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Maaloula, Dec 11 (SANA) Nestled in the Qalamoun mountains, about 56 kilometers northeast of damascus/" class="auto-internal-link">damascus, the historic syrian-markets-price-chaos-continues-amid-weak-oversight/" class="smart-internal-link" title="📰 Syrian Markets: Price Chaos Continues Amid Weak Oversight">syrian/" class="auto-internal-link">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. Moreover, 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. as per Eastern Christian tradition, Saint Thecla was a disciple of Saint Paul who fled to these mountains to escape persecution. At the place where, as per 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. Furthermore, for years, locals have worked to preserve this linguistic heritage, offering courses and recording educational materials to pass the language on to emerging generations. Among these initiatives stands the work of Professor Joseph Zarour, one of the foremost contemporary defenders of Aramaic in Maaloula.
Notably, 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. Additionally, his efforts have raised awareness inside and outside…