Conversation from Syria

I hadn't intended to post another message today but I feel as though I need to share my last hour. I set out to wander the souqs (markets) in Hama and see if there were any bargains to be had. After trying a couple of things on but decideing that my wallet was going to remain closed, I returned to my happy wanderings. I was approached by a young guy who was obviously keen to practice his english and wander as we did. What followed was a candid conversation, the likes of which was so removed from my expectations so as to be quite confronting had my experiences with the Syrian people not been so friendly and helpful.

Abdul quizzed me on my attitudes toward muslim people, the Islamic faith and my experiences in Syria. I, in turn, was fascinated by his experiences with other tourists, interpretations of religion, Syria's place in the world and the status of women.

It seems that europeans are seen as being a little stand-offish, not wanting to become involved in such conversations. Abdul thanked me for my friendly and open nature. He was keen to get honest opinions from me and was surprised that our attitudes toward religion and faith were remarkably similar. We both believe that there are (small) factions of all religions (not confined to Islam), where strict interpretations of faith and the scriptures aspouse radical ideas that result in many people of that faith, or indeed whole countries or regions being painted with a tainted brush. More than anything else, this will be my major memory from Syria. More than any other country on my travel itinery, people expressed surprise about my desire to visit Syria. I have felt safer here and more welcome than anywhere else I have been.

Abdul provided an interesting insight into this. He said that, in his religion, it is forbidden to bring harm to tourists. We have entered their country and cannot be harmed on their land. I remembered the closing line from an article in The Age all those months ago. On the ride to the airport on his way out of Syria, the journalist asked the driver about terrorism in Syria. The response was monsieur (the French influence still lingers in Syria) "we have no terrorism in Syria, we export terrorism." I have a different appreciation of that comment now, but it encapsulates what I have felt during my time here (the first part) and the challenges that Syria will face in its continuing development (the second part).

I was riveted by Abdul's description about the clothing that women where and the rationale for it. For a lot of women, the degree to which they are covered is now a matter of choice. They must reveal their beauty only to their husbands and it remains the woman's responsibility to dress in such a way as not to be coveted by many men. Though I chose not to challenge Abdul on this point, he clearly sensed that I did not agree. This was also the case when he stated that muslim men are allowed to take up to four wives.

Diversity of cultures add to the rich tapestry of people from across the world. Yes, there are many differences; but there are also many similarities. If not willing to embrace all the differences, I now feel as though I have a greater understanding of some of them.