Learning and Sharing Through Art: Eltuek Arts Centre hosts Palestinian Tatreez Workshop

Leen El Akhal went from student to teacher when she hosted a Palestinian Tatreez workshop at Eltuek Arts Centre on March 8.

She studies at Cape Breton University, and it is from here in Cape Breton that she has been learning the centuries-old artistic tradition of Tatreez, an intricate and symbolic form of embroidery passed down through generations of women in her own family and over thousands of years in Palestine.

“With the first beginning of the indiscriminate attacks in October, 2023, on my people – the Palestinians – I felt like there is an immense need to go back to the roots, to basically try to connect with my people, with my heritage, as much as possible,” she said.

Each stitch in Tatreez embroidery holds meaning and purpose, reflecting various elements of Palestinian life, such as nature, history, and village life. The art of Tatreez requires patience, precision, and dedication, creating an opportunity for artists to express their creativity while preserving a vital aspect of Palestinian culture.

“I have to be honest – being here on my own and going through all the news, all the devastation, and trying to connect to my roots has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done so far,” Leen reflected with CBC reporter Brittany Wentzell.

“I have found solace in sharing with community and finding people who are willing to learn, who are willing to hear, and are willing to connect on a humanity basis is very important – is kind of what has kept me afloat.”

Listen to the full interview here:

Robyn Young, an Eltuek studio artist, attended the Tatreez Workshop.

As Leen points out, Tatreez is recognized by UNESCO, the United Nations cultural agency, and was added to its Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2021 in an effort to protect and preserve Palestine’s national cultural identity.

Atef Abu Saif, the Palestinian Authority’s minister of culture at the time, said, “Heritage is the living reservoir of the memory of our people on this earth. The preservation of the national cultural identity of our heritage is indispensable to the necessity of confronting an occupation that harnesses all its capabilities to eradicate and steal it.”

Learn more here and here.

Thank you to CBC Radio’s Information Morning Cape Breton for sharing the audio segment!