativity and motivated him to be the first craftsman who makes a mosaic football.

The whole idea was challenging and it took me more than 3 years to come out with it and about 3 months to be materialized, said Khouri, giving a hint about stages of creation starting with the shaping of wooden circular frame that will be emptied from inside till installing the mosaic tiles.

Khouri called upon the upcoming generation to learn the art of making mosaics which belongs to the Syrian heritage and preserve this ancient craft threatened with extinction