Syria, your rustic charm will never be discovered again

No words can describe the feeling after poring over the heartbreaking image of a young Syrian refugee lying face-down on a beach near a Turkish resort of Bodrum after he drowned in his vain attempt to reach Greece with his family, in early September.

Alan Kurdi's plight is one of the many tales of Syrian refugees which had caught the attention of the world. Many are crying and cringing over the plight of the desperate refugees, who risked perilous sojourn escaping their dreams to rightfully live in their own homeland.

Many of us are familiar with the tragic and heart-wrenching tale of the three-year-old Kurdi.

Last month, the cherubic-faced Kurdi reached his ‘final resting’and he is now sleeping fitfully. Little did he know that the afflictions of his conflict-ridden country had begun way longer than he lived.

PHOTO GALLERY: Drowned Syrian toddler: Why Aylan Kurdi images should haunt us

The city of Syria where Kurdi had fled -- merely days before he met his creator needs no introduction. Known to be a melting pot of culture, civilization, economic wealth and the hospitality of its people, Syria has lost its magic.

Observers chided that the city, made of up over 23 million people, had ‘died’ even earlier than Alan Kurdi.

Each time news on the war-torn Syria that shattered, thanks to a devastating civil war followed by the forced intrusion of hostile militant group known as Islamic State, led to the destruction of a multitude of state heritage – once worshiped and admired by people from around the globe.

Sadly, the destruction brought along with it the obliteration of humanity.

As an avid traveler, my heart broke into pieces especially when I had once set foot on the land of Syria, not too long ago.

It was during the same time five years ago, along with four Malaysian journalists, I received an invitation from the Syrian government to experience what was known as ‘Silk Road Festival’.

Hundreds of media from around the globe thronged the historical city – once famed for its historical heritage – that became a hub for traders from the East and West.

Right from the word go, Syria never ceased to amaze. For over two weeks, we were enamored by the charm of the incomparable city.

We traversed across the country for hundreds of kilometers across the barren desert but our exhaustion paid off with the rustic surroundings and money-can’t-buy attractions that greeted us at every destinations.

From the well-preserved archaic architecture, cuisines, culture to history and local hospitality, it was a foregone conclusion that the Arabic soil had more to offer than meets the eyes.

Sad to say, the prosperity and luck did not stand the test of time as the clock is ticking to get a grip of the escalating refugee situation.

Let these images speak for themselves ... this is Syria, I once knew.

DAMASCUS




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