Damaskuszimmer: “Assalamu alaikum”

“Peace be with you” – this is how a Damascene merchant would once welcome his guests
in the reception room of his Oriental town house, a wood-panelled room decorated all over
with colourful ornamentation and golden Arabic lettering.

Join me for a tour of this rediscovered jewel of cultivated Oriental living, which was
faithfully restored and is now displayed in the Japanese Palace.

Isn’t it interesting that magnificent knotwork carpets from East Anatolia, silken wall
hangings embroidered with symbolic patterns made in Middle Asian oasis towns and fascinating Persian
sequined embroideries on shimmering velvet are used as textile furnishings and as
traditional wedding gifts to this day. Hospitality and comfort are highly appreciated in the Orient,
not just at weddings, and so let us finish our visit to this atmospheric and intimate exhibition
by sitting most authentically on the carpets of the Damascus Room and enjoying freshly brewed
Arab coffee, tea and pastries.