jordan pulse -

Turquoise Mountain celebrated 10 years of operations in Jordan and 20 years since its global establishment during an event held at its Institute for Design, Crafts and Economic Development in Amman, attended by representatives of official, diplomatic and cultural institutions.

According to a statement issued by the organisation on Wednesday, the event highlighted its partnership with the French Embassy in Jordan under the "Preserving Heritage: A Key Driver for Sustainable Economic Development" project, which aims to support cultural heritage while creating employment and development opportunities within Jordan's creative sector.

The project is funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs through a €1 million grant.

Speaking at the ceremony, Turquoise Mountain President Shoshana Stewart underscored the importance of long-term investment in artisans, traditional crafts and heritage-based development.

She highlighted the organisation's impact over two decades of global operations and a decade of work in Jordan, describing cultural heritage as a bridge that connects communities and generations.

Stewart discussed the role of local and international partnerships in ensuring the sustainability of initiatives aimed at preserving and developing cultural heritage.

For his part, French Ambassador Franck Gellet discussed the project's role in addressing economic challenges across the region, particularly high unemployment rates among youth, women and refugees.

He noted that traditional crafts can serve as a powerful tool for economic development, social inclusion and the preservation of cultural identity.

Gellet added that combining craft heritage with innovation and contemporary design helps transform cultural assets into sustainable economic opportunities, ensuring the continuity and growth of traditional professions.

Meanwhile, Turquoise Mountain's representative in Jordan, Salma Qatawneh, reviewed the organisation's work with Jordanian, Syrian and Palestinian artisans and communities, highlighting the role of design, crafts and cultural heritage in creating sustainable livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities.

She reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to supporting and developing traditional crafts through contemporary design, broadening access to markets and fostering creative collaboration between artisans and designers.