Amal Abu Samra is a Syrian writer, she was born in the village of Jdeidet Artouz, in rural Damascus. She worked for 40 years at the Indonesian Embassy in Damascus, and worked as a secretary for twelve Ambassadors.
Amal is a powerful woman, a mother of two children, who devoted her life for the sucess of her career at the Embassy , At the same time she is proud of her country -Syria- so she decided to tell people different stories about the Indonesian culture and about Damascus, the oldest capital in the world, as well as about its heritage and art.
Here's some of her insight chosen from her book:
"I am a Damascene woman, living in Syria, the cradle of civilization and religions.
In Damascus, and in its old districts, I lived my childhood, youth and middle age … listened with reverence to the voice of "Muazzen" at Omayyad Mosque… prayed at "al-Maryamiah" church … walked in the straight street…where Saint Paul walked towards the East Gate to preach Christianity to the world.
I often fulfilled my vows to God in the monastery of Virgin Mary, spent my nights in the monastery of Saint Taqla in Maaloula, and enjoyed the company of its people in their houses, which were carved in the rocks. I also inquired about their Aramaic language … the language of Christ.
I tell all those who do not know Damascus…
It is Sham…the most beautiful spot in the world ...
It is the Arab Uniqueness … the ancient city. It is the oldest capital of the world.
If people live in cities and capitals.
Damascus inhabits in us all"
