The history of Syria is extremely complicated. Its civilization, one of the most ancient in history, was constantly overrun by other peoples. In 1516, it became part of the Ottoman Empire and eventually many ethno-religious minorities lived there in harmony. After W.W. I, that was replaced with rounds of genocide. Today Syria is a totalitarian dictatorship. Curated by distinguished scholars from Columbia University and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this exhibition in Katonah looks at Syrian history through the prism of its textile production. Located on the Western edge of the Silk Routes, Syria was an important force in global trade and culture. Drawing together rarely seen examples of Syrian textiles, tapestries, and garments—made of silk, linen, and wool—plus new scholarship from archaeologists and historians, here is a history that is beautiful to look at. —Laura Jacobs