
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
Muhammad Faris, an exceptional and prominent figure in the history of space, is considered the second Arab person to set foot in space. He was born in the city of Aleppo, Syria, in 1951, and grew up in an environment filled with dreams of aviation and space. He received his basic education in his hometown before pursuing his military education, which opened the doors for him to later become an astronaut.
He rose to many military positions, received aviation training, and even became a trainer. He had many long hours flying warplanes, which qualified him to be an ideal candidate for the Syrian space program in cooperation with the Soviet Union. He was selected in 1987 to join the mission. Space “Soyuz TM-3”.
Before embarking on the journey in 1987, Muhammad Faris had received two years of training in Star City, Russia. He spent nine days in space, during which the eyes of the Syrians did not leave their television screens and radios, and they received him upon his return with warmth and pride in the streets and roads over the course of three days. During this mission, he conducted several valuable scientific experiments, numbering thirteen, and participated in many exploratory operations.
Muhammad Faris continued his life as a soldier and lecturer after his return, highlighting the necessity of investing in space science and Arab participation in it. During his journey in the space mission, he achieved several achievements; Here are some of his most notable achievements:
Scientific experiments: He conducted a group of scientific experiments in space, which included the effect of zero gravity on the human body and the behavior of cells and living organisms in space.
Agricultural research: He worked on experiments related to planting some seeds to determine the effect of space atmospheres on them, which could contribute to reaching a better understanding of the effect of the space environment on plant growth.
Geological studies: Part of his work included documenting and observing the Earth’s surface and its natural phenomena from its space orbit, which aided in geological and climate studies.
Photography: He took photographs of the Earth, which is a common task in space missions for the purpose of study and observation.
Cultural and scientific communication: He documented his experience and conveyed it to the public in various lectures and events, which formed a bridge between the scientific field and the general public, especially in the Arab world.
All the studies and research he conducted did not receive any appreciation or attention in Syria. They were not worked on and became piled up in archives, and the honor he received was very small and modest. Despite decades of media blackout and lack of support from the government, or rather “systematic marginalization” due to his failure to submit to its reverential requirements at the time, Muhammad Faris remained stuck in the minds of Syrians. There are many reasons that made him a very inspiring figure, including that his space journey opened the door for young men and women in the Arab world to dream of the stars and explore space. Moreover, he is considered an honorable symbol of will and pride that can be emulated by every Syrian.
I remember hearing the name “Muhammad Faris” for the first time in a lesson in one of my school books during primary school. The lesson was brief and spoke about him with a simple glance, yet expressions of astonishment and admiration appeared on our soft faces as we looked at the pictures of him in the major’s uniform and heard the teacher’s explanation of how a Syrian citizen like us was able to fly into space. I discovered more of his achievements as I grew up, and learned from him the challenge and determination to achieve dreams, and how to be a human being with honest and firm principles from the cradle to the grave. How sad I am that I got to know him more through the Internet and personal interviews on Arab and international satellite channels only!
He set out on his final eternal journey in this world’s life on the nineteenth of April 2024, at the age of seventy-three years in the city of Gaziantep, due to heart disease, a heart laden with disappointment and longing for the motherland. He left and his soul soared to the sky before his wish was fulfilled: to fly the plane again over the skies of Syria.
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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