Watch Mediterranean Tales online: Episode 8 Damascus

In Damascus, Irma meets Brigid Keenan, author of Damascus: Hidden Treasures of the Old City. Together they explore the hidden world of beauty and the ancient treasures of the oldest city in the world. Author Ammar Abdul Hamid takes Irma on a visit to the last of the ancient Damascus Hakawate, or storytellers, and they discuss the importance of literature in Syrian culture. Irma also catches a glimpse behind the doors of the Umayyad Mosque with teacher Tala Tlass, who reveals the history of the sacred site. Following Twain’s route into the desert, Irma comes across the ruined Roman city of Palmyra, the most impressive archaeological site in all of Syria and arguably one of the best in the world. Back in Damascus, American writer Elaine Imady (Postcripts from Palisades), speaks of the experience of bridging the culture gap between her homeland and adopted country.

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