Before you let current dismal headlines about Syria determine your perspective, consider another viewpoint.

Syria: A Living History at Aga Khan Museum (77 Wynford Dr) brings together artifacts and artworks that tell a different story — one of “cultural diversity, historical continuity, resourcefulness, and resilience.” The rich artistic history of Syria spans the past ten thousand years. Its capital, Damascus, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Many diverse groups — Syrian Arabs, Greeks, Armenians, Assyrians, Kurds, Circassians, Mandeans and Turks — call Syria home. And Syria’s artists have made priceless contributions throughout history.

This exhibit will feature historical and contemporary art, as well as educational and on-stage programming by prominent Syrian scholars, musicians, and artists. There will a symposium on Syria’s art and architecture (October 29, October 30), lectures with leading scholars, and showcase performances with Syrian artists like Lubana Al Quntar (Syria’s first opera singer), composer Kinan Azmeh, and visual artist Kevork Mourad.

Syria: A Living History opens October 15, 2016 and runs through February 26, 2017.