Cocktail

Nostalgia

2008-11-24T14:07:00.004+02:00

It has been 2 years since I stopped writing! I never had it in my mind to stop blogging. On the contrary, there were always things, thoughts and ideas I wanted to share, but I was always busy and there was always the common excuse “no time”. When friends used to ask me ‘why did u stop blogging’ I found it easy to say ‘the Syrian government has banned blogger.com’. After all, we are all human beings, i.e. inclined to blame others!
Now, being away from Syria, having left my parents, my family, my friends, my home, my street, my work, and my memories behind… I come back to my blog, feeling the urge to read some of my previous posts, anything to remind me of my old days and bring back those beautiful memories…
Although I am very happy in my new life which I willingly chose, I always miss everything back home. I miss looking from my window at cars outside, at pedestrians, at children pedaling their bicycles watched over by their Indonesian maids, at students studying German language at Goethe institute, thinking maybe of also leaving Syria to continue their studies abroad and most probably of not coming back again!
I miss Shaa’lan Street and all its mess, traffic and the crowd out there. I miss Salhiya Street and Abu Abdo, the cocktail shop and his famous fruit salad, I miss Aljahez Park and its surroundings, I miss restaurants, coffee shops and Shawrma, I miss old Damascus, and every single stone right there, I miss the strange faces I used to see there, faces of sellers, of beggars and of people that it never happened to see them twice!
I miss the smell of pollution back home, the dirt on streets, the dusty buildings, the big ugly green trash bins full of stray cats and its bad smell. I miss mad taxi drivers and that hidden anger and the question of why I didn’t fight with them?!
I miss all of Syria and its weird, difficult and incomprehensible texture, the mixture of old and new, rich and poor, beautiful and ugly, familiar faces I never saluted at all, but used to give me some sense of security, the feeling of being home…
In Short, I miss the unique spirit of Damascus.
Am I going to return to Syria? No one could tell how soon that will be.

The Only Way is Forward

2007-01-29T11:11:00.000+02:00

As I was invited by a noted Syrian political writer Dr. Sami Moubayed to contribute to edition number one of "FW:" magazine, I was confident that this magazine will be something different coming from true lover of Syria like Sami himself and the publisher Abdulsalam Haykal!

The "FW:" deals with Syria’s business related issues, its domestic affairs, as well as its relations with the outside world. As its name implies, the magazine will focus on reform, carrying an optimistic and constructive tone. The general emphasis is economy and business, and the implications and interrelation with social, political, and international affairs.

I had many ideas and topics to write about, but I couldn't chose a better start than to write about my beloved "old Damascus".

Click to Enlarge

Here I quote some paragraphs from other articles I liked:

"…Unfortunately, the media business in our part of the world has to fall in one of two categories: pro or against government. While Forward will resist such categorization, we anticipate that some of our audience will be judging the magazine based on how "outspoken" it is to criticising the government. To be described as "outspoken" has so far been the credit for Syrian writers and publishers. For many long years, outspokenness was deficient (unless otherwise instructed) in state-controlled media. Looking today at newsstands any given day, one can see abundance of harsh headlines and confrontational content, in relative terms of course. However, what the Syrian media suffers from at present is the lack of objectivity, originality, and insight. That is what Forward will attempt to offer English speaking readers; often foreigners in Syria and abroad, including investors wanting to know how it is going back home. We are excited to start with another journey, where the only way is forward…"
"Even with hazards, Syria 's only way is forward" by Abdulsalam Haykal the publisher and editor of "FW:" magazine.

"… When I imagine the Syrian future, I see people debating the future in a hundreds cafes from Damascus to Aleppo to Latakia. I imagine a country that is networked so that to the internet – and the-life changing knowledge it provides – enters into every village, classroom and home. …"
"Imagining a new Syria" by David Ignatius an associate editor for the Washington Post.

"…For example, the website called " Syriapol – A Syrian Democracy Project", a public opinion portal designed to measure Syrian political attitudes toward governance, economic progress, democratic reforms, and the peace process, was blocked from view in Syria. Contrary to intuition, though, it was not the Syrian government that had censored the site, but rather the American company, a very popular webhosting service called GoDaddy.com, from whom the domain name had been purchased, which blocks anyone inside Syria from accessing any website that they register..."
"The silly side of sanctions" by George Ajjan an activist and member of the Arab American Institute's National Policy Council.

"… In the US, every commentator on every talk show tells us, "there are no good option for the US in Iraq . The best we can do is to pick the least and bad option. Any choice will harm us and will bring carnage to Iraq ." Again, these commentators are correct as far as they go. But they are looking in the wrong place for a solution. The source of the American problem in Iraq isn't in Iraq or even in the Middle East. The source of the American problem is American pride. The pride that insists that military power rather than human justice is the solution to every problem…"
"Pride, prejudice, and talking to Syria" by Scott C.Davis the author of The Road from Damascus: a journey through Syria. He is co-founder of Cune Press, a book publisher devoted to creating dialogue between Syrian and the US.

"… Shortly afterwards, I met many expatriate Syrian who had returned to spend Christmas in Damascus. They and us who decided to live in Syria by choice had endless debates about nation-building. More than ever, the expatriates were seriously thinking of returning home. More than ever, we were thinking of leaving. Strangely enough, the expatriate and Abdullah al-Khani were seeing something that many of those living in Syria could not see. It was: hope. Having said that, it is now time to move forward, as the name of the magazine implies. There is no way for Syria but forward…"
"Never give in" by Sami Moubayed

A Snapshot of Ramadan

2006-09-30T19:01:00.000+02:00

Busy markets (Old town) in Ramadan.

Blessed Ramadan

2006-09-23T23:01:00.000+02:00

"Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur-an, as a guide to mankind, also Clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong)..." The Quran [2 : 185]

May you be blessed with peace and happiness on Ramadan.

Ramadan Kareem

Should Visit Place

2006-09-06T12:42:00.000+03:00

Bosra, Situated in the vast Hawran plain, some 145 kilometres south of Damascus. It is an extremely ancient city mentioned in the lists of Tutmose III and Akhenaten in the fourteenth century B.C.The first Nabatean city in the second century B.C., it bore the name Buhora, but during the Hellenistic period, it was known by the name of Bustra.Later the Romans took an active interest in the city, and at the time of the Emperor Trajan it was made the capital of the Province of Arabia (in 106 B.C.) and was called Neatrajana Bustra. The city saw its greatest period of prosperity and expansion then, became a crossroads on the caravan routes and the official seat and residence of the Imperial Legate. After the decline of the Roman Empire, Bosra played a significant role in the history of early Christianity. It was also Iinked to the rise of Islam, when a Nestorian monk called Bahira, who lived in
the city, met the young Muhammad when his caravan stopped at Bosra, and predicted his prophetic vocation and the faith he was going to initiate.
The oldest Islamic square minarets (still standing) are found in Bosra, whose prosperous role as an important halt for pilgrims on the way to Mecca lasted until the 17th century. The most interesting part of the city today is the famous Roman theatre built in the second century A.D., which seats 15 thousand spectators, and is considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved of Roman amphitheatres in the world. The stage is 45 meters long and 8 meters deep. Every summer, it hosts Arab and international performers who entertain audiences during the Bosra Art Festival against a majestic background of Roman columns and arches. The city itself contains a great number of Roman ruins, a part of the Byzantine Bahira Church, as well as the al-Mabrak Mosque, which is said to have been erected on the site where the Prophet's camel stopped to rest. There is also the Omar Mosque(also called the al-Arouss Mosque), which is the only one of its type remaining from the early days of Islam, and it retains its 7th century primitive form. An important Muslim citadel, dating back to the Ayoubite and Mamluk period still stands, and one of its towers now houses a museum of Antiquities and Traditional Arts.

Source: Ministry Of Tourism

August Rain!

2006-08-21T18:10:00.000+03:00

To rain in Damascus at this time of the year is a very strange thing to happen, especially during the hot weather we are having now, it is really unexpected rain, and a very weird weather and day!
Check Flickr for more pic here.

Crest

2006-08-15T13:22:00.001+03:00

Engraved on this statue, the emblem of the Ottoman Empire appears on its southern part and the signature of Sultan Abdul-Hamid II appears on its northern part which can be seen clearly in the picture above. The monument is located in front of Ministry of Interior which was built in 1900 on the bank of Barda river close to Al-Marjeh Square, according to modern building standards which was distinct in the latest years of the Ottoman era.

If interested to know the words engraved on it, check the first comment below.

Two countries, one heart

2006-07-24T10:14:00.000+03:00

I’m posting this post, not to brag nor to show off the Syrian government, but simply I am greatly touched by the human side and all the support, aid and assistance Syrians are showing.

I heard a lot of calls asking for more volunteers to help the Lebanese refugees, but I never really imagined the situation until I saw it myself... About 100,000 Lebanese have fled across the border into Syria with nothing in their pocket, no money, no clothes, no food and no nothing! Syria has welcomed them all providing shelters for them, many schools were emptied and turned into shelters too, I don’t want to turn this post into politics here, but I just want to shed light on the great job people are doing here, charity associations, normal people mostly housewives, collage students, and doctors all volunteered to help them, and to provide them with food, clothes, healthcare and even giving toys for their kids, a huge network of volunteering has really surprised me! All that cooperative great work gave me nothing but a real HOPE, I left the place feeling deeply happy inside, and like yeah we are here for each others.

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PS. The Arabic sign says “We welcome our Lebanese sisters and brothers, your family in Syria”.

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Su’ad, was pregnant in her forth month, she already has lost her baby because, she was deadly afraid of the Israeli attacks on her village.

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al-Maha

2006-07-10T13:16:00.000+03:00

The Arabian Oryx (al-Maha) were brought from Saudi Arabia in an effort to increase their numbers in the Syrian desert.
al-Maha are known by their beautiful eyes, that in some old Arabic poems the beauty of women’s eyes were compared to theirs.

W.C

2006-06-27T12:08:00.000+03:00

Do You Know?

2006-06-17T01:33:00.000+03:00

Do you know that large old gates which have small door inside, like in the picture above are called “Bab Khokha”? The funny thing is; the word “Khokha” has a different meaning in Arabic which has nothing to do with doors, it is (plum)! Weird, isn’t it?

The Museum Of Dair Atiah

2006-06-11T19:37:00.000+03:00

“ Deir Atiah, which is known for its beautiful environment, fresh water, fertile fields, and soft air, is also known for its loyal, mindful, and active inhabitants. The Museum of Deir Atiah is in fact a live symbol of the generosity and sacrifices that it takes to preserve the national heritage and customs. It has been gathered in its distinguished five buildings and a garden that is designed as an open-air museum that kept from decay true and valuable evidence from local memory that serves as witness to the pedigree and notability of the inhabitants of the region. Their creativeness is well displayed in the field of agriculture, industry, trade, handicrafts, different types of arts like arms, coins, trinkets, stamps, painting, and some other articles from the quotidian life that are also proofs of this creativeness. Moreover, the museum contains finds that were uncovered during excavations in Damascus Countryside Governorate, especially Yabroud, with material dating back to the prehistoric, bronze, Classic, and Arab-Islamic periods. In addition, it contains many important archaeological object that were saved from illegal excavators and smugglers. Furthermore, the museum of Deir Atiah is but one link in a long chain of work that the inhabitants of the town have achieved with their own efforts, to protect their local heritage, it is meant to be source of cultural and knowledge, and inspiration symbol to be followed.”

Source:The Musuem of Deir Atiah

Omar al-Farra

2006-06-01T16:27:00.000+03:00

A great and a very popular Syrian poet, he was born in 1949 in Palmyra, then he moved to live in Homs, he started writing poetry at the age of thirteen. He now has five divans, four of them are written in colloquial Arabic which is best to read in the Bedouin accent. Desert has a big influence on his poetry, added to it a very nice sense of humor flooding from his soul. He always says that the environment he lived in has contributed in shaping his poetry and that all his poems are based on a real stories to the extent that most of his friends and surroundings might know the heroes he writes about even by their names too, so he usually starts his poems by telling the story behind them which is very entertaining and interesting to hear.
One of his most famous poem is ”Hamda”, where he speaks about a rebellious Bedouin female who refuses to marry her cousin according to her tribe customs and so she was killed for her refusal, after her death people claimed that they still could hear her voice yelling “I don’t want to marry you”.

To hear one of my favorite poem by him Click Here. It is called Al-Watan (Homeland), before he starts reciting it, he always asserts that one’s soul can’t rest at peace after death unless it’s buried at homeland.

Wish you enjoy it.

Super Star Rocks At Schools

2006-05-27T00:10:00.000+03:00

“The Super Star Student’s Show that Rocked the school months ago is NOW Back!”
“Be sure not to miss it” that’s what I’ve been told by one of the teenagers that is participating in the Super Star performance.

I remembered two famous quotes I've recently read; “The power to control the flow of information is the power to control the way people think”. Oliver Stone
“Sometime during the next decade, we may all think alike and act alike and not even know that we had a choice.” Nola Bowie

Most people think that TV Shows have a negative impact on the society, they may also contribute to social problems like violence, aggressiveness and decline of manners and family values.

Super Star, and some other live TV Shows like Star Academy had a big impact on our Society, like for exampl; their logos and names were printed on T-shirts, bags, shoes, trousers, and even on underwear, they also became the most popular topic among teenagers and older people too.

New artists are being born everyday with the new trend which depends only on cheapness, nothingness, indecency and impudicity. However, watch out your kids, they are the main targeted perfect receivers, and thus unfortunately we have to expect hundreds of Haifa Wahbi, Dana, Maria, Rouby and others and others.

Bride Khan

2006-05-19T13:39:00.000+03:00

The Arabic name is Khan al-Arous and it has also another name; Khan al-Sultan, it was built in the 12th century as Sultan Salah Eddin al-Ayubi ordered to construct it on the way between Damascus and Homs, about 50 km to the north of Damascus to help pilgrimages and travelers passing there to rest in it.
Recently, it has been restored by the goverment.

Martyrdom Day

2006-05-06T19:15:00.000+03:00

Two verses from the Holy Quran are engraved On the Unknown Soldier Monument located on Qassiun mount say;

“Think not of those who are slain in Allah's Way as dead. Nay, they live, finding their sustenance in the Presence of their Lord; They rejoice in the Bounty provided by Allah: and with regard to those left behind, who have not yet joined them (in their bliss), the (Martyrs) glory in the fact that on them is no fear, nor have they (cause to) grieve." [3:169-170].

Murdered

2006-05-03T16:33:00.000+03:00

Ugly concrete dirty buildings, built-up narrow streets, randomness, chaos, nothing is symmetrical even in the same one building, order does not exist, gardens and parks are seldom to spot, Damascus from Qassioun Mountain looks like a jungle made of concrete. Alas, it is not beautiful.
I suggest sentences like “ Damascus is located in the middle of an oasis called el-Ghouta” or “Damascus is surrounded by a green bracelet called el-Ghouta (which was once defined as a small paradise on earth)”, should be omitted, edited and replaced by sentences such as “ Damascus is surrounded by ugliness, by unsightly outskirts, by desert, by pollution… Damascus should be saved"

Could It Be True?

2006-04-21T19:17:00.000+03:00

A woman has the right to be born, to live as free and equall as a man, to be well educated, to be successful, to love, to be loved, to be a mother, a sister and a friend.

“ A new study showed that Syrian women are still suffering from domestic violence as one forth married women are physically or verbally abused either by their husbands, their fathers or their bothers.” Click here on both 1 / 2 .

This bit of news has dropped my jaws, I’ve been living in Syria for almost all my life and I never witness such a thing, not in my family, my relatives, my friends, nor in my neighborhood, isn’t that enough for me on personal level to question this study!

Women are becoming nowadays more free and liberated than any other time in Syria;

- Adult female literacy rose from 33 percent in 1980 to 60.4 percent by 1998.
- Women comprise 57 percent of the nation’s teachers.
- Females hold 39 percent of seats in the national university system.
- Women comprised 27 percent of the labour force in 2000.
- 12 percent seat in parliament is held by women which is considered second highest rate compared with other Arabic countries.
- On 23 March 2006 President Bashar Al-Assad appointed Najah Al-Attar as a second vice-president that makes her the first Arab female to hold the position of vice president.

I cannot believe this study, it is totally absurd to me, but again it might be true, so dear Syrian reader, what do you think of it? Are we having a big problem here? Is that really the women’s condition in my country and I am totally ignorant about it? Please enlighten me !

Coming Soon

2006-04-09T13:02:00.000+03:00

After about more than 20 years of restoration works, Citadel of Damascus is about to be opened to the public in June 2006. Until the 1980's the Citadel was almost inaccessible, as it was an old prison from the late 12th century and was occupied largely by the military.

Needless to say, the citadel was built inside the old wall of Damascus. A lot of historians claimed that the citadel was built at the Roman era however, studies carried by several specialized scholars, historians and archaeologists showed that the castle was founded by Saljukis in 1076 A.D. and was completely rebuilt between1203–1214 by al-Malik al-Ādil to protect the city against the Crusaders and Mongols invasion.

The citadel is rectangular in shape and with rounded corners in its northwest, inside it, they built houses, baths, schools, wells, prisons and a mosque (Abu al-Dardaa), and it was also used as a residence for some Ayubid Sultans like Saladin.
Each corner of the castle has a tower , two towers on the eastern side, and three towers on the northern and southern sides. The citadel has four gates and whole of it was surrounded by a deep trench which was filled with water during wars.

My thoughts about the citadel is that, how it was always a prison that hosted revolutionary people and militant, great figures such as Ibin Taimyyah, and a lot of political detainees, and now it will turn into museum and a centre for cultural activates.

For more pictures click here.

2006-03-02T00:31:00.000+02:00

Dear readers of this blog, I’m sorry, but there wont be any posting for couples of weeks ahead.
Thank you.

YOU & ME

2006-02-23T11:29:00.000+02:00

My friend Reem wrote this poem and asked me to post it on my blog for better understanding, and I wouldn’t say no.

Muslim is Me,
Christian is He, BUT
Brothers are We,
Equal should Be, WHY?!

In the name of Humanity we live,
Under the Sky, on Earth, and behind the Cliffs,
The Birth of us Adam & Eve gave,
From Water & Clay are just Ourselves,
Modest, Calm, Down-to-Earth is our Level,

Mark & Muhammad CAN Coexist,
In Both Civilizations that Persist,
On integration & Unity so this is our Benefit,
Dialogue, Cooperation, progress are an asset,
In a Society where Success & patience are our Habit,
"Peace, Happiness, Mercy & Love try to Spread",

"Oh No ! Don't kill any Creature,
Never Destroy a Church or Harm any Preacher,
Women, Babies, and Old Take Care,
Plants & Roses, You Don't Dare",

"Oh here is an Ant Don't Step"!
"A Thirsty Dog, Please give a Sip"!

That is OUR Prophet's Say,
This is OUR Islam Way,
Proud of them till Doomsday!!

Freedom & Respect are OUR Feature,
So How Come Mocking OUR TEACHER!! (Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him).

REEM TAYAN

To Be Or Not To Be

2006-02-15T00:17:00.000+02:00

It came to my mind to ask many Syrian kids from different social classes about their hopes, dreams and what do they like to be in future…
When I asked Samir, 8-year-old, “What do you want to be in future?” with full confidence he said “ I ‘m sure I’ll be a plastic surgeon, all people want to look better, I’ll make a great profit from it, I’ll gain a lot of money and I’ll be rich, I also wish to reach the age of 17 because my father promised me to buy me a BMW motorcycle, I’ll not let anyone race me because I’ll be the winner!”

Joudy 10-year-old, she already speaks two languages perfectly in addition to Arabic, she answered me without hesitation; “interior designer, I also love fashion, and yeah I can’t wait till I grow up to do a plastic surgery to my nose, there is something wrong with it, I don’t like it. I also will drive my mother’s car or buy a new one and let little kids sit in the back so I’ll take them to nice places to play.”

Dalia, 8-year-old, I asked her in Arabic but she answered me in English “I want to be a scientist, but for a now I’ve big dream, I would like to fly in the sky where the clouds are all full of sweats and candies, so I can eat them all without having any teeth pain or caries”. A minute of silence… then “Ghalia, can I be more than one thing?” I told her that yes she can, then she added “ I also want to be an artist (I love painting), a school director, an accountant and bar-code specialist, a swim teacher, a traveler, a cook ( I would like to cook a delicious food)”, a shopkeeper… actually her list goes so long… but she ended telling me “ I hope to make them all real”.

Hameed, 9-year-old, I met him in Old Damascus at Souq al-Hamidiyeh, he was supposed to be at school while he was actually working as a goods porter, “What do you want to be in the future?” I asked. He looked at me quizzically, he needs not to say anything, from his reaction I knew that he had never thought of that. “I don’t know, I have to ask my father, he will decide for me, I really don’t know!”

Same as Hameed, Tamer also doesn’t know what to be in the future, he said “Whatever, I’ll be anything, I really don’t know, I do have some wishes, but I’m sure none will come true” he flashed me a smile, then he felt shy, while I felt foolish because I understood what he meant. He has many things to worry about today, tomorrow can certainly wait!.

Abdo, 12-year-old was afraid of me, he answered me cautiously “ I want to be an employee”, “do you go to school?” I asked, “yes, I do, I’m at the sixth grade” you should not leave your school if you want to be an employee” I commented. “I know, I will not” he said. But ironically it was a school time when I asked him while he was selling kind of whistles and balloon for kids.

At last, Fawzi and Khaled seem to be close friends, they both are 11-year-old, I met them coming back from school, they both want to study Islam and be specialist of Islamic law and jurisprudence, “We will be Muslim clerics and we are already studying in an Islamic school that we love it.”

P.S. Those children do not represent the society, each one of them is a unique child with his dreams, hopes, wishes and life to live.

What A Shame!

2006-02-05T12:40:00.000+02:00

First of all I would like to clarify that my Blog is not about political issues nor Islamic ones.

Concerning the so-appeared to be peaceful and civilized protests against offensive cartoons of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that were published in a Danish newspaper a few months ago that turned into a shameful violent act, my friends, Ayman and Ihsan said it all, I wouldn’t have said it better than they did.

Voices from America

2006-02-01T13:42:00.000+02:00

As I got a lot of American visitors yesterday, I have received more than fifty E-mails asking me about my life and my country. A lot of applausments and a little of critisim.
I want to highlight some voices I’ve recived from U.S, and I would like to thank everyone who sent me an E-mail, showed a respect, admiration and appreciation, even critisism, and most of all, thanks for those who commented here thank you very much.

“I am an American and alittle worried about reading and writing on your blog”
Anonymous

“I am really impressed from the pictures of your Country. I just hope that Syria doesn’t get too westernized. Every nation needs to hold on to some of its past and teach the young its history…I do hope that the children hold on to the ways of their country. Not saying imitating the Americans is bad, but I am not happy with some of our attitude today. I am an older American who I guess is set in his ways and at times do not like what I see of today’s world.”
Sonny

“I just read a story about you on the net and had a look at your blog. I must say it's very interesting. Being from America, in the Midwest actually, I have no idea of what life in Syria is like…I am a little disturbed by some of the replies of your countrymen, but we I understand we have our share of close-minded fools also. Keep up the good work, and tell whoever you can that most of us are just ordinary people like them..”
dustin

“…We only get a lot of negative news about Syria. I am glad you are speaking out about the good in your country. I'm not sure that a Kentucky Fried Chicken is great diplomacy, but if it works, then great. I'm just afraid you folks will blame us for stomach aches...”
Lynn

“Your blog reads like a boring tourism guide to Syria with occasional flashes of brilliance (KFC and the Supermarket piece). There is obvious passion in you about the great past history of Syria. What of the here and now? Please skip the "interesting places of Syria" tour and blog about the sadness, the joy, the passion of the Syrian people.
I understand you can't say certain things in your country, that politics, your government, your president close the door on certain directions you may what your blog to go (free thought possibly). But what you are showing me now tells me nothing of you and the people of Syria. Please make a difference to those of us outside the "Syrian Wall".”
Edward

“…Fatima also said she worries that many Americans have a bad impression of Syria, which is probably true. You must understand that we have a large population and many people in the US have never left the country and do not understand other cultures, so they are unnecessarily suspicious.”
Michael

...As for some of the comments that were left on your site, they seem like close minded people. I believe that these people are everywhere even in the US. In the US we try to be open minded, I just want to add that as a country we are fairly new compare to Syria, which has thousands of years of history. However, we only have about 200+ years. I guess what I'm trying to say is that we all want things we don't have.
The things that scare us the most is intolerance. Such as your January 27 blog about Mirrored Umayyad. That kind of action scare us because we view it as intolerance and we fear intolerance. My guess is that you're old and we are new. It's like the generation gap. We see things from different point of views and if we (as in the US and Syria) aren't willing to accept each other point of view, but want or have the need to destroy that different view than we have a problem. Who will get destroy? Just like a comment in your KFC blog, someone said that they want to destroy KFC because it's a symbol of America. That scare us.
Thank you for open your world up to us.
Allen

“…Your country has let Saddam's arsenal be shipped to and hidden in your country. The truth will come out eventually and there will be military action in your country. The only way to be treated fairly in this world is to renounce violence and corruption and do what you can to promote peace. Syrian citizens are judged by the actions of their governments because the citizens let the government rule over them. I am my own person and would fight to the death to save that right. Your people need the same passion for freedom and equal rights if you ever want to be considered a respectable people in the eyes of the world.”
Kevin

“…It was very nice to see Syria through the eyes of a person who is detached from the political spin of the world. I can tell you that here in the US, it is much the same. Many of our generation are discontent with the government, but unfortunately, we can do nothing about it. If you were to come to the US, you would find that there are great people that accept people of all origins, like myself…I hope you keep your message strong, and show the world that we can all have great friends all over the world if we just put aside trivial things. Perhaps some day I will be able to travel to Damascus and see what great things are there, but for now, my country will not create the favorable conditions for me to do so.”
Ernest

“…am an older woman. I am very curious about women's lives in other cultures. Do you know any women in your country of 40-60 years who blog?... but I believe to understand another culture, I want to understand the lives of the women. I am sure my struggles are the same as theirs. I would like to know what they think and why…I will also read your blog and learn about the thoughts of a young woman. I promise to never INTEND to insult so perhaps you will have to teach me what is not permissible. Someday I hope to visit your culture.”
Sharon

“…I must say that you bring out some very good points of discussion and very good things about your country, as did Majd and Elie. Hopefully one day, sooner than later, everyone wouldn't have to worry about things such as Terrorism, or who's going to attack who, or people being killed...things of that nature…Thank you for the insight...and Ghalia, thank you for being who you are. You're awesome..”
Chris

“it is good to see women in your part of the world being able to express their thoughts and feelings openly”
Anonymous

“Congrats on getting your blog featured on Yahoo. Syria is so often discussed as chess piece in the game of Mid-east politics it is hard to realize it is also a home for people that want KFC dinners and the peaceful pictures of Aleppo. Good luck.”
Frank

“…Hopefully in the coming years peace can settle in the Middle East. It will be your generation that will be responsible for making these changes and that is why I encourage you to remain open minded. Again keep up the good work and do not lose your optimistic attitude. It is up to you and your peers to make this world a better place.”
A former American soldier

“…I've learned so much about Syria in just the 20 minutes I spent looking at your blog today…”
Tamara

“…A country like Syria, so rich in culture and human history, is appreciated by most people although some do dismiss it as a breeding ground for terrorists. I think it is awesome that you have so much pride in your country. Thank you for giving others a glimpse of your unique and beautiful city.”

Chris

Mirrored Umayyad

2006-01-27T22:21:00.000+02:00

At al-Uqaybah at the end of Souq Saroujah there was a Khan (caravansary) well known for vice, called Khan al-Zanjari. The debaucheries and depravities were intolerable. Al-Malik al-Ashraf, Musa Ibn al-Malik al-Adel (Ayyubid era), was told that such thing should not be tolerable in a Muslim land, so he ordered it to be demolished and to build a mosque in its place. The people named it “ Jamie al- Tawbah” Mosque of Repentance, as though it had turned in a repentance to God and repented of what was in it. The mosque was built in 632/1234 with a great resemblance to Umayyad Mosque, somehow suggesting that repentance involve copying or imitating the most important and holiest local building in the country.

Ya Mal el-Sham

2006-01-15T18:48:00.000+02:00

Oh treasure of Damascus, oh my God, my treasure.
The time is so long, my beauty, come here to me.

The time is so long and in my mind’s eye,
I see a beauty mark appearing high on her cheek.

The time is so long and it grows longer,
the beauty paces back and forth, oh God,
bring back that wonderful day in that past that escape me.

The time is so long, my eyes spill tears
and my heart is so full I can’t talk, oh my God.

If my love becomes my own it will be a day too wonderful to imagine; It is so long since we have seen each other.

It was a dark day where we said goodbye to them,
oh God, how I wish you could bring us together again,
such a wonderful day I can hardly imagine.

The authentic old Damascene song “Ya Mal el-Sham” was composed and set to music by the Damascene artist Abu Khalil al-Qabbani.
Translated by Andrea Rugh, Center for Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Texas at Austin.

To hear the song click here.

Welcome America!!!

2006-01-08T01:11:00.000+02:00

The first US fast-food franchise in Syria has started with the opening of “KFC” Kentucky Fried Chicken in Damascus / Abu Rummaneh.
It has been said that “the countries where you can find KFC, Coca-Cola and McDonald's will never go to war with the US."!!!!

Khalid al-Azm's Amazing House

2006-01-05T09:48:00.000+02:00

First of all I would like to thank my friend Yazan, for his great help, without him I couldn’t get the information mentioned below. Second, I believe no one reads long posts, so I’m really sorry, what can I do, his life was SO rich!

Khaled al-Azm was born in his old house in Damascus, Souq Sarujah, in November 6th, 1903 to one of the most prestigious families in all of Syria. In addition to their role in society, they were the traditional governors of Damascus in the eighteenth century. His father, Muhammed Fawzi Pasha al-Azm, was an Arab Parliament member in the Ottoman Empire, a Minister of Religious Endowments (1912), and one of King Faisal closest confederate during years of the Arab Government.

Growing up mostly in Damascus, He studied Law in the Syrian Law School in Damascus. He did not seem to have any political goals but rather pursuing a career as an industrialist. In 1927 he co-founded the first Chamber of Agriculture in Damascus, and was selected to the Damascus Municipality Council.

Entering the political arena in 1939, he was appointed Minister of Justice, and Foreign Minister, [PM: Nassoh Bukhari]. A cabinet that didn't last more than 94 days.
In April 1941 he became Prime Minister for the first time, in Addition for him being Prime Minister he was the Minister of Interior, a cabinet that survived one of the most dangerous and complex periods of the French mandate, and succeeded in keeping Syria neutral under enormous pressure from the [Vichy French Government.] and its German ally, and The Allied Forces [De Gaul and the UK] to enter the WWII conflict. The cabinet resigned in September 14th, 1941. Soon after the allied forces entered Damascus.

In 1943 he was elected to the Parliament as a part of the National Bloc List, and soon after he was appointed Minister of Finance, [PM: Saad-Allah al-Jaberi]. Once again to resign in September 1944. And to be appointed in two days later as Minister of Finance, and Minister of Rations [PM: Fares al-Khouri] but again, resigned soon after.
After the independence, he took part in the 1946 cabinet, being Minister of National Economy and Minister of Justice [PM: Saad-Allah al-Jaberi]. again to resign in December the same year.
In May 1947 he left to Paris where he was appointed as a Commissioner Minister in Paris, Brussels and Bern.
Back to Damascus in 1948 to be chosen again to form a cabinet where he took two seats, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of National Defence.
He was arrested after Husni al-Zaim coup and then put under house arrest until Sami Hennawi did his coup in August 13, 1949.

Then he was chosen for the third time as a Prime Minister after the Shieshakly coup in December 1949 in addition to being a Minister of Foreign Affairs. Again resigning in May 1950. Then again a Prime Minister in April 1951, and a Minister of Foreign Affairs. then months later resigned because of Shieshakly involvement.

After the end of the series of coups in 1954, he was elected again to the parliament.
In 1955 he joined the cabinet again to be Minister of Foreign Affairs, [PM: Sabri al-Asali].
He resigned after Kuwatly was elected president.
In 1957 he joined yet another cabinet as a Minister of State and an Under Secretary of National Defence. Soon to be a Minister of National Defence. [PM: Sabri al-Asali]. He was the only Minister who agreed to the Syria-Egypt Union agreement with reservation. After the separation, he was elected once again to the parliament. He was again under arrest after the March 28th, 1962 coup. Again after a failing coup, he went back to be a Prime Minister in September 17th, 1962... until March 7th, 1963.

Escaping to the Turkish Embassy in March 8th, 1963. Azm moved to Beirut where he spent his last days.
He died in Beirut in February 18th, 1965... and was buried in Oza'ey, Beirut.

It is nice to mention that when the French troops set out an armed attack on the Parliament building and other government buildings through out the city including Citadel of Damascus, killing and wounding thousands of innocent people, Khaled al-Azm opened his house doors wide for all those seeking refuge, workers, soldiers, normal people including government ministers like Jamal Mardam, where he brought in over than 100 refugees.

His house now is the Museum of the History of Damascus and adjoins the Centre For Historical Documents.

Utopian dream

2006-01-01T00:17:00.000+02:00

May happiness, love and peace prevail on 2006!
Sounds optimistic?? Why not! Let it be a new start hopefully.

With Or Against?

2005-12-18T00:00:00.000+02:00

"I went mad. I imagined the modern operation of buying and selling when the supermarket was finished. A housewife would come with a plastic carrying basket for vegetables. She would enter the door of the magnificent building in complete silence since whispering is the language of sophisticated people. The woman would push a small metal cart with two tiers through the aisles of the supermarket choosing what she wanted from the canned meats, vegetables, fruit, ghee, cheese, butter, soap, coffee, sugar, tea, and jam. Confidence would be absolute in this sophisticated place. Nobody steals. Nobody bargains. No tomato is bigger than another. No apple is unripe, or spoiled, no unsanitary open can of ghee, no open tin of cheese, no tin of cream, no pottery bowl of yoghurt, no leather pouch of cottage cheese. On each container would be a fixed price to save the time spent bargaining by an elegant buyer and a gentleman salesperson. The woman would count the number of pieces at the end and write out the bill like someone who didn't know how to speak. The employee would play on the calculator like a dumb-mute and from behind the cash register accept the money with a stern face. There would be no conversation in that place, which was totally convenient for everyone."

Taken from Siham Tergeman: Daughter of Damascus, English version by Andrea Rugh, Center for Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Texas at Austin, 1994.

Whistle-stop

2005-12-09T00:37:00.000+02:00

One of the important stations in Syria is Midan Ikbis; located up to the north west of Aleppo exactly on the Turkish-Syrian border, Midan Ikbis a calm and somehow neglected town was once a passage to a lot of famous persons, Agatha Christie, had once passed here and was inspired by the beauty of Aleppo and the Orient Express that made her write her famous novel 'Murder on the Orient Express'.

The station of Midan Ikbis is still active and there is a weekly rail service from Istanbul to Syria, it also goes to the following destination, Tehran (Irn), Aleppo (Syr), Turkey and Baghdad (Irq) which is temporarily closed due to political reasons! This train is part of the orient express and it is called taurus express, it was the creation of German engineers, a luxury train that connected what is present-day Istanbul with the Middle East.

Once Upon The Time

2005-12-04T00:02:00.000+02:00

Every night, in a small café of “al Nawfara” in the shadow of the eastern wall of Umayyad Mosque, a storyteller known by “Hakawati” keeps the art of public storytelling alive. Seated on a chair elevated above the others, he begins with a half-sung introduction, switching his voice into accents, using layers of different Arabic: slang, old colloquial and formal forms, depending on the character he is reading. Holding a book in one hand, while the other is full of vivid gestures then at one point in the story he grips a sword swings it once or twice, then BANG!! He strikes it down onto a metal tabletop in front of him. His stories might take a week, a month or a year! It is usually about very well known Islamic or heroic epics from early Arab history, such as Antara Ibn Shaddad, Abu Zaid al-Hilali, al-Zaher Baybars and many other famous ones. It was a very common craft in the past, but now it is no more than a folkloric performance or a museum piece, even some people go that he will be the last ever Hakawati, I hope not.

When You Grow Up

2005-11-23T01:33:00.000+02:00

My son sits at the edge of my bed
and asks me to recite a poem,
A tear falls from my eyes onto the pillow.
My son licks it up, astonished, saying:
"But this is a tear, father, not a poem!"
And I tell him:
"When you grow up, my son,
and read the diwan of Arabic poetry
you'll discover that the word and the tear are twins
and the Arabic poem
is no more than a tear wept by writing fingers."

My son lays down his pens, his crayon box in
front of me
and asks me to draw a homeland for him.
The brush trembles in my hands
and I sink, weeping.

Taken from "A Lesson In Drawing" by Nizar Qabbani.

Bayt al-‘Aqqad

2005-11-17T02:10:00.000+02:00

The house has been built on the ruins of Herod the Great’s theater from the 1st century B.C. a substantial remains of Roman walls appeared embedded in the mud walls of the ‘Aqqad-house.
After the Mongol destruction of Damascus in 1400-1401 it took long time for the city to recover. But especially during the reign of Mumluks a number of impressive buildings were erected, some of them in the immediate neighborhood of the ‘Aqqad-house. There are reasons to believe that essential parts of the qa’a and the iwan are fragments of a monumental Mamluk building, possibly a palace, from this period (late 15th century). It is interesting in this context that many shreds of glazed Syrians, Persian and Chinese pottery form the 13th – 15th century were found at the house during the restoration.
there is no evidence of building activities at the ‘Aqqad-house during the 16th and 17th centuries. But during the 2nd half of the 18th century a building is added at the North-eastern corner of the courtyard is laid, the Mamluk qa’a is renovated (an inscription in the qa’a gives the date 1754/55), a new courtyard is laid out, and several rooms are embellished with painted wall-panels and ceilings. the painting of two of theses rooms are dated by inscriptions to 1763/64.
The owner of ‘Aqqad-house in the 18th century are not known. By the middle of the 19th century the house was owned by the ‘Aqqad family, who redecorated some of the rooms like the “blue room” which is a fine example of the

so-called Turkish Rococo style appearing for the first time in Syria in the 1840s.
During the first half of the 10th century the house was still inhabited by members of the Aqqad family, later it was used by the Zainab Fawaz School. However during the last twenty years of the century most of the house was left empty and quicky decayed.
On June 19,1997 a Lease Restoration Agreement was signed in Damascus between the Ministry of Culture, and the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums (Syria), and the Ministry of Education and the Danish Institute in Damascus (Denmark). In the agreement, the rules for the expropriations and restoration of the house in the Old City of Damascus, as well as the future lease and use of the house by the Danish institute were laid out. The Danish Institute was officially inaugurated in November 2000.

Aqqad-house/ The Danish Institute in Damascus is situated in Souq al-Souf near Souq Madhat Pasha.

Source: The Danish Institute in Damascus.

Scenes

2005-11-06T17:07:00.000+02:00

Spending Al-Eid vacation in the western sides of Syria, made me discover more about the beauty of the Syrian nature, we passed through paradise-like places, it was amazing trip, but unfortunately I didn’t have chance to take photos! Anyways, I’ll leave you with these poor photos I could get from inside the car.

Colors Of Eid

2005-11-02T12:05:00.000+02:00

My memory goes back to the day anticipating Eid El-Futer (The feast after the holy month of Ramadan and long days of fasting, it lasts three days and it’s also called “the small Eid”), awaiting to hear the cannon shots (It doesn’t count a lot but just a traditional habit) announcing and confirming that it had come, then we start singing repeatedly, loudly and happily:

“ Bokra el-Eid oo min ayed… Mindbah baqaret el sayeid… oo sayeid ma ando baqara… Mindbah marto hal shaqra”

“ The feast is tomorrow and we are going to celebrate, we are going to slaughter the lord’s cow, but the lord doesn’t has any cow, so we are going to slaughter his blond wife”

*Yeah I know it sounds terrorist song, but it was just a meaningless song chanted by an innocent children. I don’t know if children still know it now!

As we go to sleep early, the night goes long, dreaming of the next day joy; to put on our new clothes and shoes, then gently to approach mother and father to kiss their hands and touch it to our forehead whishing them a happy Eid while impatiently eager to get our gifts and “Eidyieh” a big amount of money, and to go to play outside all the day with swings and other games. Our utmost joy was to play with the forbidden fire-works and fire-crackers! It was sweet days, eh is2allah. (talking like old peoples ;-p)

Kil sineh oo entoo salmeen:-)

STOP!

2005-10-29T17:00:00.000+02:00

Manahel

2005-10-23T00:46:00.000+02:00

The last survived Fijeh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . At museum

After the success of supplying Damascus with the fresh water of Ein Al-Fijeh at the Ottoman period in 1908, the coverner, Nazem Pasha, ordered to establish a watering-place in every market and quarter of Damascus to let people drink for free, it was called “Manhal” later on, the name changed to “Fijeh”. People used to send their children or their maids ,if they were rich, to bring them water using clay jars that was called “7ouqq”.These kinds of Fijeh don’t exist nowadays, and the word Fijeh got the meaning of drinkable clear water, so when someone asks “Is this water Fijeh?” he undoubtedly means is it drinkable!

Fazoret Ramadan

2005-10-13T00:23:00.000+02:00

Ghalia: Wow, what’s happening? Why people are crowded right there? What’s up? Is there anything?!!!

Then Ghalia took a step… "Mar7aba 3ammo/Hello/,what’s going on"??

The man:" ……………..:) .....:D"

What do you think was going on??
Hint: take into consideration that people here are nosey and more than curious!!

Waiting For Godot

2005-10-08T13:48:00.000+02:00

A long journey of everyday waiting characterized by economic difficulties, rising prices of food and other basic commodities and inflation.

Ramadan Kareem

2005-10-04T12:00:00.000+02:00

Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and worshiping for Muslims, but also a social phenomenon which effects the whole set of customs and habits of the Syrian society. Special ambience marks streets and homes the minute the crescent is sighted and the beginning of Ramadan is announced, people start calling their relatives and friends, congratulating them at the beginning of this blessed month. As Ramadan starts, everyone tries his best to control his bad habits, anger and become a better person.

Happy Ramadan for you all, my family, friends, and the Syrian Bloggers.

Calls Of Peddlers

2005-09-27T00:34:00.000+03:00

Between alleys and markets, vegetables vendors used to come loading their mules with fruits and vegetables riding to the city from their farms. Every few moments they would cry out, monotonously naming their wares, they used to have special calls and songs on fruits and vegetables calling each by a special phrase, nowadays a lot of these calls have vanished, some are rarely still used although most of these traditions are totally forgotten, but you might hear some of it here and there in some old parts of Damascus…

- For example They used to cry out about selling cucumbers, “Isabe3 el Bubu ya khyar” which means it is very small like the baby’s fingers!
- Watermelon: “3al miksar ya battekh”, or “3al sikkeen”, here it means that the vendor is very much sure of the quality of the watermelon he sells, so you can cut it with a knife and see how juicy red flesh it is.
- Banana: “Abu n2ta ya moze” which was a famous kind of banana that has small black dots on its skin.
- grapes: “ Zaini ya 3enib” or “Derani ya 3enib” which are the palaces where they come from.
- Quince: “ Lil ma3oud ya sfargel” means quince for jam.
- Tarragon: “khayen” means traitor, they called it traitor because it is known that they planet it in a place while it grows in another place.
- beetroot: “ 3asal 3asal” it means honey, in other ward, it tastes sweet like honey.
- eggplant: “ Aswad metel el leil ya baitenjan” it means that these eggplants are black like the night which is a good sign!

Best Regards...

2005-09-12T16:38:00.000+03:00

I send my best regards
to a house that taught us love and mercy.
To your white flowers,
the best in the neighborhood.
To my bed, to my books,
to all of the kids in the alley.
To all of these walls we covered
with noise from our writings.
To the lazy cat sleeping on the balcony.
To the lilac climbing bush the neighbor's window.

Taken from “Five Letters to my Mother” by Nizar Qabbani

Bosom Of Nature

2005-09-07T18:50:00.000+03:00

Fresh breeze, swimming pool, dining room, patchy island and a family congress, all mixed together to form a joyful view in the Bosom of nature!

Forgotten City Of Brad

2005-09-04T18:00:00.000+03:00

It is located on Leloon mountain on the north west of Aleppo, it goes back to the 2nd BC – 7th AD centuries, and it is considered second largest ancient city in the north of Syria, going there was just like going back into time, the forgotten land this is the first thing occurred to my mind when I was there, a backward neglected ancient city that is still inhibited by people, in between the ruins their simple stone made houses stand there as parts of the ruins itself.

Children there gathered around us as if they have never seen other people before, I approached a child and tried to talk to him, but he turned out that he doesn’t understand Arabic, so he called another one and in a minute I was surrounded by a bunch of children, I asked them if there is a school right there, they answered yes, in the school they learn Arabic, while they speak Kurdish or Turkish at home. "What do u know about this place", I asked. "It is old", a child replied. "Yeah I know, but how old is it?" I asked again. Another child answered, "it is very, very old"!!

In the city you can find St. Maron Tomb/ 410 AD the Father of Maronite sect who believed to be buried there, Julianos Cathedral/ 399 – 402 AD which is one of the three largest cathedrals in Syria, it seems that it was built over an old temple, some other chapels, cemeteries, monastery, monk cemeteries, pilgrimages hostel, pillar of stylite, and oil press as it was one of its basic industry.

When I returned home, I tried to search for some information about this city, but unfortunately I didn’t find anything useful about it, as if it never exists at all!

Sheraton of Old Times

2005-08-25T12:15:00.000+03:00

The khan of As'ad Pasha al-Azem is situated along Suq al-Buzuriyyah in the old city of Damascus. It was built between 1751 and 1752 by the city governor As'ad Pasha al-Azem. It is one the most prominent khans of the old city, and covers an area of 2500 square meters.
The building follows a typical khan layout with two floors giving onto a central courtyard. The Khan is entered from Suq al-Buzuriyyah, through a monumental gateway lavishly decorated with stone carvings and roofed by a muqarnas semi-dome. The entrance leads to a square courtyard with shops on the ground floor, used for commerce and storage. The second floor, accessible by a staircase located to the right of the main entrance was used mainly for lodging, and has eighty rooms arranged along a gallery facing the courtyard.

The space of the courtyard is divided into nine equal square modules, where each module is covered with a dome raised on a drum pierced with twenty windows. The domes are supported by pendentives that transfer the load onto four piers and to the courtyard walls. An octagonal marble fountain occupies the center of the courtyard below the central dome. Each of the four courtyard walls has three doorways on the ground floor, flanked by two rectangular windows. The symmetry is maintained on the second floor where each gallery façade has three archways flanked by two smaller ones. The khan is built of alternating courses of basalt and limestone.
Three of the courtyard domes were destroyed in an earthquake seven years after the khan's completion. The openings were covered with wooden planks until 1990 when the khan was restored and the domes rebuilt. No longer used for commerce at the beginning of the twentieth century, the khan was used for manufacture and storage until it was restored in 1990 for touristic use. The khan will probably host the Natural History Museum of Damascus in the future.

Source:archnet.org

Query :
I was arguing with my friend if using these kinds of old historical structures as a place to display new types of arts such as Plastic Art the one shown in the pictures below, what do you think of it?

Fascinating Art

2005-08-10T15:30:00.000+03:00

A lot of people consider A name on rice is good luck! This unique form of art is considered to be one of the world wonders. After your name is written on a grain of rice, The rice is inserted into a glass container and soaked in oil. The container is attached to a string of beads to become a lovely necklace or keychain.

On the other hand this stand offers Beautiful designs of sand inside bottles, the handmade bottles are filled with naturally colored sand illustrated in shapes of desert dunes, camels, and palm trees inspired from desert nature!

Have patience!!

At Random

2005-08-04T19:24:00.000+03:00

Yummy Iceberg

2005-08-02T18:22:00.000+03:00

Arabic ice cream (bouza bil haleeb) is a totally different experience from the rich American ice creams. It is quite light and gummy in texture. It actually stretches a bit as you spoon it. What makes it different is the flavor of Miskeh (Arabic gum) and sahlab (an extract from the tubers of orchids like a cornstarch).

The pictures are taken from Bekdash ice cream shop in Hamidyeh. Bekdash shop was first opened in 1895.

Salute

2005-07-29T01:34:00.000+03:00

After Abu Ali has died, Om Ali took over the farm and dedicated her life to her three young kids, she did her best and struggled every day to raise them up. Being illiterate as she hardly could read or write she insisted to educate her kids, and make them real men and women as she always said. Her older daughter became a teacher at the local school in their small town teaching others kids and educating them as best as she can, her other daughter has studied Law and she is practicing it as well, while her son Ali studied medicine at Damascus University and specialized in pediatrics in the United States, and then came back to his lovely town . Till our day now Om Ali still does her usual work at the farm with the help of her sons, she is completely happy and proud of her achievements. There is a lot I can say about Om Ali and alot to learn from her, I love her, she is an example for every successful and struggling women.

In Remembrance

2005-07-24T16:24:00.000+03:00

Every year on the 24th of July, al-azmeh family, some members from Friends of Damascus Association and some other people commemorate on the anniversary of Maysaloun Battle and its hero Yossef al-Azmeh who was martyred with his fellows defending the homeland.
Starting with a recitation of some extracts form the holy Qurran, then some speeches are delivered hailing the heroic deeds and sacrifices of al-Azmeh and his fellows in the battle, poetic anthologies, and finally laying some wreaths they all recite the Syrian anthem.

Hallucinations

2005-07-22T14:55:00.000+03:00

Hidden Misery

-Behind these innocent laughs hide nothing but a miserable life, O Qassioun, what a miserable life do u hold and shade!

-I wasn’t surprised to see such houses and homes up there, I really expected to watch the worst! Poverty and poor are everywhere here…

Unknown Future

"DAMASCUS, 11 Jul 2005 (IRIN) - Poverty at a national level is decreasing in Syria, with close to a three percent drop, according to a new report.Latest statistics show that the poverty level fell from 14.3 percent in 1996 to 11.4 percent in 2004. "

Marriage

2005-07-15T20:12:00.000+03:00

A perfect kind of unity!

Death and life in one!

Legend of Abel

2005-07-10T23:20:00.000+03:00

View of the total place

We all have heard the very well known legend of the two sons of Adam, Cain and Abel, as this legend is shared between many religions, it is when Cain slew his brother Abel, Cain having committed the fratricide, became exceedingly troubled in his mind and carried the dead body not knowing where to conceal it, so then Allah taught him to bury it by the example of a crow, who, scratched in the earth and show him how he might bury his brother.

The shrine form the outside

But what you might don’t know that it is claimed by some people that he is buried in Syria exactly at the heights of west mountains of Damascus, near the Zabadani Valley, overlooking villages of Wadi Barada.

I went there nearly about four times, but what surprises me; is that every time I go there I find the shrine is getting larger and larger, I still can remember that it was a simple wooden tomb, nearly about 6-7 meters in length covered by a green rag, placed in a small room divided by a wall separating the room into two parts one for women and other for men.This year it seems that claimed Abel became lucky enough so he got a larger marble magnificent shrine, and for not to be left alone on the top of the mountain, many rooms were built for those who made vows to God, so they can sleep there and be close to Abel.

A lot of visitors had found a way there, you can find hundreds of them heading toward this holy so called place, a kind of pilgrimage in the hopes of divine intercession! what bothers me the most is that a lot of mistakes is done there by the name of Islam although other religious sects rather than Muslims are also present there practicing their weird own rituals, but for a foreigners they might think it Islam, while in fact it has nothing to do with it. Islam clearly affirms that visiting graves is permissible for the purpose of being admonished by remembering death and the Hereafter. No asking for dead intercessions or wailing, laminating, clutching and touching the grave, As it is only a piece of a stone no more! I wonder if Abel is really buried there, why didn’t our ancestors care about him or build him a respectable shrine? and what surprises me more; I’ve heard that he is buried in many other countries as for example, Turkey! So I don’t know!

A man kissing the tomb as a kind of blessing!

It is for making wishes!

What is distinct there that all visitors place there hands on the top of the tomb and then turn around it not lifting their hand from it!

Striving For Life

2005-07-09T00:04:00.000+03:00

To live in this world isn’t an easy task… this family is originally from Alraqqa, east of Syria, they move from place to place just to work in agriculture to earn their lives, so after they ingather the harvest they move taking their simple house tent with them, but no more extra stuffs. Life isn’t easy at all!

Qal'at Saladin

2005-07-06T15:05:00.000+03:00

Named after the great hero Saladin in commemoration to the capture of the fortress in 1188 in what is noted as one of his most successful military campaigns. Qal’at Saladin is 52 KM. east of Latakia stands on a rocky mountainside with massive walls that rise high above the fork of two flowing streams creating a grandiose presence amongst the surrounding forested landscape. While the site was probably first settled during Phoenician times in the first millennium BC, the bulk of what survives today is from the early 12th century, Succeeding Ayyubid and Mamluk administrations developed a palace, mosque, baths, cistern and a madrasa in the heart of the site. The castle was previously known as Sahone Castle or Chateau Saone, but the name changed when Saladin took it.

Be Great

2005-07-05T00:23:00.000+03:00

Everybody can be great...

because anybody can serve.

You don't have to have a college degree to serve.

You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve.

You only need a heart full of grace.

A soul generated by love.

Martin Luther King

Modern But...

2005-06-28T11:04:00.000+03:00

The Asad Library became the National Library of Syria, replacing al-Zahiriyah Library, it opened in 1984 containing all books and periodicals published in Syria in addition to broad collections in all fields. The library also includes all manuscripts and rare books and periodicals previously held at al-Zahiriyya. The Asad Library has special departments devoted to music, fine arts, film and old periodicals and has reading rooms with reference materials in history, literature and sciences. Complete collections of newspapers, including the contemporary dailies are available. There are facilities for photocopying and microfilming, but copying manuscripts and entire books requires special permission. The library is now used mostly by high school and collage students.

Middle East Studies Association Bulletin

I wont talk about the long time I wasted there just waiting for the books I’ve ordered to get it, or the process of waiting for photocopying few pages which is very time consuming, neither I’ll give my own opinion about it, ( not to be my last post here!), but I’ll highlight two points of view I once read them on Oz’s Blog which I found very convincing.

Catherine: “Look for example at Al-Assad Library, sure it looks modern, but it looks like a big box!!!!Where is the beauty in that? Doesn't the library of Damascus in such a central place deserves to be more Damascene? Beautiful? in an eastern still?"

Ayman: “I do agree with Catherine and her using Al-Assad National Library as an example. The NATIONAL Library of a city that has always been known as a major centre of Arab culture should have had Arabic and Islamic architectural influences in its design. The Library and the Opera House, both of which are important symbols of cultural life, actually look more like military bunkers. Most buildings in modern Damascus are no different; they follow an architectural style that has no identity.”

Ray Of Hope

2005-06-25T10:23:00.000+03:00

"Following the light of the sun, we left the old word.” Christopher Columbus

I like this pic very much, and I couldn't resist not posting it;P

???!!!!!....?

2005-06-23T21:35:00.000+03:00

???? ?? !!! ??? !!!!!!!!!!!!!! ??? **** ???? !!!!!!!!!!?

Narrow But...

2005-06-16T01:05:00.000+03:00

I heard from many old people that alleys were meant to be narrow for two reasons, the first one is for security reasons as it could be easy to defend the alley since the assailant can't sight who is lying behind the zigzag for him in the alley. The second reason was meant on social reasons, as not to let people crowded in the alley so women can walk in peace and protection, and it was common at that time that men say "Ya Sattar" or "Ya Allah" while walking, to inform women passing by that someone is coming and let them covering and move freely without teasing!

Al-Zaher Baibars

2005-06-12T16:50:00.000+03:00

(1260-1277)The fourth Mameluke sultan and the real founder of the Mameluke dynasty that ruled Syria and Egypt for more than three centuries. He set a limit on Mongols expansion in the Middle East after defeating them at the Battle of Ayn Jalut, and defeated the Crusaders in many other battles. He was also an efficient administrator who took interest in building various projects. Al-Zaher Baibars died in Damascus in Al-Ablaqq Palace and was buried in Al- Zahiriyya School, which was turned into a library later on. His mausoleum is considered one of the most ever beautiful mausoleum in Damascus which is richly decorated and ornamented with colored marble, gilt wood, mosaic, and carved stucco.

Na'iman

2005-06-10T00:31:00.000+03:00

I once posted about Hammam El-Souk, but at that time I couldn’t get inside it, and I always had the impression that it is quit disgusting, any way last Monday I passed by a one and there, it was written that it opens for women only on Mondays, out of curiosity I got inside it, so it was my first time to see such a thing, and to my surprise it really looked amazing. My grandma used to tell me that it was common for all people at their time to bath there as houses didn’t have any baths! So they used to take their clothes and stuffs with them in something called “Buqjah” ( a piece of cloth where they put their things inside it and wrap it up like a bundle) and some foods and stay there till midday! At least one reason makes me thank God that I’m born at this age! My grandma’s stories usually end that life at that time was more difficult but more interesting!!

Peace

2005-06-01T00:00:00.000+03:00

Want A Ride?

2005-05-28T17:33:00.000+03:00

Definitely this horse was in Hawaii!!

Termite

2005-05-26T17:13:00.000+03:00

A lot of air pollution is caused from these diesel microbuses. A better regulation of emission limits for cars, buses, and trucks should be done. No more contamination. Stop polluting our lovely environment.

Any Idea?

2005-05-22T22:02:00.000+03:00

Well, this a study hall in my collage (Damascus university) where I’m used to study in it, unlike many other study halls in other departments, this one is very calm, tranquil and in fact air-conditioned. Students who come here really want to concentrate on their studies, and they are serious, so that’s what makes it my favorite. Actually I took this photo especially for me as a souvenir, but what made me think to post it is just the idea “ why do people here are afraid of photographing??” well consider it very well, nothing there abnormal or dangerous, even no one single student ( that made me to wait till its closing time! ), but why should I take a permission for such a silly picture, and be questioned for that ? Might my innocent, nonprofessional photos be that dangerous? I really don’t know!

Beautiful Nature

2005-05-19T23:03:00.000+03:00

Overview of Al-Ghab valley showing agriculture fields which are laid out in a rectilinear pattern and are contiguous.

A water canal in Al-Ghab valley which was known by its large number of buffaloes.

Children's Rights

2005-05-15T17:27:00.000+03:00

Declaration of the Rights of the Child

Principle 1
Every child, without any exception whatsoever, shall be entitled to these rights, without distinction or discrimination on account of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status, whether of himself or of his family.
Principle 2
The child shall enjoy special protection, and shall be given opportunities and facilities to enable him to develop physically, mentally, morally, spiritually and socially in a healthy and normal manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity.
Principle 3
The child shall be entitled from his birth to a name and a nationality.
Principle 4
The child shall enjoy the benefits of social security.
Principle 5
The child who is physically, mentally or socially handicapped shall be given the special treatment, education and care required by his particular condition.
Principle 6
The child, for the full and harmonious development of his personality, needs love and understanding.
Principle 7
The child is entitled to receive educationThe child shall have full opportunity for play and recreation, which should be directed to the same purposes as education.
Principle 8
The child shall in all circumstances be among the first to receive protection and relief.
Principle 9
The child shall be protected against all forms of neglect, cruelty and exploitation.
Principle 10
The child shall be protected from practices which may foster racial, religious and any other form of discrimination. He shall be brought up in a spirit of understanding, tolerance, peace and universal brotherhood.

UNICEF

Colours of Damascus

2005-05-13T20:40:00.000+03:00

Old Damascus has been a source of inspiration to many Syrian artists.

Sunset

2005-05-11T15:38:00.000+03:00

I picked this poem from one of my favorite books “The Penguin Book Of English Verse” Wish you'll like it:)

Gather ye rose-buds while ye may,
Old Time is still a flying:
And this same flower that smiles today,
Tomorrow will be dying.

The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun,
The higher he's a getting;
The sooner will his race be run,
And nearer he's to setting.

That age is best, which is the first,
When youth and blood are warmer;
But being spent, the worse, and worst
Times, still succeed the former.

by Robert Herrick

Hubble-Bubble

2005-05-08T00:03:00.000+03:00

A German friend of us, he came last summer with his family to visit Syria, he has enjoyed his visit very much, “people here are very nice, I wish to come here again” he said . Here he was tasting Narghile but as it obvious in the picture above it was his first time!!!!

Sorry Mr. Alfred I didn’t take your permission to post this photo, you wont mind right?

Miaow...Miaow

2005-05-05T05:00:00.000+03:00

Some Syrian proverbs about cats:

• “Metel el atta bi sab’ rwaah” it means that cats has seven souls, it never dies. It is said when someone always survives and never gets hurt.
• “Metel el att byakoul wo bynkour” it means he is like a cat, it eats everything then it denies what it has eaten. It said about someone known by his ungratefulness.
• “Zakarna el att aam natt” it means we were talking about the cat when it came. It is said if somebody’s name was mentioned and then the same person passed by.
• “Ghab el att ela’b ya far” it means since the cat is not here let the mouse play as much as it can. I think this one is clear.
• “Ylli bela’eb el att bit-hammal kharamisho” it means if you want to play with a cat you should put up with its scratches. You should be aware of what are you doing, or you should carry the consequences of you wrong behavior.
• “ El att ma bihib illa khanako” it means a cat loves its oppressor. It is said when someone always comes back to the one he humiliates him and makes him suffer.

No Comment...

2005-05-02T22:54:00.000+03:00

The guard outside the building got very angry when I took this picture, and told me it is forbidden to take this photo, anyways… I think it is very embarrassing and a shameful thing to have such an official translated sign! The word “watery” is never used in that sense… it maybe used for something weak and pale in colour; like a watery sun, or maybe used for something contains too much water; like a watery soup or watery eyes, but here at this place… no way… a better translation could be Center For Water Studies & Arab Water Security, even though I still find it a little bit weird even in Arabic!!!

Al-Hijaz railway

2005-04-29T00:42:00.000+03:00

A train outside the station

Just a train

A vehicle used for repairing

Sultan Adulhamid's wagon from the inside (I wonder about the plastic chairs!)

Inside the station

The Hijaz Railway was originally built to transport pilgrims from the city of Damascus in Syria to the holy city of Madinah in Saudi Arabia. It was completed at the time of Sultan Adullhamid in 1908, but was severely damaged during the First World War (1914-1918) by Lawrence of Arabia and the Arab Revolt. Parts of the Hijaz Railway exist, and some of the sections are still functioning. The minute you step past the main gate of Hijaz Station here in Damascus, you feel that you are in a time fame cut from another era, you are in preserved atmosphere from days gone, different colours of rust, iron, and the air smells Ottoman or East European.

PS. Some of these photos are taken 2 years ago. Unfortunatly, you can not find them now.

Yum...Yum...(2)

2005-04-24T10:44:00.000+03:00

Neadless to say Shawrma. Yum...Yum.

Education For All

2005-04-21T00:06:00.000+03:00

Al- Fayha' School in Al-Salihia Street

Since 1967 all Syrian schools, colleges, and universities have been under close government supervision. The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education are primarily responsible for all aspects of administration, including curricula development. Schooling is divided into 9 years of compulsory basic education, and 3 years of upper secondary education. General secondary education offers academic courses and prepares students for university entrance; the last 2 years of this stage are divided into literary and scientific streams. Vocational secondary training offers courses in industry, agriculture, commerce, and primary school-teacher training. In 2000, the government announced permission for the establishment of private schools and universities in Syria. As a result, businesses rushed to set-up schools and training programs. Many international and private schools has been opened Since then.

Based on many resourses

Bedouins Favourite Musical Instrument

2005-04-18T22:00:00.000+03:00

"Arabic Rababah, arab fiddle, the earliest known bowed instrument and the parent of the medieval European rebec. It was first mentioned in the 10th century and was prominent in medieval and later Arab art music. In medieval times the word rabab was also a generic term for any bowed instrument."

Encyclopaedia Britannica

PS. Notice the Arabic coffee behind him, It is a kind that prepared on hot coal.

Sword of God

2005-04-16T00:01:00.000+03:00

one of the most important historical buildings in Homs, Khaled Bin Al-Walid Mosque which is a very beautiful mosque indeed, it was built in the reign of Al-Zahir Bibars and renovated in the early 20th century, towards the end of the Ottoman era. The Bin Al-Walid Mosque was built according to a mixture of Byzantine and Ottoman artistic styles overlaid with Arabian. It contains the mausoleum of Khaled Bin Al-walid. The building is distinguished by its metal shiny dome, Two very tall white-stone minarets lend lightness to the imposing structure and The slender colonnade in black and white stone in horizontal rows is representative of traditional Syrian architecture.

Al- Nouri Bemaristan

2005-04-14T00:50:00.000+03:00

Is located to the west of the Umayyad Mosque.It was build by Nour Eddin Al-Zenki in 549. The hospital consisted of many halls, some were for men, some for women, others were for surgery, emergency and a there was a library that contained many medical useful books for the doctors. It has been said that doctors used various ways for treatment in addition to medicines and drugs, like narraters and singers for entertaining, and expert cooks who supplied each patient with suitable food. The hospital was turned into a school for females in 1317 after moving to a new place near Al-Tekkeyah Soulaimaneh (Al-Hamidi Hospital). Now, it is used as a museum for Arab medicine and science. It is characterized by the beauty of its architecture, the wide courtyard and unique engravings on its door.

Nature Call

2005-04-11T12:43:00.000+03:00

While I was taking this picture, many people stopped me telling me “This a toilet” or “ You are photographing a WC”. “Yes I know” I’ve answered them. Two years ago these toilets didn’t exist here at all, even after putting them for a while many people didn’t got the usage of these small rooms! Anyway, it seems that it became a common at last. while Syrians prefer to go to a nearby mosque and use its toilet for free, Tourists are more accustomed for it than them, it’ll only cost 5 S.P, but at least it is CLEAN!!!

Zarzar Lake

2005-04-09T12:01:00.000+03:00

Zaraza Lake about 35km away from Damascus is the only dam in the basin of Barada and Al-Awaj River, which is filled annually. Many Damascene come hear on Fridays for picnic (Sairaan).

Tanour Bread

2005-04-03T01:30:00.000+03:00

One of the most beautiful songs ever written Oummi (“My Mother”), the lyrics of the song are based on a poem by Mahmoud Darwish, and for sure Marcel Khalifeh a great gifted composer and singer performs this great song, although it is believed that the song is dedicated to Palestine, there is no obvious reference to it in the verse, but I think that “my mother” refers to anyone homeland not specifically to Palestine, it could be anywhere and any country.

I yearn for my mother's bread
and my mother's coffee
and my mother's touch
and childhood grows within me
day upon breast of day,
and I love my life
because if I died
I'd be ashamed of my mother's tears...
Aaaaah of my mother's tears.

As a veil for your eye brows
and cover my bones with grass
that has been baptized in the
purity of your heel
And tie me to you
with a lock of hair
with a thread that trails
in the train of your dress.
May be I'd become a god,
a god I'd become
if I touched the depths of your heart

Mother... mother.. Mother...
Put me, if I didn't return,
as firewood in your stove,
as a clothesline on your rooftop,
for I have lost resolve
without your prayer, your daily prayer.
Aaaaaaah.... Aaaaaah...

I have grown old
so bring me back the stars of childhood,
that I may share with the young birds
the road of return
to the nest of your waiting.

Mother... Mother... Mother...

To hear this song and many other songs of him Click here.

Do Not Leave Me

2005-04-01T01:30:00.000+03:00

My house says to me, "Do not leave me, for here dwells your past."
And the road says to me, "Come and follow me, for I am your future."
And I say to both my house and the road, "I have no past, nor have I a future. If I stay here, there is a going in my staying; and if I go there is a staying in my going. Only love and death will change all things."

"Sand and Foam" by Gibran Khalil Gibran

City of Mosques

2005-03-28T11:00:00.000+02:00

When you over watch Damascus from Qassiun Mount, you surly can notice the massive number of mosques there, you can watch the graceful minarets with its green lights and domes for more than 572 mosques.Here in the picture Al Qalie mosque is one of many Mumluk mosques, built in the 15's century "8century of hijrah", historians consider its minaret one of the most beautiful minaret in the Mumluk era and in Damascus. No one knows why they did call it Al Qal3i mosque. The mosque is located in Midhat Pasha old market.

Summer & Spring

2005-03-24T22:15:00.000+02:00

Zabadani in Summer
Zabadabni in Spring

The plain of Zabadani, 45 kilometers away from Damascus, a fertile land with thousands of fruit trees bearing delicious apples, cherries, plums, peaches, and pears.
Attracted by its fresh air and beautiful scenery, Damascenes always rush to this resort on hot summer days.

Letter to Jasmine

2005-03-22T22:00:00.000+02:00

Last night, my memory told me
to draw a lamb
I drew a city called Damascus
I did not draw it as
a city emerging from the mirrors of the past, or
Boxes of homesickness
But I did draw the desire of my future with her

"Nostalgia Letters to Jasmine" is the latest collection of poems by the Syrian novelist and poetess, Ghada al Samman, in which she expresses her inner feelings of homesickness and yearning to be once again in Damascus, the city of Jasmine and clover flowers.

Yum...Yum...(1)

2005-03-20T21:29:00.000+02:00

Dish of the Month

Hold a second this is not any kind of illegal BOMB, or hand grenade, well I don't think there is a specific translation for it… Kibbeh is a kind of very delicious food that is made of meat and grit from the outside, meat, onion, pine and almonds from the inside…I’ll be lying if I told u more than that, because I don’t know how it is exactly made, but what I can figure is that it isn’t easy to cook and to shape these balls!
There are also many other types of Kibbeh and every city also has its specified type.

To be continued...

Al-Azem Palace

2005-03-19T00:01:00.000+02:00

Al-Azem Palace, is a fine example which indicates that ancient Syrians considered one's home, one's paradise. The desire to create a personal paradise inspired them to build beautiful homes embellished with drawings, decorations, water fountains, large yards, trees and flowers. These lovely homes are made visually more attractive by entering from narrow lanes into open, sunny, green court yards.

It was Built in 1749 by Asa'ad Pasha Al-Azem south of the Umayyad Mosque as a residence for Al-Wali (The Governor), then converted into a Museum of Folk Traditions.

The craf of manual glass-making

Cock-a-doodle-doo

2005-03-17T21:10:00.000+02:00

Doves, canaries, skylarks, nightingales, sparrows, parrots, hens, roosters, ducks and many other types of birds are just waiting to be picked in Al Tibin market.

Four Seasons Hotel

2005-03-16T11:30:00.000+02:00

Nothing too impressive.

Apamea

2005-03-14T13:24:00.000+02:00

Apamea is located on the right bank of the Orontes river about 55 km to the north west of Hama. It overlooks the Ghab valley and was built by Seleucus Nicator, the first king of the Seleucids in Syria in 300 BC. The city flourished to an extent that its population numbered half a million. In the Christian era, Apamea became a center of philosophy and thought. Most of the uncovered ruins in it date back to the Roman and Byzantine ages. When I was there, I couldn't stop thinking, how was this ruins inhabited once in the past! But I could hear their footfalls, voices, and anthems...

Maktab Anbar

2005-03-12T17:29:00.000+02:00

One of the most wonderful places in Damascus is Maktab Anbar (Anbar office) it was constructed at the Ottoman period (1867) and it is also known by the name of Education palace.

Mazout...Mazout

2005-03-11T00:32:00.000+02:00

WOW, is it half a car or what!? Maybe it is a car with the capacity of one horse! Wait a minute I know it very well, this is a (Tunbor), it took me few minutes just to recall its name, however, I think it is one of our local heritage! How could I forget its name?! I felt myself like I’m watching it for the first time in my life! Yeah, Strange it is! Do I like it or not!? I really don’t know, but I think it is still useful otherwise, I wouldn’t see it today!

Tranquility, Calmness, Harmony

2005-03-08T16:37:00.000+02:00

Tartus is Syria's second most important coast after Latakia. A small harbour city of 150,000 inhabitants. It was founded by the Phoenician colony on Arwad and remained an important settlement through the Hellenistic and Roman times. There, you can take a boat and go to the island of Arwad which is the only island in Syria, a small one, with a mass of houses, fortresses and narrow lanes. On its shore I built a little sand castle... the waves washed it out...

Piece of wisdom

2005-03-07T17:00:00.000+02:00

Al Jahez said, 'Truth and faithfulness are twins; Patience and Lenience are twins; they ensure the perfection of religion and the soundness of the world. Their opposites are the cause of every schism and the origin of every corruption'

Hammam El Souk

2005-03-06T09:38:00.000+02:00

If you are stressed or looking for something new! A nice hot bath will help you to relax! I suggest you to go to (hmmam el souk), although I could not get into the one in the photo above, because it was only for men! But I felt that it was a pretty one. I did not see more than the picture shows, but I still can imagine its beautiful flower ornamental walls, a fountain in the middle and shelves piled high with towels...

Al Mnajaid

2005-03-05T15:15:00.000+02:00

Al Mnajaid…. An old profession that still exists till today, mattresses and blankets were usually made of wool. When I saw it today I felt nostalgia to my old cover, 4years ago I’ve replaced it with a new modern one, I told my parents at that time, that the old one is too heavy and it prevents me to move freely in bed, but today I was surprised as I’ve discovered how much I do miss it!

Old Syrian coins

2005-03-04T19:11:00.000+02:00

From left to right vertically:
2 Piastres and half 1940.
2 Piastres and half 1948.
5 Piastres 1948.
10 Piastres 1948.
25 Piastres 1947.
50Piastres 1947.
1 Syrian Pound 1950.

The last collection was coined at the time of the United Arab Republic(Syria and Egypt) that lasted between 1958-1961.

Fig Tree

2005-03-01T12:43:00.000+02:00

An old fig tree that stands in Buqein; a famous resort near Zabadani known by its mineral- spring gushing out of the hillside, It is customary for visitors to stop here and sample this fresh water.