About us

Talleh Cultural Center - About Us

Talleh: Crafting Heritage, Empowering Communities Preserving Palestinian tradition while building sustainable futures.

Talleh Cultural Center - About Us

Talleh: Crafting Heritage, Empowering Communities Preserving Palestinian tradition while building sustainable futures.

Our Story

Talleh was founded in Jerusalem in 2016 with a clear purpose — to honor Palestine’s artistic heritage and open new paths for women’s empowerment. What began as a small initiative has grown into a thriving community of over 80 artisans, creating handcrafted pottery, embroidery, weaving, and jewelry.

2016

Born in Jerusalem, Talleh emerged with a vision to preserve Palestinian heritage while empowering women artisans, Born in Jerusalem, Talleh emerged with a vision to preserve Palestinian heritage while empowering women artisans, Born in Jerusalem, Talleh emerged with a vision to preserve Palestinian heritage while empowering women artisans, Born in Jerusalem, Talleh emerged with a vision to preserve Palestinian heritage while empowering women artisans.

2018

2020

Over 80 artisans now craft pottery, embroidery, weaving, and jewelry. each piece tells a story of resilience and identity.

2024

By 2024, Talleh has grown into a vibrant community of over 80 artisans creating pottery, embroidery, weaving, and jewelry that celebrate resilience and identity.
Each handmade piece tells a story — of tradition kept alive, of women shaping their futures, and of the enduring spirit of Palestine shared with the world.

Today

Over 80 artisans now craft pottery, embroidery, weaving, and jewelry. each piece tells a story of resilience and identity.Over 80 artisans now craft pottery, embroidery, weaving, and jewelry. each piece tells a story of resilience and identity.Over 80 artisans now craft pottery, embroidery, weaving, and jewelry. each piece tells a story of resilience and identity.

Asmahan Ilian

Asmahan Ilian began her professional journey at an early age and later spent around 15 years working with the United Nations, contributing to large-scale sustainable development projects and gaining extensive expertise in strategic planning, project management, and community development.

After leaving the UN, Asmahan founded Smart Art, where she helped tens of businesses start and grow through training, mentoring, and coaching. She has trained over 2,500 individuals, primarily women, empowering them with skills in entrepreneurship, marketing, financial planning, and management. She has also mentored entrepreneurs in collaboration with international organizations such as the Cherry Blairs Foundation, and regularly provides radio talks on financial literacy and business management. Her work has been recognized with multiple awards for her contributions to entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development.

In 2016, she launched Talleh, a platform that bridges Palestinian cultural heritage with economic empowerment, providing fair work opportunities for women artisans and connecting their crafts with
global markets.

15+ Years of Experience

Mission

Empowering Palestinian women through traditional crafts, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable practices.

Vision

To be the guardian of Palestinian craftsmanship — connecting local artisans with global communities through creativity, integrity, and authenticity.

Talleh's Impact at a Glance

Every volunteer contributes to Talleh’s growing impact. Together, we’re empowering women, preserving traditional crafts, and sharing Palestinian heritage with communities around the world.