JERASH, August 1 (Petra) — The Macellum–the historic Roman food
market nestled within the ancient city of Jerash–has stepped out of
the pages of antiquity, transforming into a vibrant, living platform
for traditional arts and crafts as part of the 40th Jerash Festival
for Culture and Arts.

The ancient site now hosts a dynamic series of live, interactive
workshops that place master artisans directly in front of audiences.
Visitors can observe and engage with intricate stone carving, wood
inlay, copper etching, jewelry craftsmanship, and traditional weaving
techniques.

Mohammed Bani Yassin, head of the Jerash Municipality Committee,
explained that the initiative is designed to revive heritage crafts
through direct, experiential engagement. Visitors can follow every
stage of creation, discovering the tools, raw materials, and
techniques utilized by artisans in a process that bridges creator and
spectator.

Among the standout attractions hosted within the Macellum is
“Macellum Weaving,” a collaborative communal textile project
utilizing an Egyptian loom. Festival-goers are invited to weave
individual threads into the growing tapestry, transforming collective
contributions into a unified work of art born from many hands.

By reclaiming its historical identity as a bustling center of
exchange, the ancient Roman market has successfully transitioned from
an archaeological relic into a living nexus of commerce, culture, and
craftsmanship–seamlessly binding Jerash’s storied past to its
vibrant contemporary cultural landscape.

//Petra// AA