Rahaf and the Artisans Behind Darzah
At the heart of Darzah lies a community of resilient, talented women artisans who carry Palestine's cultural legacy in every stitch they make. One of these incredible women is Rahaf, a senior artisan whose hands not only craft intricate tatreez motifs but also weave the untold stories of heritage, identity, and resistance.Rahaf's journey with tatreez began early, watching her mother embroider traditional Palestinian patterns at home. What started as admiration gradually became a calling. Through school and later through training courses with Darzah, Rahaf honed her skill, deepening her understanding of tatreez and its place in Palestinian history. To her, embroidery is not just a livelihood—it is the heartbeat of Palestinian culture.
"Embroidery helps me stay connected to Palestinian heritage through research, collecting drawings and information about Palestinian embroidery, passing it on to future generations, and introducing the world to our heritage," she says. Her favorite motifs are those embroidered on pillows, bags, and tea towels—each telling a different story, each rooted in generations of tradition.
Tatreez, the traditional Palestinian embroidery style, is a powerful medium of storytelling. Each motif represents a piece of history, a reflection of the land, family lineage, and the perseverance of Palestinian women. Rahaf and her fellow artisans breathe life into these motifs, ensuring they do not fade into silence.
Despite ongoing challenges and instability in Palestine, Rahaf remains committed to her craft. She continues to stitch, not just for income, but for preservation, expression, and resistance. In her words, "We are a people with a history, a civilization, and a heritage. The embroidery designs express our presence in Palestine for hundreds of years." She was also invited by a local school to conduct a tatreez workshop, they weren’t just teaching stitches — they were planting seeds of resilience, creativity, and empowerment.
Through this workshop, the next generation of Palestinian women began their journey into the art of Tatreez — not just as a tradition, but as a tool for preservation, pride, and possibility.
Darzah is proud to work with artisans like Rahaf, who turn every thread into a declaration of identity. By supporting their work, we aren't just purchasing handmade products—we're preserving a living history, empowering women, and participating in a narrative that is rich, resilient, and deeply rooted in the Palestinian experience.
