Maaloula, Dec 11 (SANA) Nestled in the Qalamoun mountains, about 56 kilometers northeast of Damascus, the historic Syrian town of Maaloula is one of the country’s most unique cultural and spiritual treasures. Its houses carved into rock, narrow streets, and ancient monasteries form part of a landscape that preserves a millennia-old heritage: Aramaic, the language spoken in the time of Jesus Christ, which here still remains alive in daily life and liturgy.
Maaloula is one of the few places in the world where this ancestral language continues to be spoken by its inhabitants, both Christians and Muslims. The town stands as a remarkable example of coexistence, where religious traditions have flourished in parallel and harmony for centuries.
The Convent of Saint Thecla: Spiritual and Historical Heart
The monastery of Mar Takla (Saint Thecla) is one of Maaloula’s most recognized landmarks. According to Eastern Christian tradition, Saint Thecla was a disciple of Saint Paul who fled to these mountains to escape persecution.
At the place where, according to tradition, the saint lived and died, the convent was built. Today it is home to Syrian Orthodox nuns, guardians of memory and custodians of her relics. The monastery is a pilgrimage destination for Christians of various denominations, as well as for Muslims who venerate Saint Thecla as a pious and protective figure. More than a religious center, Mar Takla is a cultural meeting point, its stone walls witnessing generations of pilgrims seeking blessing or solace.
Aramaic: A Language Resisting Time
In Maaloula and the neighboring villages of Jubbadin and Bakha, Aramaic remains alive in songs, stories, prayers, and daily conversations. For years, locals have worked to preserve this linguistic heritage, offering courses and recording educational materials to pass the language on to new generations.
Among these initiatives stands the work of Professor Joseph Zarour, one of the foremost contemporary defenders of Aramaic in Maaloula. He has dedicated decades to documenting local expressions, collecting traditional vocabulary, and teaching the language to children and adults, convinced that its preservation is key to maintaining the region’s cultural identity. His classes, blending history, grammar, and folk music, have become a reference point for those wishing to connect with the language of their ancestors.
Beyond his teaching, Zarour has participated in international projects for linguistic revitalization and has lectured on the importance of Western Aramaic as an endangered intangible heritage. His efforts have raised awareness inside and outside Syria about the need to protect a language that, though minority, represents a unique legacy of Syrian civilization.
During local festivities, such as the celebration of Saint Thecla in September, hymns and prayers in this ancestral language are commonly heard, many of them collected and reintroduced by scholars like Zarour.
A Historical Model of Coexistence
The harmonious coexistence between Christians and Muslims is one of Maaloula’s most distinctive features. Shared stories, family ties, and common celebrations have woven a social fabric that has endured beyond war or political circumstances.
For generations, neighbors have participated together in religious festivities. Muslims visit Saint Thecla’s sanctuary seeking healing or protection, while Christians join in local traditions celebrated by the Muslim community. Daily life, marked by respect and interwoven family relations, offers a powerful example of peaceful coexistence in a region known for its cultural and religious diversity.
Resilience and Renewal
In recent years, Maaloula faced difficult times, but its people have shown deep attachment to their land and heritage. Residents and local authorities have worked to restore churches, homes, and archaeological sites, returning identity and vitality to the town.
Today Maaloula reaffirms itself as a symbol of cultural resistance and unity. Its people continue to defend the Aramaic heritage, care for its historic monasteries, and cultivate the coexistence that has been its hallmark for centuries.
A Message from the Mountains of Syria
Maaloula is not just a tourist enclave or a relic of the past: it is a living testimony that multiple identities can coexist in harmony. Its ancient language, monasteries, and social fabric make it a beacon of hope for those who believe in cultural preservation and coexistence among peoples of different faiths.
In every word of Aramaic, in every candle lit before the image of Saint Thecla, and in every daily gesture of solidarity among neighbors, Maaloula continues to pronounce a universal message: diversity is wealth, and coexistence is a tradition worth preserving.
ME
