
Syrian Women at the Heart of the Revolution
These women are not just names in the memory of the revolution, but rather a foundation for building a free Syria. Their struggle is a living testimony that change begins
“It all started with a book. Damascus: Hidden Treasures of the Old City, written by a British lady who lived in Damascus for a while. I even bought over 50 copies to give away as gifts. It’s the Damascus I believed in and wanted to introduce. What many Damascenes don’t realize, are the many treasures in the old city that were left to fall apart in our pursuit of modernity (which we failed at). Shame that many of us learn of these houses through the eyes of foreigners rather than our own. The city’s people once lived in refined beauty. Therefore, my obsession was to own and restore a house in the old city, for the sake of our roots & history. We wanted to say we tried.
The house hunt was crazy. So many houses, family stories, down payments, fights, site issues… we gave up by 2006/2007. In 2008, we left Montreal for Damascus & my husband showed me this house. Despite its horrible condition and destruction, its energy & potential dominated. I had an incredible sensation about it, so I crossed my fingers and we went with it.
Michel Zayyat was our architect. He respected its authenticity while promoting a modern way of living. For a year, we worked on the plan & saved what we could. Ceilings & structural elements were falling apart, making us reinforce everything! Rooms were redesigned, and the heating/cooling, electricity, and sewage were all created in a modern fashion. It was built around 1860 (rather modern for Old Damascus). Through the renovations, you learn about the layers to a Damascene house. Its dilemma is wondering what era to restore it to. Truly open-air museums. For example, Beit Al Aqqad has a wall from Roman times, and walls representing each era that followed. Unfortunately, some families repaint over old paintings on the walls; but I preserved them. The pastel colors and big beautiful windows were very Parisian & paintings/works incorporated European influences. Damascenes were influenced by Istanbul who were inspired by the Italians.
I can talk for hours about this house. We are blessed. But I just hope what we did would push other Damascenes to perfect what they have, their roots.”
Sincerely,
Lina Attar Ajami
These women are not just names in the memory of the revolution, but rather a foundation for building a free Syria. Their struggle is a living testimony that change begins
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