ISLAMABAD
In an exclusive conversation with Dr. Ramez Alraee, Ambassador of Syria to Pakistan, the story of Syria unfolds not as a mere nation but as a living archive of human civilization. “Syria is a museum under the open sky,” he reflects, evoking the grandeur of Damascus and Aleppo—cities that have carried the pulse of humanity for over 11,000 years. From Roman arches to Islamic minarets, Byzantine mosaics to Ottoman courtyards, Syria’s stones speak in the languages of countless civilizations. Damascus, the world’s oldest continuously inhabited capital, is described as a city where time folds in on itself.
Its Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds more than 125 archaeological landmarks. At its heart lies the Umayyad Mosque, a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture, where golden mosaics shimmer with paradisal gardens and the shrine of John the Baptist rests in reverence.
Around it, souqs hum with centuries-old rhythms—the clatter of cobblers, the fragrance of spice merchants, and the famed pistachio ice cream of Bakdash. From the slopes of Mount Qasioun, the city unfurls in a tapestry of minarets and courtyards, its resilience evident in the way families, artisans, and worshippers continue traditions that have endured empire shifts and modern conflict.
Aleppo, crowned by its hilltop Citadel, tells another chapter of Syria’s endurance. Once a mercantile hub on the Silk Road, its caravanserais, mosques, and vaulted souqs testify to a city of craft, cuisine, and music. Homs, meanwhile, stands as a crossroads of faith, its skyline marked by the Mosque of Khalid ibn al-Walid and the formidable crusader fortress Krak des Chevaliers. Palmyra, set in the desert, remains a world treasure—a caravan stop between East and West, with colonnaded streets and Roman temples that echo Syria’s grandeur.
Religious heritage, Dr. Alraee emphasizes, is central to Syria’s identity. The shrines of Sayyida Zainab and Sayyida Ruqayyah draw pilgrims from across the Muslim world, while Christian monasteries in Maaloula and Saydnaya, along with the earliest-known house-church at Dura-Europos, remind us of Syria’s role in early Christianity. “Our religious heritage is a symbol of coexistence,” he says, underscoring Syria’s spiritual depth.
Turning to Pakistan, Dr. Alraee describes the relationship as brotherly, rooted in shared values and mutual respect. Pakistan’s unwavering support for Syria’s sovereignty has reinforced trust, and both nations are committed to expanding cooperation in tourism, education, culture, archaeology, and trade. He warmly invites Pakistanis to visit Syria, promising not only history but hospitality—guests treated as family, embraced by the warmth of Syrian tradition.
Looking ahead, Syria is charting a new path of economic development. With sanctions easing and international exhibitions returning, Damascus is preparing to host “NASTEX 2026,” the largest textile exhibition in the region, from April 1 to 4, 2026. For Pakistan, a global leader in textiles, this event offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with Syrian institutions and entrepreneurs, strengthening economic ties and opening new avenues of cooperation.
In his closing words, Dr. Alraee portrays Syria as a nation of resilience. “Every stone in Syria tells a story, every city carries the memory of civilizations that shaped the world,” he says. He extends a heartfelt invitation to Pakistanis: to walk through Damascus, marvel at Palmyra, feel the spirit of Aleppo, and witness the rebirth of a nation that continues to inspire.
Syria, he insists, is not only rebuilding its monuments but revitalizing its cultural and spiritual life, welcoming scholars, pilgrims, tourists, and explorers alike. It is a land where history began—and where hope for a brighter tomorrow is being written anew. — DNA
