Syria..... a name which has become synonymous to chaos, destruction and violence. A war torn...... it is what the people have made it but somewhere in the middle of all this lies something preserved over centuries of turmoil. It is what its culture, people, history, nature has conserved over the years through all the chaos.
Courtesy to my job I got the opportunity to visit the place which people generally do not think of visiting especially after what has happened in last one decade. But I was lucky get the feel of the place first hand, a place which is no more on the bucketlist of anyone around the world. This country and its people are as warm and welcoming as any other country in the world. The people are lively, generous and helpful, cities bustling with colourful markets and shops filled with cultural marvels. The place a true testament that god made everyone the same and the resilience of humans to rebuild their lives every time is tumbles down.
Damascus, one of the oldest cities in the world is like any other capital city. Huge, always on the go, streets filled with traffic, buildings( not many high rises though), enchanting alleyways, crowded markets and cultural memoirs in forms of beautiful Mosques and community centres. All a living example of the valour with which the city survived through one of its worst decades in history. When you decide to stop and look at into the eyes of the people, children playing in the streets and the building still bearing the scars of a war; you have a sudden realisation of what man has made of this heavenly place.E
We got the opportunity to explore historical markets like Al Hamidiyah Souq which is the largest souq located centrally inside the walled city of Damascus. It is a beautiful old marvel filled with all sorts of colourful merchandise, carpets, paintings , hookah, handicraft items , jewellery ; a paradise for shopaholics and photographers.
Ancient Takkiya Sulemaniah Souq saved from the wages of war by the people of the city, stands smiling in the middle of this walled paradise. Inside you can have a stroll in the park, admire the beautiful Mosque or shop in the quaint little shops in the souq stuffed with handicraft items, Silver jewellery, rugs and glass mosaic items.
Albizuriyyah Souq is famously known as sweet Souq but it is not just about sweets, one can also find stalls filled with spices, dry fruits and nuts. Also, situated inside is a Hamam which reminds us of the grandeur this city has witnessed.
Bab Sharqi is yet another beautiful facade of this city, as you enter old city through Roman arch you are bound to be lost in the alleys and markets which are centuries old. The place is filled with magical cafes along the road side, hue of colorful lamps, rugs, carpets and many other eye catching shops and be rest assured you would want to stop at every place. The food is just delicious, from varieties of hummus, bread, falafel, kebab, zaatar, labneh, shawarma you will find it all..... From big restaurants, attractive cafes to all a hole in the wall kind of eateries, the aroma will definitely pull you towards it.
Al Azem Palace is a must see beautiful palace in the old City, which served as the Palace of Ottoman Governor. Presently, it is a major venue for Concerts and performances.
The Omayyad Mosque, a marvel the words cannot define and photographs cannot capture the beauty of this historic site which is enormous in size. It is intricately designed with high glass mosaic ceilings adorned with numerous huge crystal Chandeliers, decorated walls and pillars with a grand courtyard. The mosque is one of the most beautiful Mosques in the world and is a living example of beautiful architecture and engineering.
The National Museum of Damascus is a very interesting exhibit of artefacts, reflecting the timeline of Syria’s Civilization. Among many artefacts are some unique paintings from the Synagogue, Original façade of Qaser el Kheir al Sharqi , insides of the tomb of Palmyra and the first Cuneiform Alphabet of the world.
I also got the opportunity to go to Mt Hermon, the highest point in Syria that once was a famous tourist destination but now is only occupied by UN. The whole experience leaves you spell bounded, driving up above the clouds through the curved paths with Lebanon to your left side it is a feeling which cannot be described in words. As far as one can see the eyes can witness only the silence of deserted land, beauty of snow capped mountains, clear views up to the horizon. It is nature’s beauty at its best unadulterated by human.
Yes, every place has a history, every place is beautiful, every place has endured so much and its people have done everything to keep it standing to keep its pride high. Same is the history and present of Damascus. Many tried to demolish it, pull it down but many others kept it breathing. Yes, it is a risk to visit Damascus but it is a risk worth taking.
