Amman, June 3 (Petra) – 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.

//Petra// AK