Samer Kozah was born in Bab Toma (Saint Thomas Gate), one of the historic neighborhoods of Old Damascus. Coming from a family deeply rooted in the traditions of craftsmanship, he inherited the art of jewelry design from his father, continuing a lineage of artisans who were among the first generation of jewelry designers in Damascus.
In 1994, Samer converted part of his ancestral home, located in the heart of the old city of Damascus, into the Kozah Art Gallery. Dedicated to contemporary Syrian art, the gallery serves as a space for cultural and artistic expression, reflecting Samer’s passion for creativity and heritage. It also preserves the memories and traditions embedded in the walls of his historic family home.
Samer has been practicing photography since 1983, exploring the art form as a means of storytelling and cultural preservation. Over the years, he has participated in numerous joint exhibitions both within Syria and internationally. His most recent solo exhibition, titled “Damascene Dialogue,” was held in Bremen, Germany, and received widespread acclaim for its evocative portrayal of Damascus.
During the Syrian Civil War, Samer established the first Syrian Contemporary Art Fair in Beirut, Lebanon, after moving there from Damascus. The fair was an extension of his dedication to supporting Syrian art and artists. The fair provided a platform for Syrian artists to showcase their work during a time of great upheaval, fostering cultural resilience and artistic expression amidst the challenges of conflict.