Tag: Syria

It is estimated that of the 17 million people living in Syria, 1,200,000 are Christians and 800,000 of those are Greek Orthodox. Among the latter, 1,300 are Greeks, 900 living in Aleppo and 400 in Damascus, who are well-accepted, and greatly appreciated.

Hama city is located in the middle of the road that connects Damascus to Aleppo. The Orontes River that crosses the city moves the huge wooden wheels that bring water used for irrigation in gardens and orchards of the area. Modern pumps though, are more effective than the old, sluggish means of the past. That is why only ten of the thirty wheels existing in the Middle Ages are left.

Driving in the desert is difficult, as scenery remains unchanged for miles and roads are often covered with sand that is moved by strong winds. Cars also suffer in the desert, due to running in high temperatures. This is why travellers feel relieved when they encounter a sign of human existence in the vast, burning horizon unfolding in front of them.