What's On Magazine Sample

November 2011 Issue No. 78

Published byUNIted GroUP under decree no:1597 by Syrian government on 3 APR 2005

damascUs Huda Building - 5 Iskandaria St. East MazzehP.O.Box: 1999.tel: +963 11 2060.fax: +963 11 6129401

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UG coUNtry maGazINes maNaGerCarole Bechara

commUNIcatIoN maNaGerHaidara Suleiman

maNaGING edItorBasel Aal [email protected]

edItorIal coordINatorReem Zakhour

desIGNart & Production managerRita Zaharsenior designerAlaa AbdullahProduction officerFeras Kaissy

PHotoGraPHyPrinciple PhotographerQusai Al Jarrah

www.whatsonsyria.com

sales maNaGer Wisam Al-Nader

sales coordINatorMasa Sidawi

sales team Zeid Al Ajlani - Asaad Ebish

FINaNceGihan Abbas Ahmad MashnoqAbdulqader Asmar

reserVatIoNAyham Ibrahim

As the tragic events in Syria continue for the 6th month and innocent blood continues to be spilled daily, all we can do is to call for a return to sanity and for everyone to understand that this is a war with 23 million losers and no winners at all.

The tragic events continue to cast a dark and sad atmosphere that has all but stopped most social and cultural activities in the country leaving us with just a few events to cover, that is why we have been focusing more lately on our interviews, features, fashion and lifestyle sections.

As always we have managed to score an exclusive interview with a big-name star to tell us about his latest blockbuster and shed the light on some parts of his life that used to be unknown for his fans, and our guest for this issue is no other than HUGH JACKMAN –aka Wolverine- who told us all the details about his last role in ‘Real Steal’ one of the most anticipated films of the year.

The ‘Features’ section is rich with several articles discussing various sides of the current crisis in Syria, with a special focus on interviewing people from different camps and asking for their opinions regarding the various topics of our featured articles.

Our female readers will surely love our ‘Fashion’ section which has a very informative and slick article about the winter fashion for 2012, a must-read for all fashion lovers, especially with winter knocking on our doors. While our male readers will spend a long time drooling over a set of 10 mind-blowing watches chosen by us as the ‘Best Men’s watches for 2011’. The article is 7 pages long in our

‘Lifestyle’ section and it also has some very useful tips about watches’ specifications and about how to choose the correct watch.

Rock climbing is an extreme sport that we used to see in documentaries, I was pleasantly surprised however when a contributor of ours told us about a rock climbing club in Damascus who regularly organize climbing trips to some fine cliffs just outside Damascus. A detailed article with interviews is for you to read in our ‘Travel and Heritage’ section.

All the sections that you love: Culture, Events, Film & TV, etc. They are all here, and they cover all the important

events taking place in the Syrian Society.Remember that our upcoming issue will be released on

November the 15th, and that we are always ready to receive your valuable feedbacks, suggestions and contributions to:

[email protected]

Enjoy.

Basel

November 2011 Issue No 78 1

AND CILLIAN MURPHY DESIGNER COLLEEN ATWOOD MUSIC CRAIG ARMSTRONG EDITED ZACH STAENBERG, A.C.E. PRODUCTION ALEX MCDOWELL, RDI PHOTOGRAPHY ROGER DEAKINS, ASC/BSC PRODUCERS ARNON MILCHAN ANDREW Z. DAVIS COSTUME BY BY DESIGNER DIRECTOR OF

AND DIRECTED BY

EXECUTIVE

BY

REGENCY ENTERPRISES PRESENTS A NEW REGENCY / STRIKE ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION A FILM BY ANDREW NICCOL AMANDA SEYFRIED JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE "IN TIME" WITH ALEX PETTYFER

KRISTEL LAIBLIN AMY ISRAEL PRODUCED ERIC NEWMAN MARC ABRAHAM WRITTEN, PRODUCED

ANDREW NICCOLwww.intimemovie.com

COMING SOON#intime

OCTOBER 27

In the not-too-distant future the aging gene has been switched off. To avoid overpopulation, time has become the currency and the way people pay for luxuries and necessities. The rich can live

forever, while the rest try to negotiate for their immortality. A poor young man who comes into a fortune of time, though too late to help his mother from dying. He ends up on the run from a corrupt police force known as ‹time keepers›.

Created by: Khaldoun Qaddoura

Director: Andrew NiccolStars: Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried and Cillian Murphy.

classic escapades that have enthralled generation after generation with their one-of-a-kind mix of action, humor and scintillating tale-spinning in The Adventures of Tintin, The Secret of the Unicorn.

Based on the internationally beloved and irrepressible characters created by Hergé, the story follows the unquenchably curious young reporter Tintin and his fiercely loyal dog Snowy as they discover a model ship carrying an explosive secret. Drawn into a centuries-old mystery, Tintin finds himself in the sightlines of Ivan Ivanovitch Sakharine, a diabolical villain who believes Tintin has stolen a priceless treasure tied to dastardly pirate named Red Rackham. But with the help of his dog Snowy, the salty, cantankerous Captain Haddock and the bumbling detectives Thompson & Thomson, Tintin will travel half the world, outwitting and outrunning his enemies in a breathless chase to find the final resting place of The Unicorn, a shipwreck that may hold the key to vast fortune . . . and a ancient curse.

Director: Steven SpielbergStars: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis and Daniel Craig.

Writer/Director «Craig Brewer» delivers a new take of the beloved 1984 classic film, «Footloose.» Ren MacCormack is transplanted from Boston to the small southern town of Bomont where he

experiences a heavy dose of culture shock. A few years prior, the community was rocked by a tragic accident that killed five teenagers after a night out and Bomont’s local councilmen and the beloved Reverend Shaw Moore responded by implementing ordinances that prohibit loud music and dancing. Not one to bow to the status quo, Ren challenges the ban, revitalizing the town and falling in love with the minister’s troubled daughter Ariel in the process.

Director: Craig BrewerStars: Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough and Dennis Quaid.

vvv

15 Omar Abu Risha: The flute of the Syrian poetry.16 The Scene and Unseen.

06 HUGH JACKMAN: Made of Real Steel

24 Different Government Same Ill: cooked Decisions!27 Don’t Shoot the Messenger!.30 The Honeymoon is Over!.

32 Time To Play!

38 Emaar Company Breakfast (Iftar).40 Syrian Kuwait Insurance Company Breakfast (Iftar). 41 Damascus International Book Fair.42 Solidarity Insurance Company (Cooperative Insurance Union) Breakfast (Iftar).

19 Rock Climbing in Damascus.22 The Norias of Hama: Remnants of a Great Past.

60 What’s On Movies.

52 Selecting the Best Men’s Watch.54 Top Men’s Watches for 2011.

47 Volkswagen Middle East committed to region’s ecological sustainability: Raising the awareness of fuel efficiency.48 Let the tablets’ war begin… Apple iPad2 VS Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

6

Inte

rvie

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Society

Culture

Heritage & Travel

Film & TV

Fashion

Technology

64 Guide

Lifestyle

Fea

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01 Editor Letter

2 3

CONTENTS

In the fall of 2009, Jackman made a return to Broadway in the Keith Huff-penned “A Steady Rain.” Co-starring Daniel Craig, the play tells the story of two Chicago cops who are lifelong friends and whose differing accounts of a few traumatic days change their lives forever.

On February 22, 2009, Jackman took on the prestigious role of hosting the 81st Annual Academy® Awards. Live from the Kodak Theater, he wowed those in attendance and helped ABC score a 13% increase in viewership from the previous year. This wasn’t, however, Jackman’s first foray into Awards show hosting. Previously, Jackman served as host of the Tony® Awards three years in a row from 2003 – 2005, earning an Emmy® Award for his 2004 duties at the 58th Annual ceremony, and a nomination for his 2005 appearance at the 59th Annual ceremony.

In late 2008, Jackman appeared in 20th Century Fox’s romantic action-adventure epic “Australia,” directed by Baz Luhrmann. The film, set in pre-WWII northern Australia, sees Jackman as a rugged cattle driver who assists an English aristocrat (played by Nicole Kidman) in driving a herd of 2000 cattle across hundreds of miles of rough terrain, where they must also face the Japanese bombing of Darwin, Australia.

In early 2008, Jackman was seen in the 20th Century Fox film “Deception” opposite Ewan McGregor. The dark film explores the mystery of a woman’s disappearance and a multi-million dollar heist.

Jackman has also starred in Darren Aronofsky’s “The Fountain,” Christopher Nolan’s “The Prestige” and Woody Allen’s “Scoop.” He has lent his voice to the animated features “Happy Feet” and “Flushed Away.” Other films in which he has had leading roles include “Someone Like You,” “Swordfish,” “Van Helsing” and “Kate and Leopold,” for which he received a 2002 Golden Globe® nomination.

For his portrayal of the 1970’s singer-songwriter Peter Allen in “The Boy From Oz,” Jackman received the 2004 Tony® Award for Best Actor in a musical as well as Drama Desk, Drama League, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World awards.

Previous theater credits include “Carousel” at Carnegie Hall, “Oklahoma!” at the National Theater in London (Olivier Award nomination), “Sunset Boulevard” (for which he won a MO Award, Australia’s Tony® Award) and Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” (MO Award nomination).

Jackman’s career began in Australia in the independent films “Paperback Hero” and “Erskineville Kings” (for which he won the Australian Film Critics’ Circle Best Actor award and a Best Actor nomination from The Australian Film Institute). In 1999, he was named Australian Star of the Year at the Australian Movie Convention.

Words by: Khaldoun QaddouraHUGH JACKMAN (Charlie Kenton) is a native of Australia. He made his first major U.S. film appearance as Wolverine in the first installment of the “X-Men” franchise, a role he reprised in the enormously successful “X2” and “X-Men: The Last Stand” in 2006. Most recently, he played Wolverine in “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” which serves as a prequel to the popular series.

Were you consciously looking for a movie like this—that is really for everyone?

No, I wasn’t. It came to me as a film script and I read it and really loved it. However, when Shawn Levy came on board, that just strengthened it even more. I knew it was a big movie, but it wasn’t relying on me for action. It was almost the opposite. I get beaten up in one scene, but apart from that, there’s no people-action for me.

This is the first time you’ve worked with Director Shawn Levy. If you could describe him in one word, what would it be and why.

Phenomenal. He’s become a genuine friend, which is not easy in this business. You can probably count on one hand the amount of friends I have who I think of as real friends. He’s like omnipresent. He knows everything that’s going on, from a producer’s point of view.

If I go up to him as an actor and have an issue, he’ll already know what it is. And I’m like, how can you be thinking that? He thinks of everyone and gets the best out of everybody. He’s very generous and hardworking. I think in this film he’s really taken his game to another level and full of heart. I can’t say enough good things about the man. I actually miss not being on set with him. He’s a rare breed. There are very few people like him who are as good at what they do and who are as nice as he is.

You’ve had some background in boxing, but what was it like getting in the ring with Sugar Ray Leonard?

It was interesting. The first day we were working together, they had a film crew filming behind-the-scenes footage. He’s champion of the world, so he was just sparring with me pretending to punch my stomach…which kind

of hurt! Because the camera was there, he just wanted to play around. He’s such a great guy; we’ve hung out quite a lot, and I really like him.

Was there an important lesson you took away from your experience with him?

He really talked to me, which surprised me, about the corner man. My character in the film is the corner man. He’s not the boxer. I own and control these robots and promote them, so I’m the guy in the corner. Sugar Ray really got very intent with me. He said that he didn’t think I realized how important the corner man is in boxing.

And, even though there are robots in there, what you need to convey is that you’re the rock; you’re the strength. Sugar Ray said he used to hire Angelo Dundee for the last two or three weeks leading up to a fight, precisely because Angelo knew exactly how to talk to him during a fight. He said if you get a corner man who doesn’t know how to talk to you, there’s nothing worse. I need to know when to pick my fighter up, when to shut up, when to say the right thing.

And it’s in the training; how you get mentally prepared. The connection between the fighter and that corner man cannot be broken at any point. And it’s something I hadn’t really focused on. So it was terrific. He was also very open about the cost of boxing, the personal cost, not just the physical cost. The pursuit of that goal, that excellence, to become champion of the world, is difficult. Things get sacrificed on the way for the attainment of that goal. And he says six weeks out from a fight, it’s like you go do your own thing. And you have to push everything and everyone out. And that can be hurtful to people.

Interview

6 magazine November 2011 Issue No 78 7

HUGH JACKMAN

magazine

Interview

you know what’s at stake, and for Charlie, and actually for the kid and for the robot too, if you think about it, they’re all discarded characters. And I think what I love most about this story is how terrified Charlie becomes with the idea that he genuinely has a shot to redeem himself.

Charlie’s resigned himself at the beginning of the movie that life sucks, it doesn’t work out. He’s angry at the world. He’s angry with everyone around him. He’s put it out there and he doesn’t want to blame himself. But when you become aware that it’s you and you try to fix it, and you fail, that’s very difficult to live with. I can’t say that my life has ever been as much a collection of failures as Charlie’s. But the fear of failing I can relate to.

Do you think you have to play it safe in life? No, in my work I try not to be safe. I just

did a one-man show and that was a little frightening because it’s just me out there singing and dancing and it’s my show. But it’s a good feeling. I’m more comfortable with that feeling now, though, than I was earlier. The most scared I’d ever been was the

first time I sang at a rugby match, Australia versus New Zealand, in front of one hundred thousand people.

I had a panic attack the night before because people have been booed off and never worked again…just singing one song, the national anthem. So I’ve never been more scared than that, even the Oscars, not as scared as that moment. Because I believe actually the more you do something, the less frightening it becomes because you start to realize the outcome is not as important as you think. I was probably more scared of my high school exams than I was of the Oscars. At the time you think it’s everything and if you don’t do well, your life’s over. Opportunities are gone. So the more you do it, the less the fear is present.

Is this movie a new take on what we think of as a sports movie?

Absolutely, in terms of being one of those rousing, get out of your seat sports dramas. “Real Steel” is a sports movie, but it’s a drama too. It’s a lot about the characters and that’s what Shawn was going for.

Did you find that your training in musical theater was good preparation for boxing choreography?

Yes. The scene of me shadow-boxing was actually done with a live person on stilts. We had to choreograph that so we were in exact motion together. And that was like a one-shot. So, that took us quite a bit of work. Absolutely, that is theater training. And those fight sequences also go back to all the musical theater training. I actually think the best training you can do for fights is dance. To be a stunt man you crash into walls, crash a motor bike, and all that, but to take a punch is the hardest thing. A fight punch is a weird mixture of tension and relaxation. Because when you really get hit, your head snaps, so you have to be able to ask that of your body, which is all dance, really.

Talking about dance, Dakota Goyo busts some dance moves himself. Correct?

Right. He was really nervous about dancing in front of 5,000 extras. I was really proud of him. That’s a big call for a ten or eleven-year-old.

What was your first step to create your character, Charlie Kenton?

The first step was really getting in touch with the idea of someone who thinks he’s a failure, with a low opinion of himself. And what makes someone act in that way; what makes someone deliberately try to be almost unlikable. He doesn’t want someone to get close. That was the emotional side of him that I really worked on first.

There was his physical side too. I told Shawn that we should get some photos of me in boxing shorts so we can have that. Then I went and put on twenty pounds because I wanted Charlie to look like he wasn’t a boxer anymore. When I went for my first fitting,

Shawn said, I think you went a little too far! You had a little too much fun! So I had

to pull it back a little bit. What aspect of your

character Charlie Kenton’s personality

appealed to you as an actor? I love the idea of someone who has decided to take a view that the world is unfair to him; that in so many corners he’s so disappointed in himself, such a low opinion of himself.

He feels that he’s failed at everything and now he’s trying

to eke out a living in

this thing that he hates. The thing that is so humiliating as well as disappointing. And right up to that, he’s just become hardened to the world, the world around him.

The desperation he’s in I thought was a really powerful thing to play; somebody who’s desperate to get out and feeling trapped on all sides. But to be honest, the most powerful thing is the opportunity to redeem himself. That frightens him, because now he’s aware of what he’s got to lose. And if it doesn’t work out, how would he live with himself.

Charlie is a failure, but he gets a second chance. How do you relate to second chances?

I perceive failure in a different way than Charlie. I do have that sense of wanting to succeed to please myself as well as others. So, I do relate to that. I can understand fully that feeling that the second chance is more frightening than the first. Even though I know what’s at stake, I force myself to say yes, because I don’t like being a prisoner to any kind of fear…that feels worse

than the fear itself, so I’ll go for it. But

I’m quite a competitive person,

so I do quite like to win. But for me the

important thing is to ‘have a go.’ To ‘have a

go’ or ‘let’s have a go’ is a common expression in

Australia. It’s part of our belief that Australia is a nation

where the only real regrets that you have are the things that you didn’t do,

and even if you fail at something, at the end of the day you don’t usually regret it.

So just have a go. What I respect as far as in myself and in others is the spirit of just doing it. For better or worse, it may work and it may not, but I’m going to go for it. Ultimately I probably prefer to be respected for that than whether it works out or not, either winning or losing.

What’s more important for you in your personal life, winning or getting respect?

Interview


HUGH JACKMAN

When I was in Canada once shooting, curling was on every channel. I started to get into curling. It’s a great leveler. You can be any age, shape, whatever, and still be a great curler. I love that in a sport. Then in London, I was into the darts championships, so I guess I’m just drawn to sport.

What about boxing? It’s got athleticism and human endeavor, and also people bleeding. Are you a fan? Yes, I’m a boxing fan. I train at this place in New York, which was part of preparing for the role because I did want to look like I could throw a punch. The trainer told me he was going to train me like I was going to have a title fight. I loved that.

My father was an army champion boxer… in the British army. And so he loved boxing and talked it up as a sport. But then when my brother and I were beating the crap out of each other, he was always trying to tone it down. But I am a fan of boxing.

Did you spar with Evangeline Lilly? Her arms look like she also trained. I would not mess with Evangeline. I counsel you guys not to mess with her. She’s a force.

What is your definition of a good actor? If you as an audience fully believe the role the actor’s playing, if you can be transported, if you can really sort of believe in that story and an actor can make you feel things, that’s a great actor.

When you have simulated crowds and simulated marketing in future boxing, did this movie change how you think about sports?

No. I’m a mad lover of sport. You cannot say a bad word to me about sports. So I know business is involved and I know it can be cynical, and, of course, I watch it, but for me it’s pure.

Is it difficult, with the press and the business, not to become cynical?

You do have to guard against cynicism. You can look at the film business with cynicism or you can see it for what it is—an incredible opportunity to work in an area that obviously interests you. After a while, you can take any job for granted. But ‘taking for granted’ is the thing you’ve really got to watch out for.

I think cynicism usually comes out of disappointment, so if there’s a feeling that you haven’t lived up to what you expected, which is not dissimilar to the character I’m playing, then a bitterness comes in and it’s easier to be cynical about something, than to really own up to it—a fear of failure, really.

Do your kids think that you’re cool? Oh, no. I just did a tour. I was doing this

one-man show and I was in Toronto. And on Sunday both the kids came, and there’s one song I sang for my wife, and I pulled her up and my son’s face said it all. I like to dance, but, you know, I’m Wolverine and that’s not cool. And later I was dancing and being a bit of a goof ball, so he turned to his mom and said, “My dad is so embarrassing.” Most of the things I do are embarrassing to him!

What charities are you involved in?There are three or four I’m involved with.

But I’m going to tell you about one, which I haven’t told anyone about. I’m about to launch my own, with my partners, coffee and tea company. It’s called Laughing Man Coffee and Tea. I was always inspired by two men: one is Muhammad Yunus, who won a Nobel Prize for founding the Grameen Bank and his social entrepreneurship, and the other is Paul Newman.

I read his book and thought, I want to create some kind of business where I could use my profile to help promote it that gives jobs, that works as a business, and gives back. So we created this coffee that we’re launching in October. Right around the time this film actually is launching. I’m really proud of it. We’re going to give all the profits to charity; they’re all going to go to education charities.

Interview


HUGH JACKMAN

A gritty, white-knuckle, action ride set in the near-future where the sport of boxing has gone high-tech, “Real Steel” stars Hugh Jackman as Charlie Kenton, a washed-up fighter who lost his chance at a title when 2000-pound, 8-foot-tall steel robots took over the ring. Now nothing but a small-time promoter, Charlie earns just enough money piecing together low-end bots from scrap metal to get from one underground boxing venue to the next. When Charlie hits rock bottom, he reluctantly teams up with his estranged son Max (Dakota Goyo) to build and train a championship contender. As the stakes in the brutal, no-holds-barred arena are raised, Charlie and Max, against all odds, get one last shot at a comeback.

DreamWorks Pictures presents “Real Steel,” directed by Shawn Levy and produced by Don Murphy, Susan Montford and Shawn Levy, screenplay by John Gatins with story by Dan Gilroy and Jeremy Leven, based in part on the short story “Steel,” by Richard Matheson.

Interview

12 magazine

He was born in the year 1910, in Menbej- near Aleppo, northern of Syria. He had his elementary and secondary education in Aleppo before he moved to Beirut to continue his high education at the American university. After that His father sent him to England to study chemistry, but he left London to Paris before he returned to Aleppo in the year 1932. He joined the national movement which was fighting against the French occupation until the independence of Syria when he fought against the bad social and political conditions in Syria during that period.

He started his practical life as a manager of the book house of Aleppo, but he was soon selected to be a diplomat. This selection forced him to spend the majority of his life abroad. As a diplomat, He moved among: Argentina, Chile, India, U.S.A and other

countries until the year 1990 when he died in Saudi Arabia. These long journeys around the world, no doubt, caused him suffers from strangeness on one hand, but on the other hand it enriched his knowledge, experience and, of course, his poetry.

His first poetry collection appeared in Aleppo in the year 1936. It was entitled ‘poetry’ through which he expressed his vision towards nature and woman, love for man human emotions in addition to his love for his homeland and its freedom. His second poetry collection was ’From Omar Abu Risha’- 1947 which was followed by ‘selected poems’ which published in Beirut in 1959.he published more than 14 poetry collections During his long life in addition to a number of plays like his master plays: ‘Thiqar’ and ‘ al-Toofan-the flood’.

It is important to refer that his wide culture and knowledge of the foreign languages:

English, French, Spanish and Turkish, in addition to his perfect knowledge of the Arabic history and literature affected deeply his poetry. This knowledge affected his style and enriched his poetic diction. His poetry is full of music, lyric and metaphors. He joined the classical heritage of poetry with the romantic one, as well as the aspects of the symbolism school.

His knowledge of Arabic history and Arabic culture appeared through his usage of a large number of the famous figures in the Arabic history like: The prophet Muhammad, The leader Saef al-Dawla, the poets al-Motanabbi and Abu al-Alaa al-Maarri and others in addition to some samples of the world history like: Sameramees John Dark …

The classical feature of his poetry appeared by his usage of language. He used to be careful in selecting his words from the rich source of Arabic language and other foreign languages. He could build a fine harmony among the words inside his poetry. This aspect is the most distinguished feature of the great poetry.

Romanticism is attending also in his poetry. Love, woman, nature and description are main topics of his poems. His love for woman is pure. It is a romantic human feeling which is based on the eternal relation between man and woman. Even when he described the beauty of the woman, he described it honestly and respectably.

The reader of his poetry finds that he was fond of nature. Many of his poems were about the beauty of nature. Here he used fine combined metaphors full of: stars, trees, moon, colors, music,… in this stage the influence of the symbolism school on his poetry was appeared, especially the poetry of the great poets: Edgar Alan Poe and Charles Baudelaire in addition to the Arab pioneers of romanticism.

The flute of the Syrian poetryWords by: Murhaf Zino

Omar Abu Risha (1910-1990), the late Syrian poet, dramatist and diplomat is considered one of the Syrian figures in the second half

of the twenties century. He managed to combine the different literary schools in his poetry: classical, romanticism and symbolism in addition to his ability to modernize the Syrian and Arabic poetic movement. His poetry was also full of love and emotions for man, nature, home and the Arabic history and civilization.

Finally, the late poet lived in the age of the giants of Arabic poetry in Syria and other Arab countries, especially in Egypt. In addition to that he was not affected by his contemporary poets. On the contrary, he affected them all and managed to establish a special school of poetry which continued to be affective through the previous generations of poets up to date. It was not strange that the late poet gained many garters and medals from many Arabic and foreign countries during his life, not only

for being a diplomat but because he was a

remarkable poet and author too.


Omar Abu Risha

heritage as well as the European culture and Christianity. He has been living in the Arab countries since 2005. He has been living in Syria since 2010 and still living at the monastery of Mar Moses in Damascus countryside where he painted these works throughout more than a year. The effects of this experience are clear through his works and artistic vision.

The theme of the majority of the works is about the story of prophet Ibrahim and his sons: Ismail and Isaac in addition to his two wives: Sarah and Hajar. The exhibition also contains a painting-Icon- of Virgin Mary with a verse from Quran. Thus, the exhibition deals with some holy stories and situations and sacred figures according to both Islam and Christianity.

The artist used definite titles and comments to express his vision clearly. He put a title for each painting which is related to its idea and the main theme of all paintings. Some titles are derived from Quran and the Bible, others are taken from the poetry of Arabic Sufi poets or Spanish famous ones. Thus, the paintings have titles like: ‘al-Waad-the promise’, ‘I don’t want to die’, ‘I had seen who saw me’, etc. In addition to some quotes from the poetry of some Sufi poets like: al-Hallaj and Abu Bakr al-Shibli, and some quotes from the poetry of the famous Spanish poets Robert Desinos and Lorka.

These comments, quotes and verses help the viewer to understand the paintings because the artist used a strange, albeit suitable to his vision, style. He combined between the art of the oriental icons and the Surrealism school, and to achieve harmony between them he used different materials to accomplish this goal. He used: cloth, canvas, wood and collage. Moreover, he even Arabic calligraphy in some paintings! It is clear that this artist has a message concerning with the dialogue between religions and he chose to express this message through art.

15 oil paintings by the Spanish plastic artist Louis Moreno

are being shown now in an exhibition which has kicked off at the S.C.C, Cervantes in Damascus on 7 October and will continue till 22 October.

The artworks of this exhibition can be described on one hand as a cultural dialogue between the Arabic Islamic culture in Andalusia and the western Christian culture, and as a reflection of the Oriental Islamic Sufi culture and the oriental Christian culture on the other hand.

The title of the exhibition, the scene and Unseen, refers to the main theme of the works. The word ‘scene’ points to what can be seen or perceived through the natural human senses, it is concerned with materials and reality. While the word ‘unseen’ points to something invisible and cannot be seen through unaided eye or perceived by our senses. It is concerned with mind and spirit. It can be linked with the Islamic spiritual illumination and Sufism.

The works of the exhibition present many questions about life and death. They ask questions about universe and the man destiny

in life and his

relation with God. The most important point which the

paintings are dealing with is the relation between religions and the links between Islam and Christianity. All these points appear through the contents of the works and by the techniques which the artist used.

Before talking in detail about the former idea, it is important to mention that the artist had studied ‘ the religions dialogue’. He has also a deep knowledge of the oriental and Islamic

culture


The Scene and Unseen

Words By: Majorie Van Leijen

I t is probably not the first thing you think of doing when you are in Syria;

ruins, citadels, souks and sisha’s usually fill the pages of the tourist guide books

to Syria. But look a bit further and you will find just outside Damascus, on the

road leading to the Lebanese border, the limestone cliffs of the Anti-Lebanon

Mountains providing a perfect setting for some rock climbing activity.

There is Sabbourah Cliff, Monte Rosa, The Valley of Vigs, the Roman Road and many more rock climbing sites, all at a convenient distance from Damascus and furthermore, prepared for climbing. Although a quick look may not tell, around 200 bolted climbing routes are established in this area, carefully prepared by some active individuals of the Syrian-Swiss Alpine Club.

One of the names that cannot miss out when looking at the climbing scene in Syria is

that of the Swiss expat Jürg Neidhardt. Although he left Syria at the end of last year, he lived in Damascus for many years, working as a senior production geoscientist for Shell. Being a fervent climber for years, he decided to continue his hobby in Syria, where he certainly left his traces on the climbing sport community of Damascus. «When I

came to Syria, I saw the perfect cliffs for climbing, but with few bolted routes. I started creating these routes bit by bit,» he explains, and his efforts have not


Rock Climbing in Damascus

been limited to the pinning down of metal hooks into the rocks. In 2006, a revised and updated edition of the ‘Climbing in Damascus’ guidebook came out on his account. In these 80 pages the routes of the four main climbing sites are described and facilitated with maps and general information about rock climbing.

A group of around 30 people is going out for rock climbing on regular basis, usually visiting one of the sites in the weekend. It is an informal group of mostly expats living in Damascus, although there have been some Syrian participants too. Every now and then the group is accompanied by newcomers,

«If only a few people know how to belay, half of the group will be waiting most of the time. The ideal group of climbers is equal in number and with everyone capable of belaying the other,»

explains Gabriel.

curious to learn more about the seemingly challenging sport. «When I first joined the group, I knew nothing about rock climbing, but I was somehow intrigued by the idea of reaching a higher point by using my own power,» says Gabriel, a Belgium expat working for the UN. «Jürg taught me all the techniques, and I simply started loving it. It is not easy, but it is not scary either.»

«The trick is not to rely on your hands to much, as the muscles in your hands and arms will not be able to support you throughout the whole route,» explains. «As

long as your feet find the right spots along this route you’ll be fine,» he says and he climbs up the cliff as a spider in his web. Gabriel has clearly mastered the skills of the sport, but there are also people finding more difficulty to reach the end of the route. «It is all about learning skills», says one of the climbers. «There are different techniques you can use to get up there, and you will only figure them out while being on the cliff.» Sometimes the climbers help each other out by shouting some advices up in the air, and everyone needs to learn how to belay a climber.

Although the routes in these sites are taken care of, there are a couple of things each climber needs to think of before taking off to the site. There is no climbing without the right equipment, as Jürg explains, and this includes at least a girdle in the right seize. «The girdle is what every person needs to have, even the one who is belaying the climber, as the rope will be attached to it,» he says. And then there are the shoes that are especially designed for rock climbing, which are not necessary but would certainly make climbing a lot easier.

Equipment like this is hard to find in Syria and until now there have been no climbing sport shops in the country. «You have to go to Jordan or Lebanon to find these things,» advices a climber and this makes climbing in Damascus a bit difficult. However, newcomers to the group in Damascus can probably count on some help. «The main equipment is available and there can always be some swapping,» says Gabriel, who believes that everyone should give it a try. And with the perfect cliffs waiting to be climbed just outside the city of Damascus, it would indeed be a missed chance not to do so.

heritage & travel


Rock Climbing in Damascus

Remnants of a Great PastThe mere mention of the

name Hama, the Syrian town 140 km south of Aleppo, triggers images of giant waterwheels gently turning along the banks of a river. Most travellers drop in for a short visit on their way to the larger metropolises of Aleppo or Damascus.

The city of Hama, or Hamat (means citadel in Arabic) lies boasts with a long history dating back to 2000 BC. The giant wheels (nawaeer) were built by the Byzantines and have been used to lift water from the Orontes river (nahr el-Assi) onto nearby land, orchards and houses. Today, they stand as prominent historical and ancient landmarks that add a decorative touch with restaurants and cafés that line up the town’s riverside

Norias were used in Hama since at least the 5th century. There is an old mosaic in the Hama museum, found in Apamea and dated to 469 A.D. showing their use!! The wheels seen today were designed in the 13th century by the Ayyubids, who built around 30 of them. Out of the 100 norias that originally existed in and around Hama 17 survive today (Dating from the 14th and 15th centuries). They have been rebuilt or reconditioned during the Mamluk and Ottoman times.

The noria wheel is up to 20 meters (66 ft) in diameter. The water in the river is channeled into a sluice so that its flow turns the wheel around. Wooden boxes attached to the wheel raise the water from the sluice and discharge it into an artificial channel at the summit of the wheel’s rotation. The water is then led by gravity along a series of aqueduct channels. It was distributed to domestic or agricultural users in Hama; access to the flow was regulated at carefully worked-out times so that the water could be shared.

To ensure the constant movement of the wheels, the river flow was channeled by little dams into a series of sluice gates. The gates are in use today, and the closing of a gate will completely stop the wheel from turning. The norias emit a distinctive “moan” as they turn, the result of friction between the wooden central pin against two wooden pads that support it. Every noria makes a distinct sound, and expert noria workers can diagnose the exact condition and health of the wheel just by listening to the sound it makes.

There are two norias on the river close to the citadel. Upstream from the town center at Bichriyat, are four more wheels that can be viewed from outdoor restaurants. Downstream from the center is the largest noria, the al-Mohamadiyya, which used to supply the Great Mosque with water. Part of its old aqueduct still spans the road. It was built in the fourteenth century and restoration work on it began in 1977.

The use of norias as an irrigation tool was abandoned in the middle of the 20th century, they were replaced by diesel pumps which operate today. The Syrian government still allocates some funds for their maintenance, ensuring that this particular Hama icon does not die.

heritage & travel


The Norias of Hama

The ingenious decision of suspending the import of all products and materials whose customs exceed the 5%

threshold has been canceled now, just one week after its issuance, but at what cost?Prices for virtually everything have sky-rocketed with an increase of as a much as 50% overnight! And from what we have seen until now (1 week after cancelation) they (the prices) are not going to go back to what they used to be anytime soon, if ever.

Economies should be steered carefully and surely, just like steering a ship, not with the sharp and sudden turns of a motorcycle!

A simple yet perfectly-correct rule that has escaped the mind of whoever (inside the government or beyond the government) came up with the ingenious decision of suspending the import of all products and materials whose customs exceed the 5% threshold!

Painful decision after painful decision, all the successive Syrians governments

have proved that they are not capable of comprehending the meaning of running a state’s economy and the scale the effects of even the simplest of decisions can have on the livelihoods of millions of citizens.

From quadrupling fuel prices overnight to slashing interest rates by 9% -overnight also- to the recent sudden and immediate ban of imports; all are critical and life-quality-changing decisions taken recklessly and without studying there social effects and there short and long term consequences on how the Syrian economy’s wheel is spinning.

As a result of this reckless decision; prices of most types of food, clothes and tools have sky-rocketed, traders and sellers are stalking goods instead of selling them hoping to be able to sell them later at higher prices and the average consumer is dumbfounded by this out-of-nowhere blow!

Misfortunes come togetherSyria is witnessing a tsunami of misfortunes

these days, its tourism and services sectors have been all but wiped out due to the civil and political unrest throughout the last 6 months. The European and American sanctions have effectively stopped all its oil exports which together with tourism are the source of some 90% of its hard currency income and the employer of some 33% of its working force.

To make things even worse, early this week the Syrian the Minister of Economy driven by overwhelming determination (probably form a higher authority) to guard the country’s precious 17 billion dollars of foreign currency reserve has issued a very sudden and surprising decision to ‘temporarily’ suspend importing cars and all materials and products with +5% customs, which means, effectively, that Syria will never import anything except some materials which are considered essential for life and for main industries, the list of the 51 materials exempted from this ban or suspension can be found in another space of this article.

According to the Minister the decision will help to revive the Syrian industrial sector and will support the successful steps towards reform and development, and –most importantly- it will preserve the foreign currency reserve.

Al-Shaar, the Syrian Minister of Economy said: “the decision aims at preserving Syria’s reserves of

foreign currencies and using those reserves in meeting the citizens’ basic needs for as long time as possible.” According to the Governor of Central Bank of Syria, we have some 18 billion$ of reserves, and during the last six months Syria has spent about 1.7 billion $, which means that we still have some 16-17 billion $, which should be fine by all standards. This latest procedure, however, shows the opposite.

Back to the Minister of Economy who tried to assure uss that Syria can withstand and maintain such suspension because we have the necessary fundamentals for self-development, he assured us that Industrialists and traders in Syria can successfully deal with the suspension because they have the means to create solutions and to produce everything the Syrian market needs, adding that “If we saw that the negatives of the decision are more than its positives, we’ll take the appropriate decision. The Ministry takes its decisions on the basis of the citizens’ interests.”

He pointed out that the list of materials exempted from the decision, which includes 51 materials, is not final and could be adjusted according to the national needs.The minister added that this resolution is protective, and temporary, it will contribute to the revitalization of the production process by giving the opportunity for factories to produce goods that stop the importation of similar products, while creating new jobs or re-employing workers in some closed factories.

Sounds optimistic, but, deep inside, everyone know that such decisions

cannot be anything but harmful and damaging for any economy on the long run. According to many industrialists and traders, the list of materials is Improvisational and needs serious discussing and no one can work with the few and limited materials in the list. It will result in non-controlled rising in market prices. From his behalf, the minister stressed that “sometimes prices rise because of international causes and that is normal, but some traders try to raise prices just to get more profit. Syria is experiencing a crisis that forces us to sacrifice and we must give Syria all what it needs to stand and rise again.” The Minister concluded by saying that this decision was taken because of the current crisis, adding that “In every decision, there will be beneficiaries and sides which are damaged by it… The standard is to increase positives and limit negatives”.

This shocking decision caused a barrage of criticisms and debates among people, traders and industrialists and between them and the government so much so that the Cabinet called upon the ‘Ministry of Economy and Trade’ to take steps to monitor the market prices to prevent the exploitation of the temporary suspension of importation, particularly the prices of food and locally-produced products, in addition to reconsidering some articles in the suspension decision to achieve national interest.

Traders, industrialists and people on the streets have a very different point of view that does not share the optimism of the government:

Khaled Ajaj a trader said: “The decision to suspend the importation of certain materials is a good decision, but it should ban the goods

that we could produce, we must consider the products that we can’t produce locally, and they should decrease the customs’ costs to give the chance for modern industries to take the first step. By the way, I think that the sudden way that the ministry of economy issued such a decision is wrong, they should have discussed it with the traders and industry chambers and activate it gradually to give those affected with the decision the time to take appropriate steps”. Some people compared the decision to similar decision in china in the era of Mao Tse-tung and said that while it will be great if Syria had the chance to become like china, however “we can’t because we need money, we need job opportunities. The miracles’ time is over; we are in the 21st century we can’t go back in time 30 years. This decision will take Syria back to the 80s and late 70s no one can adapt with it ever,” Sameer Tawel, student said.

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Different Government Same Ill- cooked Decisions!

Ammar Kamel, unemployed, said: “CHINA! What are you talking about? Mao Tse-tung used to spend his life wearing work clothes; he forced all his team to do like him. He used a bicycle to move from place to another. He accused and sentenced his wife due to her corruption. Such decision needs pure souls and good society; it needs years of studies and discussing”.

Corruption is the plaque that damages every successful project in Syria, every one say that we are fighting corruption but it takes time, too much stupid time, Samaher Bayazeed, 28 years old engineer is a supporter of the decision and regards it as “positive and good it will provides the basic needs of Syrians and will save the Syrian treasury and reserves of foreign currencies, I’m supporting it to the end”. According to Samaher, it –the decision – will help Syria while, according to the traders: “The decision is nothing but a disaster for the importers and traders in Syria because: 1- it is a sudden and shocking decision, why didn’t they decide to activate it starting from 1/1/2012 for example? 2-How would traders and importers take back the money that has been paid to foreign companies? Have they thought of this?! We need Syrians to be more close together in such circumstances but such decisions will damage all what we are doing to control the situation in Syria.” Abed El-rahman Sa’aid, an exporting-importing company owner said.

The Minister tried his best to get public support for his decision but in vain, someone said sarcastically: “I support this decision although I know it is the worst decision that could be made ever, but I support it as the second strike in our war on Europe – the first strike was when we erased them from the global map and I am very optimistic about a third strike soon!”

The optimistic people rely on the ‘wisely-chosen’ new government; they say that the new government has the right to prove itself. We are facing very special circumstances which impose different solutions which we should support to the end: “Syria is a great country, we had experienced a similar situation before and we managed to go over it and we will now, this decision is worthy to try it, others should be patients” Joumana Ma’alouf said.

The unbelievable decision has shocked the economists in Syria, they couldn’t believe that such a step could be studied for more than four or five minutes because “it doesn’t help the economy, as we studied it in universities and from the long experience in the economic domain this is the first time that I witness something like that! How could they compensate the loss of the state’s treasury? This will decrease the taxes and customs duties, this will cause a big deficiency to the

state’s treasury and to the merchants and it will force some merchants to smuggle foreign

currencies out of Syria, it will cause many bankruptcies among Syrian merchants and industrialists.”

Surprisingly, several medias have reported the same Minister of Economy saying that: “He refused the decision from the very beginning!” A weird and baffling statement from the same minister who has spent the whole last week defending and explaining the benefits of the decision! When the cabinet asked him to reconsider the decision he told Al-Baath newspaper, that he wasn’t so optimistic about the decision and so he opposed its issuance! And the question is: If the Minister, himself, opposed the issuance why has he issued it? It seems that the government is trying to withdraw this decision and replace it with allowing the importation of goods but without being involved in financing these imports: “If we can’t use these reserves now when are we supposed to use it? Europe refuses our oil to exert pressure on us, I can’t believe that our reaction was to stop dealing with 90% of the world! They tried to trap us and they failed, but by this decision we are surrounding and trapping ourselves!” S A.O, an economic expert commented.

The battle is still on, each team is trying to prove that he is right but in such kind of battles the largest losers are the people because they are the end users of everything and the most affected by the decisions of the government, Nassar Ramadan, a car dealer and owner of clothes’ factory said : “this is crazy, cant they see what is going on the streets? Aren’t they Syrian? This decision is completely wrong, it will cause a big disaster, everyone in Syria knows that Damascus and Aleppo are full of merchants, industrials and importers; this will destroy the society in Aleppo, I am afraid that this decision will push Aleppo to get involved in the political dilemma in Syria, people of Aleppo has proved their loyalty to the regime but after

this decision everything is possible! They are making fun of us, when we were in the meeting of

the chamber of commerce of Aleppo there was a big fight, merchants started

to accuse each other of treason! this is unacceptable. I believe that such decisions

were made just to help and to serve a specific and limited will-known people.”

“There is a say: ‘hungry people will do anything’, Syrians are going to be hungry because of this decision, everybody know that Syria has the suitable resources to avoid hunger but it never had the right strategy to stop the greedy merchants. They will eat us alive, the merchants I mean, once the Ministry of Economic issued this decision they raised the prices, do you believe that if you want to buy one pack of eggs you should pay 220 SYP?! the price was 115 in Ramadan, people will not be able to pay for anything except bread and this is dangerous, I can’t believe that the one who made such a decision is Syrian or lives in Syria” Ahmad Da, business man.

Due to the decision, many or let us say millions of voices shouted: We cannot accept this, so the government asked the ministry to reconsider the merits of it. The ministry started to study the request and to deal with the new circumstances, which means that they didn’t expect such a reaction of the people. So, did they study this decision before issuing it? Or was it the result of a 5-minute brainstorming session? Does the principle ‘the end justifies the means’ work when it comes to deciding the destiny of 23 million people. Such a decision is just like when we treat a patient with cancer by using radiation, we can heal him from cancer, but we

surely will destroy the rest of his body!

What does it mean to attack an ambassador of a superpower with eggs, rocks and tomatoes? More importantly, whom does it benefit? What does the country gain from such aimless and fruitless attacks?Does anyone believe that those who are attacking western ambassadors are actually regular people acting spontaneously? Why don’t we see people form the other camp (the demonstrators) attacking the Russian or Iranian ambassadors?In this article we will try to answer the aforementioned questions through several quotes and comments by both international media and Syrian spectators and eye witnesses.

“The U.S. ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, was safe on Thursday after being attacked by a pro-government group” a U.S. government official told CNN.«It was an attack by an armed mob and he is ok,» said the official, who was not authorized to speak to the media and did not want to be named.

Ford, who has been outspoken against what he calls ‘the Syrian regime’s use of violence against protesters’, is seen by many pro-regimers as an activist more than a diplomat.

Ford sparked a diplomatic firestorm in July when he traveled to the restive city of Hama to express support for demonstrators. He was welcomed with flowers by local residents there who had suffered a brutal crackdown by government forces. President Bashar al-Assad’s government called the trip an attempt to foment dissent.

Since then, Ford continued to be seen by some as more of a provocateur than a traditional diplomat.

A crowd tried to assault Ford and embassy colleagues «as they went about doing the normal work of any embassy,» State Department spokesman Mark Toner said.

«The mob was violent; it tried, unsuccessfully, to attack embassy personnel while they were inside several embassy vehicles, seriously damaging the vehicles in the process,» Toner said.

Syrian security officers helped to secure the way back to the U.S. Embassy for the

Arabs and Syrians in the USA

Baladna: Massa Kateb

Don’t Shoot the Messenger!

features



ambassador and his staff.” According to cnn.com, while in another newspaper they used the accusing way. It showed that the attackers were legal and no one accused them, - this is bad-

“A tomato-hurling mob assaulted the U.S. ambassador to Syria and several aides Thursday as they arrived for a meeting with an opposition leader; an incident the State Department later said was deliberately staged by Syrian officials.”

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton sharply condemned the attack on Ambassador Robert S. Ford, who U.S. officials say was trapped for more than an hour when the mob besieged the Damascus office building where the meeting occurred. No Americans were hurt, but several embassy cars were badly damaged.

“This attempt to intimidate our diplomats through violence is wholly unjustified,” Clinton told reporters at a Washington news conference. A formal complaint was lodged with the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who Clinton said must “take every possible step to protect our diplomats.” says the Washington post.

• “Pro-government supporters trapped U.S. Ambassador Robert Ford in the Damascus office of a Syrian opposition figure, reportedly taking aim at the diplomat as he tried to leave with tomatoes and other projectiles. Reuters news agency reports that two U.S. vehicles sustained damage as the angry crowd surrounded the home or office of moderate politician Hassan Abdelazim, who has demanded an end to President Bashar al-Assad’s brutal crackdown on opposition demonstrations. An eyewitness in Damascus tells CBS News’ George Baghdadi that he saw Ford eventually leave the house, but U.S. officials at the Embassy would not comment on the Ambassador’s current location or condition. There was no indication he had been injured. Abdelazim later confirmed to the Associated Press that Ford did come under

• Washington and Paris condemned the attacks. The US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, said: «We demand [Syria] meet their international responsibilities immediately to protect all diplomats and the property of all countries.” the guardian newspaper issued.

It wasn’t spontaneous• “By analyzing the way the attackers gathered , and noting that they were all holding the same pictures you will discover the fact that nothing was spontaneous” Rafeek Ahmad, 52 years old, said, “how on earth did they know that the ambassador is visiting the lawyer, how did they manage to buy eggs and tomatoes so fast?” he concluded.• “Why don’t they deal with protesters with tomato and eggs? I demand police men and the security forces to deal with the demonstrators with eggs and tomato if they think it has a magical influence in fixing the Brocken things. This is madness; I can’t believe that we (the Syrians) accept not to treat and hospitalize our guests the right way, even if they did something wrong this is not the way to solve problems.” Says Abdoulhakem.• “Assaulting diplomats is bad and shameful, it contradicts with the conventions and international norms, it contradicts with our Arabian habits of hospitality and generosity, we all believe that the American ambassador’s stances are against the dreams of the Arabs, but the ambassador himself is just a messenger; he adopts and executes his mission according to the policy of his country, he is an employee, no more, no less. What we witnessed in the last two months is not acceptable by any means; we should respect them and push them to respect us. They will defend us, and help us but we should make ourselves understandable first.” Says a young man who wished to remain anonymous.

Syrians are so passionate, they understand that they have to choose the right and suitable reactions to keep their country away from what happened in Libya, most of them know that dealing with foreign diplomats should be done so carefully and must give the right picture of the Syrian to the whole world, some, however do not agree with this point of view: “I don’t care, what they say about Syria, I believe in Syria and I will destroy the whole world to keep it safe, we love the president and he loves Syria so we will fight anyone to protect him –the president- and protect Syria. I am asking USA, and France and their Ambassadors to leave Syria immediately; we will keep attacking them if they continue to conspire on Syria. Attacking the Ambassadors with eggs and tomatoes has bothered them! They should thank God that we didn’t use anything else.” Haydara, 25 years old, engineer and shabeeh (pro-government militant) said.

attack outside his office in the Syrian capital.” According to Elfagr newspaper on its website.• An eyewitness in Afif, the old quarter of the capital where the American Embassy is located, said that demonstrators tore down embassy plaques and tried to break security glass. The witness, who declined to be identified because of the delicacy of the situation, said the protesters traveled to the embassy in four buses, and that some of them were armed. • “In a post on his Facebook page, the American ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, said the attack on his convoy was more violent than previously reported. The attackers threw “concrete blocks at the windows and hit the cars with iron bars,” Mr. Ford wrote. On Thursday, many news sites, including The Leadership, reported that the ambassador’s car had been set upon by protesters with eggs and tomatoes. “Look at the photos of the U.S. Embassy vehicles; eggs and tomatoes do not do such damage,” he wrote on his Facebook page.• A Syrian protester at the French embassy said, «I want to send a message to France specifically, and to Sarkozy and the ambassador who interfered in our affairs and went to Hama without permission from the Syrian Foreign Ministry. This is wrong. That goes for the American ambassador too.” • France also accused Syrian forces of being too slow to respond, and demanded the government abide by its international obligations, to protect diplomatic missions and allow envoys freedom of movement.• Men dressed in riot gear and security officers appeared to do nothing to restrain the crowds at the US embassy. At the French embassy, witnesses said shots were fired into the air to disperse the attacks. US ambassador Robert Ford’s residence also came under attack. Earlier, Addounia, a TV station close to the regime, had called on people to send the ambassador a message.

On the other side of Damascus (the areas of the majority of the anti-regime) they don’t care about the whole story, all they need is to demonstrate and to make their voices louder, Says M, a demonstrator, he is a well-dressed man who talks in a very low and calm voice: “I want them both (the regime and the foreign diplomats) to listen to me; I don’t care about the cars of the embassy or the one they hit by the car, I want them to respect my demands, this Hollywood movie will not convince a baby, how the hell is it supposed to convince the smart politicians around the world? I believe that they has been pushed by the government, the government has told them when and where to go in order to distort the image of the demonstrates by saying that they are spies and executing an American agenda, But as an educated man I am telling everybody that this is an uncivilized way to tell somebody the he is not welcomed in Syria and we all know who wants to isolate Syria.”

It is obvious that such an impulsive action will deliver the wrong message about the wise judgment of those who decide what is right and what is wrong for Syria, people cannot believe anything or everything. While asking the people in the area whether attacking the diplomat is right or wrong and why, someone shouted: “Are you crazy? They pushed the people to do that, it is very wrong to do such a thing, I have the proof that the government knew about it before,” he was too angry of news reporters and their silly questions: “Why didn’t they arrest them as they do here, I don’t think that such a demonstration is acceptable in the Syrian law according to the new legislative. They ordered them to do it.

We are happy about such an attack too because it shows the wrong way they deal with problems and the way they use to control freedom in order to kill it.”

In the regime-supporters area the image is quite different: “He deserves it, no one conspires against Syria and escapes, they want to destroy our country so they will pay the price, actually I am surprised, why are you paying attention to such things, it is only a symbolic massage to the administration of USA to keep clean and to stay away from Syria, they will never change the president and will never ever harm the Syrians, we don’t care for the whole world, Syrians are under heavy attacks by the imperialism around the world and we should do whatever it takes to stop the attack and to teach them how to interact with Syria Al-Assad.” One very enthusiastic man said!

Lion cubsKhaldoun Abaas, a real estate office owner

said: “We are the descendants of the eternal leader Hafez al-Assad, and the children of His Majesty, Mr. President Bashar al-Assad, may God protect him, will prove to the world that we are the heart of Syria al-Assad and we are not traitors or agents for Israel and America and will pledge allegiance to Bashar, attacking embassies is the right way to keep the ambassadors inside it and to limit their moves, I support such demonstrations and I wish I were there, foreign people will understand the reason behind such attacks and will thank us at the right time”

Syrian society is a very educated and successful society, it does have all what it needs to form a good dialogue team, says Tareq Sabagh, a high school teacher: “We all know that the Americans are the killers of the Indians in old America, they killed the people in Vietnam , Iraq, Afghanistan, they deserve more. However, as a diplomatic action I don’t approve attacking embassies because it is a protected territory and should be respected, if not; the whole world will never respect us anymore. It will distort the bright image of Syria.”

In diplomacy science embassies were found to keep the relations between two countries warm and to keep the diplomatic channels between countries open, to avoid the one side judgments and to avoid unnecessary wars. If we play with such channels we might destroy them or distort them and might lose the chance to stop a war before it begins. Keep the hair between us and the rest of the world, you don’t know when you will need it.

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is Over!

The

Earlier this week, Turkish media reports claimed that President al-Assad government decided to ban the import of all Turkish

products subject to more than five percent customs tax.According to the Turkish reports, Syrian customs were informed about the issue on September the 22nd; however, because of pressure from Ankara, the implementation of the new regulation that was planned to take effect on September 25 was postponed to the next week.

The decision –That was eventually canceled few days later- as it turned out was not specifically targeting Turkish imports rather than banning all imports subject to +5% customs no matter what their origin is.

The storm of comments from Turkish and Syrian officials, however, indicates one thing: The honeymoon is over and the prospects for Turkey’s economic relationships with Syria will remain uncertain as long as the crisis in Syria is still going on, despite the significant growth in trade volume between the 2 countries since 2006 which was last estimated at 2.5 billion dollars.

The Turkish Economy Ministry has warned the Turkish exporters associations to inform their members about the new regulation, the report alleged.

However, last Friday, Turkish officials anonymously stated: “The news piece is completely fabricated. If Syria has a decision to downgrade trade ties, it is their own call, but we are not informed of such an intention.” Turkish officials also reported that there was no slowdown in vehicle traffic at the border gates between Turkey and Syria until now.

Speaking to Today’s Zaman, Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) President Mehmet Büyükekşi noted that six months of insurrection have taken a severe toll on the Syrian economy: “The ongoing unrest in Syria has caused many tourists to cancel their reservations, stopped its export to other countries. Thus the foreign currency reserves of the government are depleting. In respond to the situation, the government has suspended the import of many things other than basic goods.” Underlining that not only Turkey but all countries exporting goods to Syria will be affected by the instable situation in Syria, Büyükekşi noted that the Ministry of Economy continuously informs exporters associations including TİM about current developments.

“The ministry has announced that although they were on the list of banned goods, Syrian customs allowed fresh fruits and vegetables, textile products and all other goods that arrived at customs, so we inform our members about the issue,” he added. Underlining that uncertainties create problems for businessmen exporting to Syria, Büyükekşi stated that Turkey’s trade with Syria will continue without interruption when Syria becomes stable.

The Turkish Economy Minister Zafer Çağlayan said that his country, the boggiest trade partner for Syria, might target Syrian exports to it should the Syrian government decided to go on with the decision of banning all imports with +5% customs.

He said that Syria has huge exports to Turkey and “we don’t put obstacles in front of that 700-800 million Dollars a year worth of exports, but I want to assure them that if they (Syria) put any obstacles in front of our exports, we will do as well.”

The political stands of the Turkish government have affected the economic relations as well. The fact that Turkey keeps hosting opposition’s conferences together with the statements of the Turkish PM about the situation in Syria led to high levels of tension between the two governments, a surprising and unexpected outcome considering the great relations during the past few years which were full of mutual visits and barriers-removing measures and agreements, especially in the tourism field, where the two countries have canceled entrance fees adopting an open-boarder policy, in addition to signing many agreements that allow for goods and capitals to move easily between the two countries.

The Head of the Tourism Chambers in Syria Rami Martini said that when the political situation with Turkey was better I always said that the tourists who come to Syria from Turkey were far less than the Syrians who went to Turkey, economically speaking: When Turkish tourists come to Syria, they spend 100 dollars for two to three days, while Syrian tourists in Turley spend some 1000 dollars for the

same period, especially in Antakia, and Istanbul. Even more, Syrian tourists buy the best Turkish products, while Turkish tourists buy the state-subsidized products from Syria, and they, sometimes, smuggle them, like sugar and tea for example, to benefit from their higher prices in Turkey!

At the same time, Syrian Trade Minister Mohammad Nadal al-sahaar said that the free trade agreement between Syria and Turkey is not fair at all, because, according to this agreement, Turkey gained more privileges than Syria did. The agreement was signed in 2004, and took effect in 2007, leading to a 30% annual growth in the trade volume between the 2 countries.

The trade volume between Syria and Turkey reached 2.5 billion dollars last year; Syria exports some 800 million dollars according to the official records, which means that the Turkish side exports some 1.7 billion Dollars annually to Syria.

features


The Honeymoon is Over!

In the cloudy rainy winter be the one to shine with the fall winter 2011-2012 bright color trend. All colors are aloud this winter from yellow to pink orange, blue and red, so be bold and choose what suits you the most.

Colorful winterTime To Play!

Balmain

Alexander McQueen

The Row

Yves Saint Laurent

Ralph Lauren

D&G

Malene Birger

Alexander McQueen

Lanvin

Paul & Joe

Preen

Sass & bide Miu Miu

Fashion


Time To Play!

Sexy magic WoMANFeminine, sexy, daring, and confident, those

are the designers’ favorites’ characters for the 2012 woman. Mark Jacobs for Louis Vuitton was the best to translate this trend and a lot of designers follow on his footsteps. Don’t be afraid to show your sexy side this winter but try not to exaggerate so you don’t look tacky.

Have you ever been curious to live like a man for one day? This season the designers gave us the opportunity to feel like a man. Dress like a man or borrow from your boyfriend closet but don’t forget to add your feminine touch because that what will give the look it uniqueness and originality and that will distinguish you and keep you beautiful in all men eyes.

Eugenia Kim

Miu Miu

Ralph Lauren

Alexander Wang

Kain

D&G.

Moschino

Dolce & Gabbana

Michael Kors

Chlo

Chlo

Chlo

Ralph Lauren

Christian Louboutin

Marni

Mulberry

Gucci

Burberry

Pachacuti

Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin

Louis Vuitton

Roberto Cavalli

Alice by Temperley

Roberto CavalliBally

Willow

Louboutin

Alexandre Birman

Michael Kors

Gucci

Phillip LimMcQ

Fashion


Time To Play!

Knit wear, everywhere! 40s back!You are not going to feel cold, because this winter is all about chunky knit wear.

Cozy and wormy reminding us of our grannies’ blankets with it cheerful and colorful prints. So how can we not love this hot trend?

Who can resist the elegance of the 40s? Chic, glamorous and sophisticated, the ladylike style is never out of fashion. Dig in your grandma closet or go to the vintage shops to collect the amazing antique pieces and it will last for always.

magazine

Burberry

Burberry

Edun

Maison Martin Margiela

Jacobs

Miu Miu

Miu Miu

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren

Michael Kors

Etro

Miu MiuChlo Chlo

The Row

Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs

Ralph lauren

Yves Saint Laurent

Gucci

Lanvin

Chlo

Donna Karan

Black Fleece

L’Agence

Mulberry

Valentino

Valentino

Jonathan Saunders

Giambattista Valli

Missoni

Sonia Rykiel

Donna Karan

Gucci

Fashion


Time To Play!

Emaar Company Breakfast (Iftar)Date: 22 \8\2011 Place: Boulevard Restaurant – Malki

Emaar Company invited their staff to an Iftar at Boulevard Restaurant – Malki , attendance spent a great time.

society


Emaar Company Breakfast (Iftar)

|40| |41|

Syrian Kuwait Insurance Company Breakfast (Iftar)Date: 24\8\2011 Place: Omayyad Hotel

Syrian Kuwait Insurance Company invited their staff to an Iftar at Omayyad Hotel, attendance spent a great time.

society


Syrian Kuwait Insurance Company Breakfast (Iftar)

Damascus International Book Fair Date: 8\9\2011 Place: Damascus Fairground

Syrian Vice President, Dr. Najah Al Attar, has inaugurated the 27th edition of Al Assad Library International Book Fair 2011, the inauguration saw the attendance of Minister of Culture, Dr. Riyad Esmat; Minister of Information, Dr. Adnan Mahmoud, as well as many cultural figures, publishers, writers, intellectuals and enthusiasts.

Solidarity Insurance Company (Cooperative Insurance Union) Breakfast (Iftar) Date: 28 \8\2011 Place: Palm Village

Solidarity Insurance Company (Cooperative Insurance Union) invited their staff to an Iftar at Palm Village, attendance spent a great time.

society


Solidarity Insurance Company Breakfast

Collections 15 – 30 October. Damascus Tajalliyat Gallery, Western Mazzeh; 011 611 2338Kamel Gallery, East Mazzeh; 011 611 2965 Kozah Gallery, Midhat Pacha; 011 541 0900Free Hand Gallery, Jisr Al Abyad; 011 334 7211

15 – 20 October. Damascus Book Fair Specialized in Poetry Al-Qishleh Shelter, Old Damascus

16 – 25 October. Damascus Art Exhibition (Painting, Sculpture) Featuring poems of Syria’s most important poets, Mustafa Ali Gallery, Hay Al Amine; 011 542 1988

23 – 30 October. Damascus Autumn Exhibition of the Photography Club Arab Cultural Centre,Abu Rummaneh; 011 334 9376

23 – 27 October. Damascus Nisreen Darzi Exhibition Arab Cultural Centre, Yarmouk; 011 632 0830

23 October – 3 November. Damascus Exhibition for Art Friends Society Al Shaab, Fardos; 011 231 9606

29 October – 30 November. Damascus The Other Exhibition by Saad Yagan Art House Gallery, Mazzeh Jabal;011 662 8112

15 October. DamascusPalestine Festival for Popular Arts Arab Cultural Centre, Yarmouk; 011 632 0830 At 6:00 pm

16 October. Damascus “How Poetry Is Perceived in Syria Today”

Open discussion hosting Jamal Shehayed (critic), Said Al-Barghouthi (publisher), Samer Muhammad Ismail (poet, critic) and Luqman Deiraki (poet) Mustafa Ali Gallery, Hay Al Amine; 011 542 1988 at 6:00 pm

18 October. DamascusLecture by Fakhry Al- BaroudyArab Cultural Centre, Abu Rummaneh; 011 334 9376 at 6:00 pm

18 October. Damascus“Old Poetic Voices Attending to Femininity”Lecture by Thaer Zeniddine Arab Cultural Centre, Adawi; 011 442 02670 At 5:00 pm

18 October. Damascus“Poetry in Italy and Sweden” Open discussion hosting poets Jasem Muhammad ( Sweden) and Davide Rondoni (Italy) Mustafa Ali Gallery, Hay Al Amine; 011 542 1988 at 7:00 pm

20 October. DamascusWorkshop for Kids with Special NeedsBy Rajaa Ashmawi Arab Cultural Centre, Jobar; 011 463 70040At 4:30 pm

20 October. DamascusPoetry Night for Young Syrian Poets Mustafa Ali Gallery, Hay Al Amine; 011 542 1988 at 7:00 pm

31 October. Damascus“Arabic and Syriac Languages”By Joseph Asmar Malki Arab Cultural Centre, Abu Rummaneh; 011 334 9376a at 6:00 pm

18 – 19 October. Damascus Academia SyriaVenue: Damascus Sheraton Hotel

27 – 31 October. Damascus Big 4 ShowVenue: Damascus International FairgroundThe International Industrial Exhibition the Big 4 Show is a unique economic event that is annually organized to cater to the need for technologies and advanced industrial machines in the Middle East region. 27 – 31 October. Damascus Home TextileVenue: Damascus International FairgroundThe International Home Textile Exhibition Home Textile will offer an unmatched opportunity to Syrian and international manufacturers and suppliers to display their latest products to those who appreciate and seek them throughout the Arab region. 27 – 31 October. Damascus Safety & Security SyriaVenue: Damascus International FairgroundThe International Exhibition for Safety, Security, and Risk Prevention.

27 – 31 October. Damascus Syria LogistexVenue: Damascus International FairgroundSyria Logistex is organized to be the showcase of the most important logistic services that play a role in supporting the national economy and in driving the economic development forward, while also providing an opportunity for local, Arab, and international companies that function in this vital sector to meet and exchange experiences.

19 and 20 October. DamascusMagic of the Orient By Golnar Dance Theatre Group Dar Al Assad – Opera Theatre, Umayyad Square; 011 245 6144 at 8:00 pm

20 October. DamascusKarakoz Playing Poet Theatre activity for families with Zaki Kordilo Mustafa Ali Gallery, Hay Al Amine; 011 542 1988 At 6:00 pm

31 October. DamascusSlippers By the Kazan State Conservatory Company, Russian Musical Dar Al Assad – Opera Theatre, Umayyad Square; 011 245 6144At 8:00 pm

15 October. Damascus Luna Choir By Sham Group conducted by Hussam Eddine Brimo Church of St.Cyril / Kassaa District At 7:30 pm

15 October. Damascus Swedish Music and Poetry Night Jasem Muhammad (poetry), Alessia Pasini (vocal music) and Mell Morcone (piano) Al- Azem Palace At 7:00 pm

16 October. DamascusPercumania Band Conducted by Nuri El Ruheibani with the participation of Noura El RuheibaniDar Al Assad – Opera Theatre, Umayyad Square; 011 245 6144At 8:00 pm

17 October. DamascusSolo Piano Marat Gubaidullin from Russia Dar Al Assad – Opera Theatre, Umayyad Square; 011 245 6144At 8:00 pm

17 October. DamascusCircassian Music and Poetry Night The band of the Circassian Association for Charity Dummar Cultural Complex, Dummar; 011 311 5142 At 7:00 pm

19 October. DamascusItalian Music and Poetry Night David Rondoni ( poetry) and Mell Morcone ( piano) Mustafa Ali Gallery, Hay Al Amine; 011 542 1988 At 7:00 pm

20 October. DamascusThe Syrian Women Oriental Ensemble Conducted by Wafaa Safar, honouring the late great singer Suad Muhammad Dar Al Assad – Opera Theatre, Umayyad Square; 011 245 6144At 8:30 pm

23 October. DamascusChilli Latin Big Band Latin music and dance Dar Al Assad – Opera Theatre, Umayyad Square; 011 245 6144At 8:00 pm

24 October. DamascusTarab Orchestra Conducted by Majed Saray Eddine with the participation of Shahd Barmada, honouring the late great musician Baligh Hamdi Dar Al Assad – Opera Theatre, Umayyad Square; 011 245 6144At 8:00 pm

26 October. DamascusPuccini in Damascus Lubana Quntar ( soprano), Silvana Froli ( soprano), Stefano Meo ( baritone), Fabio Andreotti ( tenor), and The Syrian Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Nahel Al- Halabi Dar Al Assad – Opera Theatre, Umayyad Square; 011 245 6144At 8:00 pm

Volkswagen Middle East committed to region’s ecological sustainability

Damascus, 04 October 2011- Volkswagen Middle East participated in the Asia Pacific Natural Gas Vehicle Associates (ANGVA) Green Highways 2011 event held in Dubai this week. The Green Highways project is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of fulfilling the vision of making natural gas and energy efficient cars available.The United Arab Emirates is the second stop on the Western leg of the ANGVA Green Highways route, which is a seven country tour concluding in Beijing, China, in time for the ANGVA 2011 event 18 – 20 Oct. 2011. Touring through countries in energy efficient cars, ‘Green Highways’ emphasizes the importance of getting local industry and associations involved in exchanging information and experiences, in order to create a sustainable fuel future.Discussing the car manufacturers’ involvement at the event, Marcus Butros, Sales Director, Volkswagen Middle East said: “The ANGVA Green Highways project brings together leaders in automotive innovation to discuss fuel consumption, and how natural gas technology is the future for cleaner driving throughout the region.”The Volkswagen Group is committed to creating sustainable, efficient and clean cars utilizing the latest innovation and technology. As “the People’s car,”

Volkswagen has a number of technologies available including; Hybrid and electric solutions, with the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) a key propriety within its sustainability strategy.The Dubai Government has also recently announced plans to convert at least 25 per cent of the public transport vehicles to use natural gas, with Volkswagen supporting this innovative solution which will lead environmental change and create awareness of alternative fuel.As an industry leader in the automotive world, Volkswagen has created new technologies which have set benchmarks in fuel consumption and emission values. Volkswagen has also created concepts within its “Think Blue” strategy which engages customers to focus on their environmental behaviour and approach to use clean fuels.Volkswagen not only has the innovation for fuel efficiency but is already creating models that utilize this technology. The Passat TSI EcoFuel is the first direct-injection turbo engine for the natural gas driving system. This model emits 23 percent less CO2 compare to similar petrol models. This shows how much effort is being put into researching alternative drive

technologies so that future Volkswagens will be even more efficient.“We’re proud to be a part of the ANGVA Green Highways project and encourage the focus of sustainable fuel throughout the automotive industry. As part of Volkswagen’s Strategy 2018, and our aspiration to be the number one car manufacturer in the world, we have a responsibility to increase the use of sustainable fuel, creating cars which satisfy the customer and utilize the latest technology.” concluded Butros.

Raising the awareness of fuel efficiency


VSApple iPad2 Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

With Christmas on the doors, tablets are increasingly becoming the gadget of choice to buy as a gift or even to carry along on those

vocations away from home. Obviously, they’re much more portable than most traditional laptops, but even more, they’ve evolved tremendously to offer an experience that’s adaptive to our ever-growing needs. Although they share many physical characteristics with their designs, both the Apple iPad 2 and Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 are seemingly regarded as the cream of the crop in the tablet market right now. Surprisingly priced evenly (some 800$ for the top-specs- model), the ultimate question comes down to which one is the better of the two.

DesignBy now, we all know the story behind these two razor thin tablets, though, it’s worth noting that the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 takes the crown as being the thinnest and lightest tablet. To the eye, the two look almost alike in terms of thickness, but it’s only by a hairline that the Galaxy Tab 10.1 edges out the iPad 2. Still, we actually prefer the more refined and polished construction of the iPad 2 versus the plasticy nature of the Galaxy Tab 10.1. True, there’s nothing too polarizing with their straightforward designs, but the premium nature of the iPad 2 undoubtedly makes it the more highly prized of the two – especially when they sport the same price point. The plastic helps the Tab 10.1 to be lighter though.Again, we find yet another similarity between the two tablets since they sport the best-looking displays we’ve seen grace tablets thus far. On one hand the Galaxy Tab 10.1’s PLS-LCD display sizes up at 10.1” with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, whereas the iPad 2 comes in with a 9.7” IPS display and 1024 x 768 resolution. The Galaxy Tab’s wide screen format, however, might give it an edge when used for viewing films and HD content.Both the dedicated power buttons and volume rockers on the two tablets are distinguishable to the touch, while offering a sensible amount of feedback when pressed, but the iPad 2’s buttons jut out just a tiny bit more. In terms of other ports, they both flaunt proprietary data/charging connectors and 3.5mm headset jacks. The iPad 2 has a single speaker located on the back corner of the tablet, while the Galaxy Tab 10.1 offers stereo support with its left and right speakers.It’s worth noting that their batteries are not user removable and will require you to send it out for service if you need them to be replaced. Additionally, they don’t provide any means of supplementing their internal storage capacities – meaning, you’re stuck with whatever you pick.

Interface and FunctionalityConsidering that dual-core processors are all the rage nowadays, it’s not surprising to find them on these two premier tablets – a 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 CPU with the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and 1GHz Apple A5 processor on the iPad 2. Needless to say, they’re more than equipped to handle the rigorous demands of their respective tablet platforms. With most basic operations like opening up apps and maneuvering between their home screens, they’re effortlessly accomplished with barely any pause with their operation. However, it’s quite evident that the iPad 2 is more gracious with its movement since everything has this wickedly smooth feel to it.Ultimately, the biggest differentiator between the two is the tablet experience they have to offer. iOS on the iPad 2 is by far the easier and straightforward platform with its simplistic nature. Oppositely, there is a sprinkling of complexity attached to Android 3.1 Honeycomb on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1,

but it undoubtedly offers a ton more appreciable personalization with its live wallpapers and widget offerings. Moreover, Honeycomb better implements multi-tasking and notifications, which is still something not as clearly defined with the current available iOS experience.Apple’s obsession with tightly controlling everything in and around its products imposes a high level of rigidity in the look, feel, and functionality of the iPad 2. Consequently, all iPads are essentially identical, beyond the wallpapers and apps their owners install on them. In contrast, thanks to Android’s greater empowerment of its apps, we were easily able to mold the Galaxy Tab into a highly personalized tablet experience, and do things on it that we don’t have a clue clue how to accomplish on an iOS device.When it comes to inputting text, neither has a drastic advantage over the other since their on-screen keyboards are well sized and responsive – thus,

technology


Let the tablets’ war begin…

minimizing mistakes while speed typing. However, if you’d rather input text a different way, say like using your voice instead, Honeycomb on Galaxy Tab 10.1 offers voice recognition to easily speak what you want to write. Besides that, the overall traditional typing experiences on both tablets are identical to one another in terms of functionality, speed, and responsiveness.If Gmail is your kind of thing, then it’s a no-brainer reason why you shouldn’t stick with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 on this one – especially when it’s running Google’s tablet optimized platform. Of course, there are some additional features available at your disposal that tastefully emulates the desktop experience on the Galaxy Tab 10.1. However, the layouts of both email interfaces are basically the same as they utilize a familiar two-panel layout that’s more than informative and adept at displaying emails in full fidelity.Taking a gander at their organizer apps, like the calendar and address book, they’re closely similar in presentation since they fully take advantage of their confines. For example, you have a two panel interface with their respective address books as one side acts as your scrollable list, while the other displays all relevant information associated to the selected contact. Again, we see similar elements in place with their calendar apps.

Internet and ConnectivityThanks to its Adobe Flash support, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 offers you that true desktop-like experience with web browsing that some are sure to adore and appreciate. Although it’s lacking on the iPad 2, it still delivers a resounding experience seeing that it’s easily more fluid with its navigational operation – like kinetic scrolling and pinch zooming. Complex pages load in a timely manner with both, but we still have to hand it to the Galaxy Tab 10.1 on this one seeing that it has a tiny bit more features, like Flash support and incognito mode, that rounds out its overall appeal.

CameraThe Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is the superior one when it comes to snapping photos. Blatantly, its 3.2-megapixel auto-focus camera produces images that are filled with better detail and color production. Looking at the same shots, you can clearly see that the iPad 2’s results are filled with soft details and washed out looking colors – making it look rather muddy and hazy overall. With macro shots, it’s obvious that images taken by the Galaxy Tab 10.1 are sharper looking. Additionally, there’s a noticeable amount of digital noise evident with the iPad 2’s shots in low lighting, which is something less prominent with the Galaxy Tab 10.1.At the same time, 720p video recording with the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is considerably superior again versus the iPad 2’s production – and it’s like night and day between the two! Granted that they both shoot at the rate of 29 frames per second, we notice that there is a slight jerkiness to the Galaxy Tab 10.1’s video, but it’s nothing too detracting from its overall good quality.

MultimediaSadly, there isn’t any headway with the music player on the iPad 2 seeing that it carries over the same one that we saw with its predecessor. Naturally, it’s more than functional in playing some tunes, but it’s obviously lacking that polarizing presentation that’s found with Cover Flow on the iPhone. However, the music player on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is tastefully full of eye-catching visuals – especially with its 3D like carousel interface. Packing on left and right speakers, the Galaxy Tab 10.1’s output is rather neutral in tone, and it’s surprising to find the single speaker of the iPad 2 outputting deeper bass tones.Without a doubt, both tablets excel when it comes down to playing high-definition videos since their processors effortlessly work in producing smooth playback. And since they have the ideal screen size for watching videos, they present a conducive experience for those long trips on the road. However, Galaxy Tab 10.1’s 16:9 aspect ratio is the preferred choice since for movies, while the 4:3 screen of the iPad is better for internet browsing.

Unfortunately, neither offer any dedicated HDMI-out ports to easily share content with the big screen. However, you can accomplish that and get treated to a mirrored experienced with the iPad 2 by using an optional HDMI-out dongle. With the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, it’ll likely emulate the same functionality, but it’ll probably be in the form of some kind of pedestal dock.Again, there is nothing new present with the photo gallery on the iPad 2 and it pales in comparison to the glitzy presentation and sharing prowess of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. In fact, the 3D stacked look of the gallery app on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 emulates a field of depth as you tilt the tablet accordingly. Besides the bedazzling look of the gallery, there’s a decent amount of sharing options with the Galaxy Tab 10.1. Oppositely, the only sharing function that you can execute with the iPad 2 is sending photos via email – that’s all!Although both tablets are available in 16GB and 32GB varieties, it’s only the iPad 2 that pushes it up one notch by offering a 64GB version. Happily, we’re still more than content to see pricing on the same level with both tablets – even though we have seen others priced below the $500 mark.

SoftwareOn the surface, the YouTube apps on both tablets might have the same layout with its presentation, but we slightly lean towards the Galaxy Tab 10.1 on this one since there is more control given to the user. Specifically, you have the ability to choose either low or high quality with the Wi-Fi Galaxy Tab 10.1, but with the iPad 2, you can only get low quality if you’re streaming over a 3G connection – with high quality enabled all the time with Wi-Fi connections. Furthermore, the YouTube app on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 packages in the usual variety of sharing functions that we come to expect out of Android.Being a Google powered platform and all, there’s no denying that the Google Maps experience with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is going to be drastically better than the iPad 2. First and foremost, you get free voice guided turn-by-turn directions with Google Maps Navigation on the Android

tablet. Secondly, it provides integration with some of Google’s other services – like Google Talk, Latitude, and Buzz. And finally, 3D map view with select cities just about rounds out the depth of features found with the Galaxy Tab 10.1. As for the iPad 2, it only delivers the most basic functions with Google Maps – such as getting directions, enabling satellite view, and getting street view.Primarily because it had a head start, there are more tablet-optimized third party apps found with iOS on the Apple iPad 2 versus the Honeycomb powered Galaxy Tab 10.1. Despite being approximately 3 months old at this point, we still find a lack of venerable third party Honeycomb apps in the Android Market.

ConclusionLiterally, it’s a coin toss between the two mainly because they are priced evenly and have their own unique strengths that appeal to certain individuals out there. In terms of design though, we know that the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 has the prestigious title of being the thinnest and lightest, but when thinking about their starting price of $500, the iPad 2’s thin profile, solid construction, and choice of premium materials radiates more value for the buck. However, Android 3.1 Honeycomb on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 offers a higher degree of personalization, better implementation of notifications, and an integrated experience that’s barely contested by the iPad 2. Additionally, Samsung’s tablet is the go-to device if you’re intimately interested in shooting photos and videos. In the end, it’s truly the platform experience that vastly separates the two, but no matter which way you dissect it, both are undoubtedly regarded as being the top contenders in this ever-growing tablet space right now.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7While both the iPad 2 and the Galaxy tab 10.1

are capable and worthy tablets, the near future hold even greater promises for tablets’ customers.

The most eagerly awaited tablet in the upcoming few weeks is no doubt the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7. Not only it is slimmer and more portable than the 2 tablets in this shootout, but it also has GSM functionality (Works as a phone), Wonderful Super AMOLED Plus 7.7 screen that is unrivaled when it comes to contrast and color production and, finally, it has both an SD-Card slot and a mini-USB dock for syncing and charging.

technology


Let the tablets’ war begin…

Men’s Watches are an ideal gift for special occasions: Father’s Day, anniversaries, wedding gifts, birthdays, graduations,

promotions, or a simple ‘thank you’ gift. They not only help tell time, but accent one’s wardrobe...while representing class and prestige. A classy watch is great eye-candy while you’re out on a job interview, or entertaining clients. A high quality watch is something that you can keep for a lifetime.

With so many brands and styles, it can be difficult to decide amongst your favorites. In general, keep these pointers in mind:


Selecting The Best Men’s Watch

52 magazine

lifestyle

What do we mean when we say best watches? For some the parameter could be price tags, while for someone else it might just depend on pure performance. Someone might go for looks and some for brand name. Every individual is different and reasons could be numerous…In an effort to provide best options for watches that suit every occasion and requirements, here we have compiled a list of best 10 men watches you can look for having in 2011. You can buy them for yourself or just order them for some special. The below listed top 10 men watches are not in any particular order.

3rd Generation Skyhawk Atomic Flight Chronograph. Atomic time keeping. Time is automatically set (or on demand) by the atomic signal.

Ecologically friendly, light powered Eco-Drive Caliber U600 Japanese-quartz movement; charges in natural sunlight or indoor light.

Durable, hardened non-reflective mineral crystal; case diameter: 48 mm; 2 Alarms; 1/100 second chronograph measures up to 24 hours; 99 minute countdown timer; rotating slide rule bezel

Titanium case; black dial; perpetual-calendar; world time (43 cities) functions; Greenwich Mean Time display; atomic timekeeping with radio-controlled accuracy; Water-resistant to 660 feet (200 M).

The Omega Men’s Seamaster Blue Dial Watch makes its statement with a sporty deep blue dial with luminous hands and hour markers, and a calendar window that sits at the 3 o’clock.

Precise Swiss-Quartz movement.Domed, anti-reflective scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, Case diameter: 41 mm, Stainless-steel case; Blue dial; Date function, Water-resistant to 300 M (1000 feet)

The Navitimer continues to be in production for about 50 many years. The identify of this Breitling watch assortment comes from your combination of the two phrases; Navigation and Timer. The Navitimer practically produced the popularity of Breitling, certainly to your basic public. It truly is an iconic timepiece and remains the company’s most well-known collection.Today, the Navitimer assortment includes the Cosmonaute, World, Montbrillant, Montbrillant Olympus, Montbrillant Datora and Chrono-Matic.The World is the largest of the Navitimer collection with a casing diameter of 46mm. It has 25 jewels and a 2 time-zone, self-winding mechanical movement. The casing comes in steel, 18k gold or red gold.

The watch comes in Stainless steel case with a rubber strap. Platinum bezel. Black dial with index hour markers. Minute markers around the outer rim. Luminescent hands and dial markers. Date display at 6 o’clock position. Bronze. Automatic movement. Scratch resistant sapphire crystal. Case diameter: 46 mm. Case thickness: 17 mm.fold over clasp with double push button safety. Water resistant at 200 meters / 660 feet.

Citizen Men’s JY001050-E Eco-Drive Skyhawk A-T Titanium Watch

Omega Men’s 2221.80.00 Seamaster 300M Quartz “James Bond” Blue Dial Watch

Breitling Navitimer World

Breitling Men’s BTA1332024-B908BKRD Superocean Heritage Black Dial Watch

lifestyle


Top Men’s Watches for 2011

Among watch aficionados, the Zeitwerk is one of the most praised timepieces of the last five years. The Striking Time takes the digital display (powered mechanically, of course) of the traditional Zeitwerk and adds two hammers to allow the watch to chime the time on the hour. It does not have to be activated like a minute repeater; it will simply chime on its own. This large watch is incredibly comfortable to wear for its immense complexity, and one that will give you instant street cred.

This particular men’s watch is an excellent example of TAG Heuer’s strong commitment to both style and function. It winds without a standard battery as it is powered by your arm movement. The watch keeps consistent time by atomic clock standards. It has a beautiful see-through back, a scratch-resistant sapphire-crystal tachymeter bezel, and a black dial face with day and date displays.

Telling time is both easy and a pleasure with the luminescent index points and hands. The interior and exterior of the facing is coated to reduce glare so it easy to view even in direct sunlight. It is a precision chronograph, and its brushed, polished stainless-steel band and case are water-resistant up to 220 M.

This watch has a black dial face, with Day/Date windows at the 3:00 position. Hands, hour and minute indexes are luminescent. Watch weight is a solid yet non-burdensome 2.3 pounds.

This is a classy and beautiful men’s watch which gets attention and compliments when worn. Its striking blue face changes hues in different lights, and its stylish brushed stainless-steel case and adjustable link bracelet are heavy and solid without being restricting. The luminous silver-toned hands and numbering on the dial contrast nicely with the blue background and are easily visible through the glare-resistant, practically scratch-proof sapphire crystal window. There are three independent chronometer windows, a date window at the 3:00 position, and the bezel has a tachymeter scale inscribed on its surface. It’s water-resistant for up to 660′ or 220 meters. It is a standout among the best men’s watches.

A.Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk Striking Time

TAG Heuer Men’s CJF211A.BA0594

TAG Heuer Men’s CJF2114.BA0594

Maximilian Busser and Friends (MB&F), an independent watchmaker known for its extreme designs, has taken the wraps off its new Legacy Machine 1 watch.

The Legacy Machine No 1 is based on the idea of what if MB&F designed a watch not in 2011, but 1911. The end result is a watch that is traditional in shape.

Beating inside the new MB&F watch is a hand-wound three-dimensional movement. It supplies a 45-hour power reserve. The caliber comprises 279 individual parts, including 23 jewels. It operates at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour. Integrated within the mechanism is a 14mm balance wheel with four conventional regulating screws, floating above the movement and dials. The balance spring is a traditional Breguet curve, which terminates in a mobile stud holder.

The movement incorporates gold chatons with polished countersinks. It also boasts fine finishes, which include extraordinary hand-crafted finishing, created in the spirit of respect to the 19th century style; Geneva waves and hand-made engravings. The caliber finds its natural home in a 44mm case made of 18k red or white gold. It is composed of 65 individual parts.

MB&F Legacy Machine No 1

lifestyle


Top Men’s Watches for 2011

Girard-Perregaux‘s contribution to this year’s Only Watch auction is a unique version of their worldwide time control model. The entire piece has a very soft, smooth look to it, with rounded edges on the case, chrono pushers and strap.

Girard Perregaux used ultra-light titanium oxide to produce the white single-piece watch-case middle, and the thin bezel is made of ceramic. As with some of the Only Watch pieces we have seen already, the ww.tc incorporates the white and red colors that are representative of the Monaco flag.

Functions on the busy dial include hour, minute, small seconds, world time with day/night indicator, fly-back chronograph, and date. The final exciting feature of this watch (unfortunately not pictured) is a case-back in smoked sapphire crystal.

Victorinox recently announced a sporty new mechanical chronograph, the Alpnach Black Ice Chronograph.

The 44 mm stainless steel case is treated with a scratch resistant “black ice” PVD coating. The case finish is brushed with polished lug edges. Inside is an ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph caliber. The 7750 has 25-jewels, runs at 28,800 vph (4Hz) and 42 hour power reserve.

The dial is dark grey with orange accents and white markings (white Superluminova). Functions include hours, minutes, seconds, date, day of week, chronograph. Chronograph hours at 6 o’clock, chronograph minutes at 12 o’clock and small seconds at 9 o’clock. Day and date at 3 o’clock. Protecting the dial is a sapphire crystal with anti-glare treatment. Sapphire crystal case back.

Twin bezel in black PVD stainless steel. Polished PVD stainless steel crown and chronograph pushers. NATO-style ballistic nylon strap with black PVD stainless steel clasp. Water-resistance 100 meters.

Girard-Perregaux ww.tc for Only Watch 2011

Victorinox Alpnach Black Ice Chronograph

lifestyle

58 magazine

AND CILLIAN MURPHY DESIGNER COLLEEN ATWOOD MUSIC CRAIG ARMSTRONG EDITED ZACH STAENBERG, A.C.E. PRODUCTION ALEX MCDOWELL, RDI PHOTOGRAPHY ROGER DEAKINS, ASC/BSC PRODUCERS ARNON MILCHAN ANDREW Z. DAVIS COSTUME BY BY DESIGNER DIRECTOR OF

AND DIRECTED BY

EXECUTIVE

BY

REGENCY ENTERPRISES PRESENTS A NEW REGENCY / STRIKE ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION A FILM BY ANDREW NICCOL AMANDA SEYFRIED JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE "IN TIME" WITH ALEX PETTYFER

KRISTEL LAIBLIN AMY ISRAEL PRODUCED ERIC NEWMAN MARC ABRAHAM WRITTEN, PRODUCED

ANDREW NICCOLwww.intimemovie.com

COMING SOON#intime

OCTOBER 27

In the not-too-distant future the aging gene has been switched off. To avoid overpopulation, time has become the currency and the way people pay for luxuries and necessities. The rich can live

forever, while the rest try to negotiate for their immortality. A poor young man who comes into a fortune of time, though too late to help his mother from dying. He ends up on the run from a corrupt police force known as ‹time keepers›.

Created by: Khaldoun Qaddoura

Director: Andrew NiccolStars: Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried and Cillian Murphy.

classic escapades that have enthralled generation after generation with their one-of-a-kind mix of action, humor and scintillating tale-spinning in The Adventures of Tintin, The Secret of the Unicorn.

Based on the internationally beloved and irrepressible characters created by Hergé, the story follows the unquenchably curious young reporter Tintin and his fiercely loyal dog Snowy as they discover a model ship carrying an explosive secret. Drawn into a centuries-old mystery, Tintin finds himself in the sightlines of Ivan Ivanovitch Sakharine, a diabolical villain who believes Tintin has stolen a priceless treasure tied to dastardly pirate named Red Rackham. But with the help of his dog Snowy, the salty, cantankerous Captain Haddock and the bumbling detectives Thompson & Thomson, Tintin will travel half the world, outwitting and outrunning his enemies in a breathless chase to find the final resting place of The Unicorn, a shipwreck that may hold the key to vast fortune . . . and a ancient curse.

Director: Steven SpielbergStars: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis and Daniel Craig.

Writer/Director «Craig Brewer» delivers a new take of the beloved 1984 classic film, «Footloose.» Ren MacCormack is transplanted from Boston to the small southern town of Bomont where he

experiences a heavy dose of culture shock. A few years prior, the community was rocked by a tragic accident that killed five teenagers after a night out and Bomont’s local councilmen and the beloved Reverend Shaw Moore responded by implementing ordinances that prohibit loud music and dancing. Not one to bow to the status quo, Ren challenges the ban, revitalizing the town and falling in love with the minister’s troubled daughter Ariel in the process.

Director: Craig BrewerStars: Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough and Dennis Quaid.

60 magazine

In Timefilm & TV

A lonely and friendless boy finds and untangles a hurt dolphin that is caught in a crab trap. He becomes very attached to the dolphin when the tail must be taken off to save the dolphin›s life. The boy believes the dolphin would be able to swim normally if it was given a prosthetic tail.

Director: Charles Martin SmithStars: Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd and Harry Connick Jr.

Bennett Miller›s adaptation of Michael Lewis› non-fiction best seller Moneyball stars Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, a one-time phenom who flamed out in the big leagues and now works as the GM for the Oakland Athletics,

a franchise that›s about to lose their three best players to free agency. Because the team isn›t in a financial position to spend as much as perennial favorites like the Yankees and the Red Sox, Beane realizes he needs to radically change how he evaluates what players can bring to the squad. After he meets Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), an Ivy League economics major working as an executive assistant for scouting on another team, Beane realizes he›s found the man who understands how to subvert the system of assessing players that›s been in place for nearly a century. However, as the duo begin to acquire players that seem too old, injured, or inept to play major-league baseball, they face stiff resistance from both the A›s longtime scouts and the team›s manager Art Howe (Philip Seymour Hoffman), who outright refuses to allow Beane›s more-nontraditional acquisitions to play.

Soon after her return from a business trip to Hong Kong, Beth Emhoff dies from what is a flu or some other type of infection. Her young son dies a few days later. Her husband

Mitch however seems immune. Thus begins the spread of a deadly infection. For doctors and administrators at the U.S. Center for Disease Control, several days pass before anyone realizes the extent or gravity of this new infection. They must first identify the type of virus in question and then find a means of combating it, a process that will likely take several months. As the contagion spreads to millions of people worldwide, societal order begins to break down as people panic.

Director: Bennett MillerStars: Brad Pitt, Robin Wright and Jonah Hill

Director: Steven SoderberghStars: Matt Damon, Kate Winslet and Jude Law.

By day, Kate Reddy works for a Boston-based financial management firm; by night, she›s a devoted mother to two adoring children and the happily married wife of out-of-

work architect Richard. When Kate lands a lucrative new account that will see her traveling across the country on a regular basis, however, her new business associate Jack reveals his flirtatious side and Richard receives a job offer he can›t turn down. Though it looks as if Kate and Richard couldn›t possibly take on any more responsibility, the demands of modern living ensure they›ll never have a dull moment, even if they try.

Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd and Harry Connick Jr.

her new business associate Jack reveals his flirtatious side and Richard receives a job offer he can›t turn down. Though it looks as if Kate and Richard couldn›t possibly take on any more responsibility, the demands of modern living ensure they›ll never have a dull moment, even if they try.

Eons after the Gods won their mythic struggle against the Titans, a new evil threatens the land. Mad with power, King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) has declared war against humanity.

Amassing a bloodthirsty army of soldiers disfigured by his own hand, Hyperion has scorched Greece in search of the legendary Epirus Bow, a weapon of unimaginable power forged in the heavens by Ares. Only he who possesses this bow can unleash the Titans, who have been imprisoned deep within the walls of Mount Tartaros since the dawn of time and thirst for revenge. In the king›s hands, the bow would rain destruction upon mankind and annihilate the Gods. But ancient law dictates the Gods must not intervene in man›s conflict. They remain powerless to stop Hyperion...until a peasant named Theseus (Henry Cavill) comes forth as their only hope. Secretly chosen by Zeus, Theseus must save his people from Hyperion and his hordes...

Director: Tarsem SinghStars: Henry Cavill, Mickey Rourke and John Hurt.

Director: Douglas McGrathStars: Sarah Jessica Parker, Pierce Brosnan and Kelsey Grammer

62 November 2011 Issue No 78 63magazine

film & TV

ORGANISATIONS - DAmAScuS

Aga Khan Network 3343610\1Agency for combating unemployment - Acu 6122607Amal Al-Ghad 3741010Boosting and Inspiring Dynamic Youth Achievement - BIDAYA 33502373Euro Info correspondence centre - EIcc 6133865German Academic Exchange Service - DAAD 371925uN Food and Agriculture Organization - FAO 6121145/6International committee of the Red cross - IcRc 3310476International Organization For migration - IOm 6121370, 6121375Syrian-European Business centre - SEBc 6133865Syrian Family Planning Association - SFPA 3310396Syrian Young Entrepreneurs Association - SYEA www.syea.orgStrategy Highlighting and building Abilities for Business - SHABAB 6611689united Nations 6129811united Nations children’s Fund - uNIcEF 6122592/3/4united Nations Development Programme - uNDP 6129811united Nations Food Program Agency - uNFPA 6113773/8 mob 0944593854united Nations High commissioner for Refugees - uNHcR 2139961/2/3 mob 093210 0273united Nations Industrial Development Organization - uNIDO www.unido.orgunited Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees - uNRWA 6133035/9 united Nations Volunteers - uNV 6129811 mob 0988805745World Food Programme - WFP 612 0597/8World Health Organization - WHO 3329315, 3315053 mob 0933400316

mINISTRIES - DAmAScuS

ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform 2227600, 2213613ministry of communications and Technology 3320807ministry of culture 3338600, 3338633ministry of Defence 8813236, 3721287ministry of Economy & Foreign Trade 2213513, 2213514ministry of Education 4444702ministry of Electricity & Energy 2228334, 2229654ministry of Establishments & construction 2223596, 2246690ministry of Expatriates 3134302ministry of Finance 2220200ministry of Foreign Affairs 3713255, 3713256ministry of Health 3311020, 3311022ministry of Higher Education 2129862, 2129861ministry of Housing and construction 5431076, 2217572ministry of Industry 2231834, 2231845ministry of Interior 2220101, 2211001ministry of Irrigation & Water Resources 2221401, 2221402ministry of Justice 2214108, 2213738ministry of Local Administration and Environment 2226005ministry of Religious Affairs 4419080ministry of Petroleum and mineral Resources 4455972, 4445610ministry of Planning 2218854, 2218853ministry of Social concerns & Labour 2225984, 2210355ministry of Supply & Internal Trade 2219241, 2219044ministry of Transport 3339111, 3336801

EmBASSIES - DAmAScuS

Embassy of Afghanistan 6112910Embassy of Algeria 3331446, 3334548Embassy of Argentina 3334167/8Embassy of The Republic of Armenia 6133560 Embassy of Australia 6116692, 6132424Embassy of Austria 6138010Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain 6132314Embassy of Bangladesh 2212648Embassy of Belorussia 6118097, 6118098Embassy of Belgium 6122189Embassy of Brazil 6124551/2/7/9Embassy of Bulgaria 4454039, 3318485Embassy of canada 6116692, 6116851Embassy of chile 3311891, 3338443Embassy of The Republic of china 3339594General consulate of cuba 3339319, 3334609Embassy of the Republic of cyprus 6130812/3, 6131823Embassy of the czech Republic 3331383, 3339395Royal Danish Embassy (+Greenlandic Embassy) 6190900Embassy of Egypt 3332932, 3333561Embassy of the Republic of Equador 33488820, 33488877Embassy of the State of Eritrea 6112357European commission Delegation 3327640Embassy of Finland 6127570/1/2Embassy of France 3390200Embassy of Germany 3323800Embassy of Greece 6115009, 6113035Embassy of Hungary 6110787consulate of Iceland 4467110, 4452090Embassy of India 3347351/2 Embassy of Indonesia 6119630/1, 6117939 Embassy of The Republic of Iraq 3341290Embassy of Iran 3710826, 6117675Honorary consulate of Ireland 3342144Embassy of Italy 3332621Embassy of Japan 3338273, 3332553Embassy of Jordan 6136260/1 Embassy of the Republic of North Korea 4424735, 4417614Embassy of Kuwait 6117644/5Embassy of Libya 3338851, 3333914Embassy of Latvia 2451321, 2212462Embassy of malaysia 6122811/2/3Honorary consulate of Thiland 3316144 / 3316214Honorary consulate of malta 3733601Embassy of mauritania 3309317Embassy of morocco 6110451Embassy of Netherlands 3336871Embassy of Norway 6122941Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman 6110408, 6622506Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 6132694/5/6consulate of Philippines 3335844Embassy of Poland 3333010, 3336010consulate of Portugal 3320253,3337716Embassy of the State of Qatar 3320044Embassy of Romania 3327570/1Embassy of Russia 4423155/6Embassy of Saudi Arabia 3334780, 3334915Embassy of Serbia 3336222, 3333689Embassy of Slovakia 6132114/5, 6133648Embassy of Somalia 3335534Embassy of South Africa 3222650, 2229200Embassy of Spain 6132900/1/2Embassy of Sudan 3304470, 3302470Embassy of Sweden 3340070Embassy of Switzerland 6111972, 6111975Embassy of Tunisia 6132700/4Embassy of Turkey 3331411

EmBASSIES - DAmAScuSEmbassy of Turkmenistan 2241834Embassy of ukraine 6113016Embassy of united Arab Emirates 3330308Embassy of the united Kingdom 3391505Embassy of the united States of America 33914444Apostolic Enunciator of Holy See (Vatican city) 3332601, 3332446Embassy of Venezuela 3335356, 3337490Embassy of Yemen 7186682

cONSuLATES - ALEPPOGeneral consulate of Iraq 021-2641068/9General consulate of Turkey 021- 26499670/80General consulate of Armenia 021-2687240General consulate of Russia 021-2232401, 2269377consulate of France 021-2211829, 2219823Honorary General consulate of Portugal 021-2235566Honorary General consulate of ukraine 021-2660375Honorary General consulate of Hungary 021-2122626Honorary General consulate of Italy 021-2214601Honorary consulate of Austria 021-2114072Honorary consulate of Belarus 021-2110933Honorary consulate of Belgium 021-3622667, 3622665Honorary consulate of Benin 021-2277022/33Honorary consulate of Brazil 021-4600004Honorary consulate of Bulgaria 021-2660375Honorary consulate of canada 021-2684160Honorary consulate of chile 021-4642666Honorary consulate of the czech Republic 021-4663500/20Honorary consulate of Denmark 021-2281398Honorary consulate of Finland 021-2123001/2/3Honorary consulate of Germany 021-2639898/9Honorary consulate of Greece 021-2633787Honorary consulate of malta 021-2211888Honorary consulate of morocco 021-2679051Honorary consulate of Norway 021-2677438Honorary consulate of Pakistan 021-2113461Honorary consulate of the Philippines 021-5110220Honorary consulate of Romania 021-2266601Honorary consulate of Serbia 021-2255926Honorary consulate of South Africa 021-2121333Honorary consulate of Spain 021-2233095/6Honorary consulate of Sweden 021-2689644Honorary consulate of the Swiss confederation 021-3634634Honorary consulate of Tunisia 021-2665002, 2669785Honorary consulate of the united Kingdom 021-2280510/1

cONSuLATES - LATAKIAHonorary consulate of the Republic of Turkey 041-473777, 041-475357Honorary consulate of Belgium 041-477966, 477966Honorary consulate of Finland 041-470171/2/3Honorary consulate of Greece 041-467881 consulate of the Netherlands 041- 472531/4/5Honorary consulate of Sweden 041- 470171/3Honorary consulate of the Republic of Turkey in Lattaika 041-473777

cONSuLATES - TARTOuSHonorary consulate of Greece 043-221104, 325000Honorary consulate of the Republic of Turkey 043 -211114

mALLS - DAmAScuS

cham city centre 2117189Damascus Boulevard 3235650Damasquino mall www.damasquinomall.comSki-land mall 5475551, 5475566Town centre mall 6217780, 6224444

mALLS - ALEPPOAl-mounchieh city centre 021-2227030New mall 021-2674010

SuPERmARKETS - DAmAScuS

A B S 6113080Abu Staif & Sons 6119373A.S 3730206Bader 3336785, 3314470Ghloul 6326410Grand mart - city center mall 8881637Rami Soubeh 6625160Shereen 4458154, 3315220Teeba 2764825Zain El-Abdeen 3733231Zaid mdawer 6212282Zenobia 3730625

SuPERmARKETS - ALEPPOAl-Diwan 021-2269055Al-mazrahe 021-4601333Al-Saha 021-2114823Al-Skhra 021-2680985marosh 021-4642101Twenty Four (24) 021-4659401

SuPERmARKETS - HOmSAbu Al-Awad 031-2622662Al-Ashraf 031-2220674Al-Rawda 031-2510423Al-Shahba’a 031-2761592Al-Syoufe 031-2122842Al-Taleb 031-2113004Al-Tasweek Wal Tawfeer 031-2222925

SuPERmARKETS - HAmAAl-Henem 033-523249Al-mal’ab 033-316866Al-Nour 033-314617

guide

64 magazine

guide


RESTAuRANTS & cAFES - DAmAScuS

Art café 2325757, mob 0988995566Art cafe Ninar 4522257maharaja Indian Restaurant mezzeh 2005Abu Rummaneh 3355555Damascus Gate 5475500 or 1/2/3/4, 0933202075Al Farouk for food and sweets 2131322Al-Karieh Restaurant 5475551/2Al-Khawali 2225808Haretna 5441148Sushi 3354077Beit Jabri 5443200canoun Al-Tennin 6116967, 6114778casablanca 5417598Elissar 5424300, 5428577Inhouse coffee 3336039Kanaan Palace Resort 7138201/2/3/4Kaser Al Wali Restaurant 4461389, 3322336La casa 3331288Leila’s Restaurant & Terrace 5445900Narciss 5416785, 5431205Linas 2143798Segafredo 2316070 - 2142420 - 6117363Taj mahal 2453434Tarboosh Al-Sham 6115158Tche Tche cafe 2216339Trovka Restaurant 0988995566Zaman Al-Khair Restaurants 6440175/6 Zenobia 2220575-2450116Quattro cafe-Restaurant 6133625chopin cafe 5436502

RESTAuRANTS & cAFES - ALEPPOBazar Alcharq 021-2249120 Beit Alkaisar 021-5230130Beit Sissi 021-4651444Beroea 021-9325 cantra 021-2122010Dar Ward 021-3620620Delta 021-2122411Emeralds 021-2126987Kan Zaman 021-3311299Kaser Alwali 021-9911 Larose 021-2642241Lily house 021-2222501mejana 021-2027metastrada 021-4663300Taj Alklaa 021-9250, 021-4606033Wanes 021-2116002

RESTAuRANTS & cAFES - TARTOuSAyounak 043-326083cave 043-220408Khawaja Restaurant 043-313313, 213900Yamak 043-328755Viamidos mob 094667887

RESTAuRANTS & cAFES - LATAKIAAl-Andalus cafe 041-850027Al-Kordaha Restaurant 041-843231Allegro 041-458000cesar 041-475403Express cafe 041-456200Italian corner Restaurant 041-447207

Last Station 041-468871Olabi Patisserie mob 094657765Old House 041-461013Lacasta cafe & more 041-475744Stop 5 041-477919

RESTAuRANTS & cAFES - HOmSAl-Andalous Garden cafe 031-416915Beite cafe 031-234032Blue Stone 031-2459999city cafe 031-239755mamma mia 031-2112400Restaurant Al-Qalaa - The citadel 031-7340493

RESTAuRANTS & cAFES - HAmAAl-Atlal 033-222234Broasted Fawaz 033-223884Le Jardin 033-25335Sultan Restaurant 033-235104

RESTAuRANTS & cAFES - PALmYRAIshtar 034-5913073Hotel Villa Palmyra restaurant 034-913600Traditional Palmyra Restaurant 034-910878

RESTAuRANTS & cAFES - RAQQAAl-Rashid Restaurant 022-241919Lazaward Hotel Restaurant 022-216120/2

RESTAuRANTS & cAFES - DEIR EZ -ZuRDEc 051-220469Lailati 051-229648

BARS & cLuBS - DAmAScuS

Backdoor club 4446255, mob 0988990066champions Pub 4450676, mob 0988900096Le Serai Pub 3737061Blue Bar 3340240Domino 5431120Jar Al-Ward 5429185Jet Set 2232300 Kasabjy 4416184Le Serai Pub 3737061marmar 5446425massimo Pub www.massimo-pub.comOxygen 5444396Le Piano Bar 5420542, 5430375 XO Bar 3391000Z Bar 2217700Dome 0991555444

BARS & cLuBS - ALEPPOBaron Hotel Bar 021-2210880/1Sissi House 021-2124362

BARS & cLuBS - LATAKIALacasta cafe & more 041-475744moodz Bar 041-330033

BARS & cLuBS - HOmSAbu Nawas 031-2112400Blue Stone 031-2459999

ATTRAcTIONS - DAmAScuS

Azem EcoleBeit Al-AqqadBeit Nizamchapel of AnaniasDahdah PalaceJama’a Al-JadeedKhan As’ad PashaKhans of Souq medhat Pasha (Straight St.)madrassa An-Nurimaktab Anbarmausoleum of Salah El-Dinminaret of Jesus (column)Sayyida Ruqayya mosqueSayyida Zeinab m ausoleumShrine of HusseinShrine of John the Baptist (Prophet Yehia to muslims)St Paul’s chapelTakiyya As-SuleimaniyyaThe citadelThe Tomb of Beybarsumayyad mosque

ATTRAcTIONS - ALEPPOAin Dara SiteAl-Jdeida Quarter’s churches & cathedralsAl-madrassa Al-HalawiyyaBasilica of St Simeon (Qal’at Sama’an)Bimaristan Arghanchurch of Qalb Lozehcyrrhus (Nebi Huri)Ebla (Tel mardikh)Khans around the Great mosquemadrass As-Sultaniyyamosque of AbrahamSerjillaShibani SchoolSouq Bab Antakya KhansThe Aleppo citadel The Great mosque

ATTRAcTIONS - TARTuScathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa-The citadelQal’at marqab-The castle

ATTRAcTIONS - mA’ALOuLAconvent of St Thecla

ATTRAcTIONS - NABEKmonastery of mar musamonastery of St Sergius

ATTRAcTIONS - LATAKIAThe Salah Eddin castleugarit

ATTRAcTIONS - HOmSAzze Hrawe Residencechurch of the Girdle of Our LadyQala’at Al-Hosn (Krak Des chevaliers) Outskirts of HomsSt George’s monastery-Outskirts of Homs

ATTRAcTIONS - HAmAApameaAzem PalaceKhans of the Souq of HamaQasr Ibn Warden - PalaceThe Beehive Houses-Sarouj & Twalid DabagheinThe castle of musyafThe Grand mosqueThe Norias

ATTRAcTIONS - PALmYRAEast Wall Palace-Qasr Al-Heir Al-SharqiQala’at Ja’abar - castleQala’at Najm - castleQal’at Ibn Sam’an - castleTemple of BelThe TheatreThe Tower of Elahbel-Valley of the Tombs

ATTRAcTIONS - DER EZZORDura Europs-Tal Al-Salhiyyehmari-Tel Hariri

ATTRAcTIONS - RAQQAQasr Al-BanaatRasafa-Al-mansoura

ATTRAcTIONS - SWEYDASaray-Qanawat

ATTRAcTIONS - EZRA’AThe Basilica of St GeorgeThe church of St Elias

muSEumS - DAmAScuS

The Army museumThe Historical museum of DamascusThe museum of Arab medicines & Sciences-Nuri Health centre (Bimaristan)The National museumThe National museum of Popular Arts and Tradition - Azem PalaceThe Azem Palace

AIRLINES - DAmAScuS

Air France 2218990Alitalia 2222262British Airways 3310000cyprus Airways 2225630Egypt Air 2232158Emirates 9934Etihad 3344235Gulf Air 2221209Royal Jordanian Airline 2315577

guide

66 magazine

guide


Lufthansa 2211165mEA Airlines 2213147Syrian Air 2450098Turkish Airlines 2212263

AIRLINES - ALEPPOSyrian Air 021-2241232, 2220501Air France 021-2232238KLm Airlines 021-2211074Lufthansa 021-2223005

AIRLINES - LATTAKIA Syrian Air 041-476863

AIRLINES - DEIR EZ-ZuRSyrian Air 051-221801

HOTELS - DAmAScuS

Art House 6628112/5Four Seasons 3391000Talisman1 5415379Dedeman 3322650Sheraton Damascus 2229300Old Vine 5450164cham Palace 2232320Ebla cham Palace 2241900 – 2241945Beit Zaman Hotel 5435380Dar al-Yasmin Hotel 5443380Semiramis Hotel 2233555Biet Rumman 5451092 - 5451094

Queen center Arjaan by Rotana 6664003Alfares Alarabi 2225320 - 2248800Omayyad hotel 2235500Blue Tower Hotel 3340240Damascus International Hotel 2311600/1/2Fardoss Tower Hotel 232100maaloula Hotel 7770250Rawda Hotel 6416206-7 / 6416210Safir Hotel Damascus 6470140carlton Hotel 2122000Palmvillage Hotel 3919004

Antique Khan Hotel 5419450Beit Rose Hotel 5441241Orient Palace hotel 2231351

Afamia Hotel 2228963Al Hossen Residence 6471712 - 6471258 - 6420292Al majed Hotel 2323300 - 2323301 / 2 / 3city Hotel 2219375Future Tower Hotel 2315465 – 2317511

Al-Haramein Hotel 2319489Al-Rabie Hotel 2318374Ghazal Hotel 2313736

HOTELS - ALEPPO

DEDEmAN 021-2661600mansouriya Palace 021-3632000Sheraton 021-21211111

Beit Wakil 021-2117083coral Julia Dumna 021-3330660Dar Zamaria 021-3636100mirage 021-2288555Park Hotel 021-9895

Riga 021-9294

Ramsis 021-2111102Isis 021-2126345

Jdayda 021-9225 \ 3632000

LuXuRY - LATTAKIA

Afamia Rotana Resort Lattakia 041- 330033

OTHER uSEFuL cONTAcTS - DAmAScuS

Damascus International Airport (Flight queries 167-Reservations 187) 4530201/9central Tourist office 2323953, 2210122Immigration and passport office-Visa extensions 2219400DHL 096345345Amigo Net 5421694Internet cafe Smile 2326239Spotnet cafe 5433374

OTHER uSEFuL cONTAcTS - ALEPPO Tourist Office 021-2121228, 2230000DHL 021-4440322concord Internet cafe 021-2247272

OTHER uSEFuL cONTAcTS - TARTuS Internet centre 043-315906

OTHER uSEFuL cONTAcTS - HOmSmessenger Internet cafe 031-2212336

OTHER uSEFuL cONTAcTS - HAmA Tourist Office 033-511Happy Net cafe 033-216057

OTHER uSEFuL cONTAcTS - PALmYRA Tourist Office 034-5910574

OTHER uSEFuL cONTAcTS - LATTAKIA Tourist Information Office 041-416926center Net 041-465310

GALLERIES - DAmAScuS

Aal Bal 5445794Art cafe Ninar 4522257Art House 6628112Atassi Gallery 3321720Ayyam Gallery 6131088Beit Al-Nur 5431287Beit Al-Sham 3330038Dar Al Baath 6622141Dar al mada 2322276Dar Ez-Zarqan for Arts 5431899Fateh muddaress 2246710Free Hand Gallery 3344219, 3347211French cultural centre 2316192Galerie Abdal 5445794Gallery Sahar 4444846Occasions Galleria 5436502chantout Atelier 6617780Ishtar 4465086Khan Assad Pacha 2215961Kozah 5410900mustafa Ali 5421988Naji Al Ali 4423762Nassour Gallery 3710344Ninar Art café 5422557Rua’a Art Gallery 5610901Rafia Gallery 3310803Tajalliyat Gallery 6112338Al Rywak 3337933Al-Sayyed 332 1450, 3334390Al Shaab 2319606ur-Nina Gallery 2243783

GALLERIES - ALEPPOAl-Sharq Showroom 021-442861Dar El-mhanna 021-2634098Ebla Gallery 021-2268757Kawaf Fine Arts Gallery 021-2230985, mob 0933260301The Small museum 021-2232596

GALLERIES - LATAKIAArts Home 041-477827

cuLTuRAL cENTRES & INSTITuTES - DAmAScuS

Arabic cultural centresAbu Rummaneh 3349376, Adawi 44202670mezze 6610678 , Yarmouk 6320830 Jobar 46370040, Kafer Souseh 2139680 Danish Institue 2238038, NIASD 6120515Beit Al-Nur 5431287, British council 3330631Dar Al-Assad for Arts and culture 245 6165/44Dar Al Funoon 2231679

Dummar cultural complex 3115142French cultural centre 2316192The Italian cultural centre 3319543Goethe Institute 3719435Russian culture centre 2317158, 2317351Spanish culture centre 3714003

cD SHOPS - DAmAScuS

Al-Balabel 2216826Al-Beiruti 3313475Al-madar 3336722Al-mahatta 54498761, 5410821Al-Nihlawy 4441982Al-Salka 2214461Al-Sham 2457153Kanawati for music 2323088mirza music 4470294mozart 2321445

cD SHOPS - ALEPPOAsia 021-2112993Floyed 021-2122596King 021-2248440Radio one 021-4464063Rotana 021-2122702

cINEmAS - DAmAScuS

Al-Ahram 2212504Al Ameer cinema 2228513Biblous 2213355Al-cham 4437008cinema de cham 2232300, 2232310Diana 2211847Dunia 2211888Al-Fardous 2213424, 2214472Al Khaiyam cinema 4437008Al Kindi 2218899Rametta cinema 3214384Shamas & Ataasi 2212388Al-Sofara’a 2317008ugarit cinema 2311539Al-Zahra’a 2222212

cINEmAS - ALEPPOAleppo cinema 021-313935/310704Al-Ameer 021-2112826Al-cham cinema 021-22405Al Hamraa cinema 021-322333/211071Al Khaiyam cinema 021-311067Opera 021-2120300Rametta 021-2112827ugarit 021-2124755Az-Zahra’a 021-4444228

cINEmAS - HOmSAl Amir 031-234131cinema Homs 021-2486340

cINEmAS - LATAKIADamascus 041-234233Al Ahram 041-237430Al-Fardous 041-833135

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cINEmAS - TARTuSAl Kindi cinema 043-224171Al Saba’a cinema 043-221139Al Abbasiyya cinema 043-220333

cINEmAS - DEIR EZ-ZuRAl Kindi cinema 051-221593

DVD STORES - DAmAScuS

Data Line 9804Al-Hoda 2317271Al-Na’eem centre 44670680Arebya co. 3319270cD centre 3338885Eaksousy 2321989Encyclopedia 2320276Fanty 6666701Firas 3111902Golden Technique 5321742Hisham 2213418Hi-Tech 6352800Jessy 5432090Laser 2457801Lezary centre 2456178majal Art 3336810masaya 6719873Syrian Video centre 4460358

DVD STORES - ALEPPOAl-Qasr centre 021-2255979Rainbow 021-4442542

DVD STORES - HOmSAhmed Al-Zebi 031-2470147Al-Ansar 031-2211279Al-Hob 031-2127140Al-Khoyoul 031-2618886Al-majd 031-2135154Al-mawas 031-2211477Al-Tahhan centre 031-2468519Al-Yanour 031-2471003Ayman Zahra centre 031-2477336

DVD STORES - LATAKIAmiami 041-431450

DVD STORES - SWEIDAFuture 016-251106

DVD STORES - HAmAAl-Hareef 033-238238Safwan 033-224632

DVD STORES - DAR’AAl-Khateeb centre 015-234752

LIBRARIES - DAmAScuS

Arabic Library for Arts & Tradition 2216373Al-Assad National Library 3334294, 3311073The Public Library 2310744

LIBRARIES - ALEPPOAl-Dar university Library 021-2244230Dar Al-mustaqbal 021-3211096The National Library 021-2238205

LIBRARIES - HOmSThe culture House Library 031-2235710The General Islamic Library 031-2313559The Generality Library 031-2222180The modern Arzabic Library 031-2232862

LIBRARIES - IDLEBThe Artistic Library 023-235446

BOOKSHOPS - DAmAScuS

Al-Amin 2212041Al-Anwar 2231199, 2244554Al-Fattal 2456786, 2222373, 2234525Al-Hariry 3320378Al-maghribi 2452993Al-miski 2237957Al-Noori 4419167Al-Tahhan 2222992Al-Wala’a 2231258, 2242104Al-Zahabi 3332581

BOOKSHOPS - ALEPPOAbdul Rahman Bsout 021-3321441Al-Anwar 021-4784163Al-Arabi 021-2269239Al-Fida’a 021-2214227Al-Fourqan 021-2686492Al-manara 021-2110494, 224 4385An-Nawras 021-3113833An-Nour 021-4610320Al-umniya 021-2113577

BOOKSHOPS - HOmSAbbas 031-2484996Abu Ahmad 031-2462907Al-Hagar 031-2516874Al-Hamawi 031-2229655Al-Hasen 031-2464181Al-Hayat 031-2753447Al-Nasem 031-2623620Al-Nedal 031-2467522Al-Nubala’a 031-2239587Al-Nur 031-2474733

BOOKSHOPS - HAmAAbi Al-Fida 033-223107Al-Dean 033-237282Hayek 033-225256Ibn al-Hytham 033-224173maghmoumeh 033-213690maher Fakhri 033-217781, 217962

BOOKSHOPS - LATAKIAAl-Imam Ja’afar Al-Sadeq 041-439724Al-Abbas 041-439166Al-Huda 041-470890Al-maha 041-826558Amar bin Yaser 041-424879Beirut 041-433298Zahrat Al-midan 041-436671

BOOKSHOPS - IDLEBAL-Amer 023-529195An-Nour 023-239630

Al-Baha’a 023-719853Al-Bierakdar 023-363017

BOOKSHOPS - SWEIDAAl-ma’rifa Bookshoop 016-230024

BOOKSHOPS - DEIR EZ-ZuRAs-Salmiyya 051-352323, 360905

BOOKSHOPS - DAR’ADar Al-Nada 015-230140

HAmmAmS & SPAS - DAmScuS

Hammam Al malek Alzaher 2225330Balloran Spa - Four Seasons 3391000Hammam Bakri 5426606Hammam Ammona 2316414Hammam Nureddin 2229513

BOOKSHOPS - ALEPPOAs-Sadat 021-3330519Bab Al-Ahmar 021-3622640Hammam Yalbougha An-Nasry 021-3623154

BOOKSHOPS - HOmSAl-Othmani Baths Oriental 031-2234395Kharraz 031-2232540

BOOKSHOPS - HAmAAl-Sadeya 033-215250

GYmS - DAmAScuS

Al-Sham Fitness 5617723Barada Gym 4450686Beauty & Fitness centre for Ladies 6315570Body Gym 2130651Dynamic Gym 4429890Gold Gym 4447000Fitness House 4427476Al Jalaa 6622147mayyas Women’s Gym 5127565Life Gym 2321773

GYm - ALEPPOAl-Hadad house 021-2289474Al-Vilat 021-4465612Al-Warak House 021-2228856Blue GYm 021-2332260

GYm - HOmSGym House 031-2453500

HOSPITALS - DAmAScuS

Al Salam 9936, 0933000315Al Assadi 6132500, 6132501Al Amal 4451334, 4451335Al Hayat 4455322, 4445043Al mwasat 2133000Al Rawda Surgery 3338392, 3330589Al Razi 6118445, 6111600Al Tawfeek 2228250, 2216364Dar Al-Shifaa’ 4414134, 4414120The French Hospital 4440460, 4448556

Ibn Al Nafees 5123637, 5121211Ibn Sina 5348834The Italian Hospital 3326030, 3326031The Red crescent centre 4421600, 4421601Tishreen 5119450, 5119451Yafa Surgical Hospital 6112792, 6114795

HOSPITALS - ALEPPOAl Ahli 021-2682801, 2682802Al Amal 021-2676074, 2675991Al Amir 021-2665551, 2667056Al Ashtar 021-2667393, 2676390Al Attar 021-2224420Ibn Rushd 021-4654977, 4654976Al Kalimeh 021-2674602, 2674601Al mwasat 021-2228738, 2238228Al Razi 021-2676001, 2676002The Red crescent centre 021-4646800Al Salam 021-4657800, 4657700Al Shihan 021-2661063, 2661062Saloum 021-4644830Al Shami 021-2211750Sraj Eddin 021-2675652, 2675651Al Kindi 021-4642800, 4642801

HOSPITALS - AL HASSAKAAl-Amal Hospital 052-426698Al-Hikma Hospital 052-315053The National Hospital 052-750025An-Numa Hospital 052-223107Dr. Sulayman Al-Saleh Hospital 052-750295Shaba Hospital 052-311171

HOSPITALS - HAmAAl-Asad medical Hospital 033-440301Al-Asfar Specialist Hospital 033-225331Al-Bader Specialist Hospital 033-416281

HOSPITALS - HOmSAl-Ahli Specialist Hospital 031-200474Al-Hikmah Hospital 031-2127408Al-Watani Hospital 031-2486475Al-Watani Hospital 031-2486478

HOSPITALS - IDLEBAl-Khateeb Surgical Hospital 023-548418Al-ma’arra Surgical Hospital 023-524524Areeha Hospital 023-717102maternity House Hospital 023-633460Saraqeb Specialist Hospital 023-850059

HOSPITALS - LATAKIAAl-Sufi Hospital 041-354825, 3177956

PHARmAcIES - DAmAScuS

Abdullah makhseen 4443928Adnan Nomeir 5420244Adnan Tinawi 4625040Al-Falah 6114850Al-Farabi 4421169Al-Farawati 2217613Al-Fardoos 4444926Akram Khalifeh 5121058Akram Khoulani 6214527Fadi Dawood 5617051

HOSPITALS - ALEPPOAl-Aasi 021-4787250Al-Aata’ 021-5506684Abdullah Arab 021-2666402Abdul Ahad Shallah 021-3216496Abdul Hannan 021-2687876Abdul Jaleel 021-2247827Al-Assa’ad 021-4448882

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Damascus International Airport 011-453 0201/9 Flight - 167 Reservation - 187

Police 112

Homicide 159

military Police 116

civil Defence 109

Fire Station 113

Traffic Police 115

Ambulance 110

Health Info centre 161

Operator 141

International call Operator 143

Phone clock 119

Tel-Information 147

Tel-Telegrams 146

Electricity Emergency 118

Water Supply complaints 114

Syrian Insurance company 186

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