Syria before the war was one of the countries I had in mind when thinking about writing stories from various parts of the world. So rich in history with such diversity in culture and tradition that I feel extremely fortunate to have had an opportunity to visit while there was still peace.
It was only two and a half years before the war broke out and I still can’t seem to grasp the fact that some of the places I saw are not there anymore, that 2,000-year-old temples vanished into the air! Whenever I look at photos of those astonishing places and interesting people I came across back in 2008, I wonder what have become of them, if they were well and where they might have ended up after such misfortune.
And that is why I decided to write about the country, to pay my homage to people and places, hoping that this madness will end, that peace will be restored and the country rebuilt. I also wanted to remind you of the cultural heritage the country holds, now when we only mention its name in regards to terrorists, political turbulence, and war.
Syria Before the War
Well, guys, remember Syria? That is where my blog will take you next.
Let’s travel to this Middle Eastern country through my glimpses that will be posted as the Homage to Syria series, and walk together through the Christian districts of Damascus, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, and visit the tomb of the great Muslim leader Salahuddin who fought for Jerusalem during the Crusades. We will be reminded of the famous 10th-century Citadel in Aleppo, the huge wooden water wheels of Hama, the Aramaic dialect still used in Maaloula – the one that Jesus spoke, and of the gorgeous ancient city where the queen Zenobia defied Roman Empire almost 2,000 years ago – the great Palmyra.
There will be photos of places and temples that are no longer there.
All the travel stories’ links are to be found below. Enjoy Syria before the war through the eyes of a traveler and not a politician. Please be so kind to leave a few kind words in a review.
Glimpses of SYRIA:
28 responses
Thank you for a such a wonderful sentiment. I look forward to learning about Syria ????
Thank you so much for the support and your kind words! Damascus will be the first stop. 🙂
So much continual tragedy in Syria. I’ll be watching for your posts to get a different view of the country.
Thanks, it means a lot!
I can’t wait to see these posts! It’s so hard to watch the news and see the horror that is occurring there. Kudos for showcasing what once was. Prayers for peace & rebuilding.
Thanks! I’m also thrilled to remember the country in travel terms once again. Thinking for a while now whether to do this homage, and glad I finally did. It’s not much, but it is with good intentions… Fingers crossed for the war to end soon.
This is very interesting! I will definitely be following the story. It makes me sad that some of the historical places are gone now, and also to think about what all people in Syria have gone through.
Oh yes, the same here!
I’m looking forward to hear all your stories. All my Arab friends always tell me:
Syria was like the perfect country. The kindest Arabs, the best food and the most beautiful landscape in the Middle East. It used to be a popular honey moon place for middle-class Arabs from Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq. It’s really sad to see what they’ve done to this country and, the worst part is that it will never be the same… or at least, not in the following decades
Didn’t see it as perfect, but it had a specific charm. And I’m sure that, once the war ends, things would slowly come to normal. It will take time, of course, but you can gradually do a lot of things once you have peace again.
I want to read positive articles about Syria. I know that a long time ago, Syria had a lot of beautiful sculptures, tourist attractions, vibrant culture, and so on. These have been heavily shattered by the recent misfortunes.
Iza c/o Fill My Passport
Me too, I’m really happy to be posting this. Thank you, Iza.
It is heart breaking what’s happening there now but you are lucky you traveled Syria when it was peaceful. Not sure when will that be in future now; so thanks for sharing how it was. Keep writing 🙂
Thank you, I’m happy for being able to share.
This gets me so sad. I know it sounds silly, but I remember watching a Top Gear episode on Syria right before the conflict broke out. It looked so beautiful and ancient. What has happened there is beyond words.
Didn’t see that episode, must have been quite a journey. 🙂 It’s not silly, thanks for sharing. I also wanted to remember the country as it once was.
We agree with you. Syria is so rich in history and culture. It is one important item in our bucket list. We’ll be looking forward for your posts so we can use them as references for our own trip there. 🙂
One day, hopefully. Thanks!
Wonderful idea to do homage to Syria! Pity I haven’t managed to visit it before the war started. It is a beautiful country with rich history. Looking forward to your upcoming post!
It is, but who knows, once the situation settles down, one day, we might all go. This war cannot go forever, right. So, fingers crossed!
It will be great to travel to Syria one day. To see some of the oldest cities in the world and cultures would be remarkable. Looking forward to reading more.
Hope you do go some day. Thanks! 🙂
Have heard so much about Syria . Would be amazing to see it through your eyes. Looking forward to the posts
Thank you, you’re welcome to stay tuned. 🙂
This was a beautiful place until war, but things are reversed now the place is so unsafe now and the people there are homeless. Hoping to see them back in peace soon. Thanks for such post.
I know, that’s why I wanted to write this homage and to remember the good things, along with breath taking heritage. Thanks for stopping by.
A excellent content. My husband and I run a diving center in Cyprus. We want to offer something more than diving to our customers, something different, thought provoking, unique and absolutely appealing. Open to any ideas? Complimentary refreshments already a given…
Hey, thank you. So glad you like the blog.
What did you have in mind with your diving center? You can reach me through the Contact form on the blog or by email (worldglimpses@gmail.com). 🙂