adventure travel & photography
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Type: Photo stories ◦◦ Places ◦◦ Documentary ◦◦ Black and White ◦◦ Limited Edition Fine Art Prints ◦◦ Unlimited Edition Fine Art Prints ◦◦ Seascapes ◦◦ Urban ◦◦ Thousand Voyages Video Collection
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- The story
- Purchasing Fine Art Unlimited Edition Prints, RM Licenses, and/or the Whole Publication
- Travel to Syria
The story
During my trip to Syria in October 2023, I had the opportunity to spend a day in the captivating old city of Damascus.
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As I strolled through the ancient streets, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by its timeless beauty. Every corner revealed a new marvel, a testament to its status as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The old city is home to numerous archaeological sites, where the remnants of past civilizations whisper their stories.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the old city is its diverse religious heritage. As I explored its labyrinthine alleys, I encountered magnificent historical churches and mosques. These sacred places serve as a testament to the coexistence of different faiths throughout the city's long history. The intricate architecture, adorned with exquisite details, reflects the devotion and artistic expression of the people who built them.
The Great Mosque of Damascus, also known as the Umayyad Mosque, is the earliest surviving stone mosque. It was built between 705 and 715. Despite the passage of time, the magnificent Umayyad mosque still stands, providing insights into the city's history and the rulers who once governed it.
Close to the Umayyad Mosque the tomb of Saladin is located. He was the first sultan of both Egypt and Syria, a prominent figure in Islamic, Arab, Turkish, and Kurdish culture. He is considered the most famous Kurd in history.
Despite their differing beliefs, Muslim leader Saladin was respected by Christian lords, particularly Richard. They praised each other as great and honorable leaders in their respective worlds. Although they never met, they exchanged gifts as a sign of respect. This is a sample of how highly intelligent and spiritually advanced people communicate on a deeper level. This connection is not dependent on the specific circumstances.
The Sayyidah Ruqayyah Mosque contains the grave of Rukayyah bint Husayn, also known as Ruqayyah, the young daughter of Al-Husayn ibn Ali.
My time in the old city of Damascus was far too short. Even after two visits, I yearn to return and immerse myself further in its charm. A few hours were simply not enough to fully explore its wonders and absorb its captivating history. I long to wander through its streets, getting lost in its alleys, discovering hidden gems at every turn.
Visiting the old city of Damascus is a journey through time and a celebration of humanity's enduring spirit. Its ancient walls, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture make it a destination that should be on every traveler's bucket list.
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The Chapel of Saint Ananias, also called the House of Saint Ananias, is a small underground chapel in Damascus, Syria. It is associated with the biblical story of Saul of Tarsus, later known as St. Paul the Apostle.
Not Everyone Can Be Paul (But Everyone Can Be Ananias). Paul's Conversion on the Road to Damascus - read here the story closely related to this chapel.
The Straight Street is the main Roman road in Damascus. It runs from east to west through the old city. According to the Acts of the Apostles (9:11), Paul the Apostle stayed in a house on Straight Street.
The war that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants stormed into Israel and Israel vowed to destroy the militant group, has become the deadliest of the five Gaza wars for both sides. This conflict also has implications for Syria, even though the country is not directly involved. As a result, tourists have canceled their tours in the country.
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I can only hope that this war will soon end, so people could have the chance to experience the magic of this remarkable place and create their own unforgettable memories.
Purchasing Fine Art Unlimited Edition Prints, RM Licenses, and/or the Whole Publication
All images in the publication and/or photo gallery are available for purchase as Fine Art Unlimited Edition Prints and/or licensed using Rights Managed Image Licensing. The publication may also be available for purchase as a single unit, including the text, photos, videos, or music (if available), as one complete publication that you can use on your website, in a magazine (print or online), or on other platforms.
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Travel to Syria
I organize and lead small groups to Syria through my licensed travel agency "Thousand Voyages" Ltd.
You can find out more about the guided tours here.
A list of all scheduled tours can be found here.