Maaloula is a remarkable village nestled in the mountains of Syria, it’s a town in the Rif Dimashq Governorate, about 56 km northeast of Damascus.UNESCO classifies the city and its surroundings as cultural sites.Maaloula derives its name from the Aramaic language, which inhabitants still speak.In Aramaic, “Maaloula” means “entrance” or “gateway.” This name is likely a reference to the village’s location at the entrance of a narrow valley, or perhaps to its role as a gateway to a spiritual or religious center.In addition, the builders designed the city to adapt to the area’s natural shape, creating a mixed landscape that demonstrates the interaction between human beings and nature.Furthermore, many Muslims and Christians visit Maaloula to gain blessings.Maaloula is undoubtedly famous for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It is an important site among the main attraction sites in Syria.It has also captivated the hearts of travelers for centuries, particularly as one of the last remaining places where people still speak Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus Christ.
Maaloula is famous for its sacred Christian sites and ancient landmarks dating back to the 10th century BC, it is a unique destination. Its residents continue to speak the language of Jesus Christ, alongside Arabic, as do the inhabitants of the villages of Jubb Jannin and Bakha’a.The Aramaic Language has faced a steady decline over the centuries. However, in Maaloula, this ancient language has managed to survive, thanks to the people and the strong religious traditions of its inhabitants. Consequently, the Maaloulan dialect of Aramaic, familiar as Western Aramaic, is thought to be one of the closest living examples of the language of Jesus and his disciples. Of course, hearing the locals converse in Aramaic is a truly remarkable experience, as it transports visitors back to a time long past.Furthermore, this exceptionally hospitable village appears to float above nature.So, here’s a tip for your Next tour to Syria especially, Maaloula, immerse yourself in the rich linguistic heritage of Malloula by interacting with locals who still speak Aramaic.
Imagine visiting Maaloula and meeting Michael Abu George, a local man with classic Arabic features who happens to be Christian. If you visit him, expect a warm welcome, Syrian people, like Michael, are noted for making guests feel at home. Also, you’ll have the unique opportunity to hear the ancient Aramaic language of this man with a deep connection to the region.Don’t miss the chance to watch a video about this famous man and his friendly nature in Maaloula
Two important monasteries in Maaloula, Greek Catholic Mar Sarkis, and Greek Orthodox Mar Thecla.When traveling to Syria make sure to explore these stunning Monasteries.Also, to enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside from Mar Thecla.Check out this video for more Maaloula in Syria.
An important religious site in Maaloula is the Monastery of Saint Thecla (Mar Taqla), a Greek Orthodox convent that honors a female saint who is noble as a patron of women.The monastery is located on a hill overlooking the village and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The convent’s history dates back to the 4th century, and it has played a significant role in the spiritual and social life of Maaloula.
Saint Thecla, was born around 30 AD in Iconium (modern-day Konya, Turkey) during the Roman Empire’s early Christian era. Her life took a dramatic turn when the Apostle Paul visited Iconium around 45 AD, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thecla felt deeply moved by Paul’s message and chose to convert to Christianity, defying her pagan family’s expectations.Determined to dedicate her life to Christ, Thecla refused to marry as her family had planned. This act of defiance led her family to torture her, hoping to force her to renounce her faith. but Thecla remained steadfast in her decision.Eventually, Thecla was threatened with death by fire. Miraculously, a heavy rain extinguished the flames, leaving Thecla unharmed. This divine intervention further solidified her faith and inspired others.
because of Thecla’s faith, the governor released her. According to tradition, Paul then sent Thecla to Latakia, Syria, and then to Maaloula. In Maaloula, she lived as a hermit in a cave and became known for her healing powers. People from far and wide came to seek her help, and many chose to convert to Christianity through her influence. Unfortunately, this influx of patients angered the local healers, who felt jealous. They plotted to dishonor her, but she escaped through the mountain and prayed for protection then miraculously the mountain cleft and Thecla could finally escape through this cleft in the rock, which became her final resting place. Finally, from the date of this incident, this place became a significant place of pilgrimage to visit and was called the Fja of Mar Thecla.Maaloula is famous for the “Fja of Mar Thecla,” a narrow gorge that runs from one end of the mountain to the other. Within this gorge, a spring flows, and its water level fluctuates with the seasons. People from all over come to drink from its waters, believing them to have healing properties. In addition, the gorge divides the village into two parts. According to local folklore, it was created when Christ protected Saint Thecla by parting the mountain, separating her from her Roman pursuers. However, along the gorge, at various levels, there are rooms and cells carved into the rock, a testament to the wonders of nature.
Mar Sarkis is a less commonly familiar saint in Maalula compared to Saint Takla.However, he is still honorable in the Christian community. While there might not be a monastery named after him, his feast day still be celebrated locally.
Unfortunately, Maaloula has not been immune to the ravages of war. The Syrian conflict had a devastating impact on the village, with many of its historic buildings and cultural heritage sites suffering damage. Despite the previous challenges it faces, Maaloula remains a symbol of hope and resilience. The Syrian people in this village decided to preserve their unique way of life and protect their cultural heritage for future generations with their deep faith and unwavering spirit.Maaloula is a truly remarkable place, a living testament to the enduring power of faith, language, and culture. Its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unique linguistic heritage make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the ancient world. As we step forward after the conflict, Maaloula serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and cherishing the traditions that connect us to our past.
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Josh 2024-06-23 Lulu was our tour guide in Damascus in October 2022 and she was the best guide we could‘ve hopefully for! We had a tight schedule so we asked to see as much as possible, which she happily obliged to. She has a very interesting background, knowing every last bit of the city, its culture, history and food! She speaks multiple languages, including Japanese (!) and was just a fantastic guide to have. 10/10 would recommend. Samantha Echeverria 2024-06-23 An extraordinary and humbling experience. From start to finish the whole experience was an adventure, learning of the Syrians deep history gives a great insight to their collective strength and dedication to their culture. To walk the same footsteps as mentioned in the Bible and Quran is profound and indescribable. Overall I was incredibly humbled by my experience in Syria. Thank you again for the experience of a lifetime, and I look forward to coming back to Syria soon 🤲🏼 Per Sommer 2024-05-31 Jeg rejste tre dage sammen med Tambi i det nordlige Syrien. Det var en uforglemmelig oplevelse. Sammen besøgte vi Homes, Krak de Chevaliers, Maloula, Aleppo, Arward Island og Apamea. Ikke bare er Tambi blevet en god ven, men han har også en kæmpe viden om de steder, som vi besøgte. Et af højdepunkterne var også at være på besøg hos Tambi i hans lejlighed og møde hans kone. Her fik vi te, kager og en god snak om oplevelserne under den lange krige. Jeg kan kun give Tambi mine varmeste anbefalinger. Marco Arenas 2024-05-31 I was in Syria a few years ago doing a little tour with Ayoub and the experience was amazing, Ayoub and his team were marvelous guides all around the country, making the most of the trip. Their service is amazing. I highly recommend Ayoub because he is reliable and well-organized. I am looking forward to coming back to Syria! Junaidi 2024-05-21 I recently had the pleasure of exploring Syria with Tambee as our tour guide, and I can't recommend him highly enough. Tambee’s deep knowledge of Syria's rich history and culture brought every site we visited to life. His passion for the country was evident in the way he shared stories and historical insights, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. Tambee’s professionalism and attentiveness were remarkable. He ensured our group felt safe and comfortable at all times, handling all logistics seamlessly. His ability to navigate the complexities of travel in Syria, combined with his warm and friendly demeanor, made our journey both smooth and memorable. What I really love is his knowledge of Islamic History. The way he told me the History of Islam while we are standing on the historical site itself just gave me goosebumps. He can make the history comes to life. In summary, Tambee is an exceptional tour guide whose expertise and dedication significantly enhanced our Syrian adventure. If you're planning a trip to Syria, do yourself a favor and contact Tambee. You won't be disappointed! Joel Lara 2024-05-20 Everything on the tour was amazing. Whatever you need to feel comfortable, they will go out of their way to make sure you feel okay. Tambi was our tour guide and I honestly would not have switched anything about it. He is one of the best tour guides I’ve ever met. Someone that is really passionate about sharing the past, present and future of Syria. You need to book your trip to Syria as soon as possible. There is so much history to be seen in this country. Do yourself a favor and don’t listen to what western media would say about this country. Saying it’s all about terrorism and dangerous, that’s a HUGE lie, go see for yourself how kind and loving those people in Syria are. As for the war in Israel, it feels really safe in Syria. You going there gives people hope for a better future. Visa costs depend on nationality. As a US citizen my Visa was pretty costly 220$. It was WORTH IT! Cymbie Lumbao 2024-05-20 Syria was definitely on our list of country to visit. It exceeded our expectations! Syrians are the most hospitable and warmest people we have ever met. The history is amazing! Tambee is our tour guide and Tayseer is our driver. They are the best! Tambee is very passionate about his country and their history. We felt really safe and well taken care of. We would definitely visit again. We went in for a tour of Syria and came out with a lifelong Syrian friends! 🙏🏽🇸🇾 thank you for a wonderful experience! Shukran! Rahul Mudumba 2024-05-19 Tambee was fantastic, and made sure I had an incredible trip! Filippo Volpato 2024-05-18 Tambee was the most exquisite guide we could have ever wanted. Always attentive, extremely knowledgeable and open to adjust the itinerary based on your interests (expect surprises for you!). Hopefully we will be back to this beautiful country, that Tambee made us fall in love with. Michael Van Arragon 2024-05-18 Ask for Tambee! There is so much to learn about the history and future of our shared humanity in this important and beautiful country. I travelled 10 days across a large part of Syria and wish I could've stayed. Tambee who emphasizes the "intangible" is a talented and enthusiastic story teller with an amazing personal connection to the people and culture. He will help you come away with a big picture appreciation of everything youre seeing and with a specialist's attention to detail; help you deepen your own sense of what is happening today in the region. These are some seriously friendly people- a visit to Syria like this one is so special.
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Ayoub Al Smadi
Ayoub boasts over five years of tour guiding and tour operator expertise. he has a master’s degree in planning and managing sustainable tourism development, and his cheerful, vibrant personality makes every moment with him fly by unnoticed.
