Damascus...Dare....Democracy....

The fertile crescent is witnessing its people who dared to dream for democracy and their cry for change. 

Syria, the cradle of civilization has been seeing  inventions and invasions as part of its history. The extensive irrigation system and the writing are their gift to humanity. Actually the Semitic languages Phoenician, Aramaic, Hebrew and Arabic came from the language of the Akkadians. 

Its continuous history begins from 9000 BC. The Bronze age followed by invasions of the the Akkadians, Hittites, Canaanites, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantine, various Islamic caliphates, Mameluke's, Ottoman empire, British and French, and finally in 1918 the land was divided between France and British with the French Mandate.  Syria  gained independence from the French in 1945. During these periods, the original inhabitants fought, died, stayed, migrated, adopted different cultures and nationals, religion, above all survived. What a fascinating history!                                          
 The current unrest to overthrow the Baath party and President Assad proves that people will not accept totalitarian regime anymore. The land that taught the World to write with clay tablets is now using digital technology to send messages across the World about their love for their country and their cry for democracy.

The crisis, unrest, violence and the killing of civilians bring sadness and at the same time admiration for the people who are willing to sacrifice for a brighter tomorrow. I have not been to Syria yet and I am positive that one day we can walk on the cobbled stone streets of old Damascus city and sip mint tea in a democratic Syria.

Peace on Earth

All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.

Exodus....Passover.....Peace....

This morning on my way to Houston, I was reading an article in the Wall Street Journal about the Passover and the elaborate preparation and cleansing the kitchen to remove any sign of leavened bread.  Yes, today the Jewish holiday begins with the first day of  the Passover celebrations.
The breaking of the unleavened bread is symbolic and the festival itself is to remember the sacrifice, continuation of that human thread centuries after centuries. Every tradition has a meaning and passes something from the past. This day, Jewish people will remember their ancestors and their sufferings, triumphs, tenacity and a will to live by lighting menorahs and offering prayers. Preparing the supper with kosher certified ingredients is very important.

 Way back in 2003 when I was touring in Eastern Europe, the Jewish Kosher restaurants saved me with vegetarian food. I cannot forget the most delicious vegetarian soups and salads I had in Budapest in the Jewish Quarters. Another poignant memory was my visit to the great Synagogue. In the courtyard, one must see the beautiful memorial for the holocaust victims. Each leaf in the metallic tree that bears the name of a victim.                                                
 Now back in the hotel, I am watching the moon rising in the horizon. It seems to reassure me that humanity will prevail despite the odds.


                            Peace on earth.


   

 All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.