December 5, 2005 Embassy of Jordan in Washington, DC & Center for Contemporary Arab Studies present "Turath" A one week exhibit of Jordanian handicrafts and artifacts is expected to attract many American visitors Washington, D.C., December 5, 2005 - The Embassy of Jordan in Washington, DC in cooperation with the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies at Georgetown University co-hosted a lecture and exhibit entitled "Turath" at the embassy's premises. "Turath" was presented as part of the Ambassador's cultural series organized by the Jordan Information Bureau. "Turath" was more than an exhibit of Bani Hameeda rugs and Dana jewelry. It represents the work of the "Turath Empowerment Project" which aims primarily to promote Jordan's unique cultural and natural heritage to the world through exquisite crafts and artifacts. "Turath Empowerment Project" also provides support services such as training programs in Information and Communications Techonolgy (ICT), product development and marketing to both local artisans and small producers. Guest speaker, Susan Inglis, is an American marketing consultant who has been involved with the "Turath Handcrafts Empowerment Project," funded by USAID’s AMIR program. Inglis will discuss her experience in Jordan working with local artisans and trainers for which she developed curricula in Marketing and in Handmade Product Development. These curricula are now being used by Seven Dimensions to train artisan entrepreneurs around the country. Inglis is a specialist in market access for artisans and other microentropreneurs. She provides consulting services and training in all aspects of establishing and strengthening artisan businesses, including increasing market access; product development for the home accent, gift, fashion and natural products industries; and entrepreneurship skills training development. She has worked with micro and small businesses around the world. "Turath" will continue at the embassy throughout the week. "Turath" artifacts and handicrafts will be exhibited for sale on Saturday December 10' 2005 at the "Jerusalem Fund's Annual Souk and Olive Harvest Celebration" bazaar. Other Jordanian participants at the bazaar include Alpha-Z Language solutions, established in 2004 with a vision to bridge understanding and foster better communication between east and west (www.alpha-zls.com) For more information on "Turath," visit www.turath.com.jo