I have not heard about Maaloula before. I didn't know that the Aramaic is still spoken. Thank you for this very informative video. I pray that the Christian community will be restored.
@Ahmad Ahmad Because "my" country did this.Because I know these people lived in peace with their neighbors before "my" country decided to mess with Syria for some sick power play. Because I never would have wanted this destruction to happen to them-or to anyone anywhere on Earth- and because I feel so frustrated that we can't all join together as one humanity to stop it. Because Manar is so beautiful both inside and out. Because Christians who truly honor Jesus and his teachings need to step up and raise funds for Maaloula,not just make pilgrimages to Jerusalem as ego signaling for God to see them,but really put their beliefs into practice for their brothers and sisters,not just for their own petty selves.Same goes for pilgrimages to Mecca. Because the destruction and horror and devastation are all so needless. Because the human spirit somehow endures. Because ultimately, we are all one, and we are here to evolve.Together.Not tear ourselves asunder.
This is my home village!!! I am so happy to see it again, where I grew up and spent my childhood. I am absolutely shocked, I haven’t seen it since 10 years ago. It is so hard to see what happened to it after the war and how empty it is. Yall brought so much tears to my eyes, took me back in time were I was small and laughing on the street while walking up the mountain with my friends. Feel so emotional, this absolutely amazing. Please don’t throw those stamps that the man gave you. They are so old and precious. Thank you for showing my country ❤
It's really painful to see what your beautiful village has been through over the recent past. The death and destruction brought about by an evil ideology is finally over. I pray that your beautiful village once again, regain it's past beauty and splendor. May God richly bless your people.
One of my daughter's schoolmate here in Belgium came from that place. They fled in 2013 and arrived here. The dad used to be an ingeneer and the mom a teacher. The catholic elementary school where my daughter was here took them as janitors and offered them free lodging on the school premisces, thank Gods. The Mom then subsequently opened a business of Syrian food catering that is now thriving here and they learened our language and customs in no time. They are now thankfully happy here (the Dad also now has another job as tech advisor for a heating/cooling company) But still , this is so heartbreaking, because I know them and I know the hardships and the longing for their land they went through.
@@MattandJulia The parents are still pretty shocked that before ISIS, there was never any problem for centuries of them being Chrisitians communities and that all lived together in harmony within Syria, knowing their boundaries. ISIS and the war really threw that balance away, showing how harmfull and out of balance extremism can be.
It was beyond lovely to meet Manar and is a testament to love and devotion holding its own against the tide of destruction that Isis wrought. I am staggered to see what was done and am hopeful anew for Manar's dedication to bringing reverence and respect back to Maaloula. As I say with every new video, I would not ever have known if the two of you had not filmed this and brought us with you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart at showing the fortitude and the beauty of Syria I am learning with fresh eyes.
You talk and represent Syria in such a beautiful manner. Thank you for visiting my homeland and showing my people's story. I've watched three of your vlogs about Syria, you bring so much humanity to our losses and tragedy, which isn't always the case in western media so thank you. I haven't been able to return to Maaloula in 13 years. It breaks my heart to see the destruction of places I've once known, but it warms my heart to know that people are seeing the beauty of the country (architecture and richness of culture) and it's people (Syrians' generosity, warmth and friendliness) through your lense. Thank you. God bless you.
Great video guys, but an important correction about Aramaic at 1:58 and 6:22 must be addressed. Aramaic is not only spoken in Maaloula, Jubba'din, and Bakh'ah, but also elsewhere in Syria, and the region. However, the Maaloula form of Aramaic is the last surviving "West Aramaic" dialect, which is indeed close to the one spoken by Jesus (who spoke Phoenician Aramaic). However, "East Aramaic (a.k.a: Syriac-Aramaic)" is still spoken in the north-east of Syria, northern Iraq, southern Turkey, and parts of Lebanon (as well as some Syriac communities in Palestine, Jordan) as well as diaspora communities in Sweden, USA and many more countries. Syriac-Aramaic, which is also referred to as "Mesopotamian Aramaic" has 3 surviving forms that are still used today; Classical Syriac, Turoyo (West Syriac), and Sureth (East Syriac). The language is spoken by the Syriac communities in the Fertile Crescent region, who are divided into the following groups; Arameans (sometimes simply labeled as Syriacs), Assyrians, Chaldeans, and Maronites. The separate sub-communities form the following different (but connected) Churches; The Syriac Orthodox Church, The Assyrian Church of the East, The Maronite Church, The Chaldean Catholic Church, and The Syriac Catholic Church... (accurate details below) ** Here are the linguistic distributions of each Aramaic-speaking group for both "East Aramaic (Syriac)" and "West Aramaic", and more: Arameans (Syriacs): They use "Turoyo (West Syriac)" as a spoken dialect, and "Classical Syriac" for liturgy, official and academic writing. They use the "Serto" and "Estrangela" Syriac-Aramaic scripts for writing. Their homeland is southern Turkey, northern Syria (hence the name of the country), north-west Iraq, and parts of Lebanon. Assyrians & Chaldeans: They use "Sureth (East Syriac)" as a spoken dialect, and "Classical Syriac" for liturgy and official and academic writing. They use the "Madhinkhaya" and "Estrangela" Syriac-Aramaic scripts for writing. Their homeland is northern Iraq, south-east Turkey, north-east Syria, western Iran. Maronites: They use "Classical Syriac" for liturgy. They use the "Serto" and "Estrangela" Syriac-Aramaic scripts for writing. Their homeland is the mount Lebanon. Maaloula, Jubba'din, and Bakh'ah: They use West Aramaic (last surviving form of West Aramaic) both as a spoken dialect and in writing (although they do not use the Aramaic scripts anymore, they use the Arabic script instead for writing). Their homeland is obvious. Mandeans: They use Neo-Mandaic Aramaic as a spoken dialect, and "Classical Mandaic" for liturgy. They use "Mandaic" scripts for writing. Their homeland is southern Iraq. Iraqi Jews: They use Judeo-Aramaic as a spoken dialect. They use the "Jewish Neo-Aramaic" script for writing. Their homeland is northern Iraq, west Iran and south-east Turkey.
How sad what the inhabitants of that land have had to go through... How interesting to know about that town of which I knew nothing until now. I hope that the definitive peace reaches those places and they can have a normal life. Thank you for taking me on your route and I look forward to the next places you visit... Love from Buenos Aires
It’s heartbreaking to see what cruelty and evil humans can inflict on each other. There is a special place in heaven for those who have endured such persecution and hostility. May God bless and protect these dear people and wreak vengeance on their perpetrators.
What an interesting and disturbing episode. The cruelty and destruction of the peoples and the historical architecture is difficult to see. It is even more difficult to understand the reasoning and purpose. Thank you for showing this land and a few of the resilient people with the courage the fortitude to remain and attempt to restore it.
Aramaic is Yeshua's hometown native tongue. eTeacher Biblical, Jerusalem; teaches this by online classes. It's worth learning because this will teach you what the Book of Daniel said in its original text. Which, during the time of Daniel, all of Israel, Iraq, Syria, parts of Persia spoke Aramaic because it is the main language used. Just like English is now used all over the west.
Marmaritta is my home town, you guys should visit during the month of August, the Virgin Mary holiday August 14. We celebrate with concerts and amazing nightlife every night the whole month. All Syrians who live in the USA AND EUROPE go there from July to the end of September. I have a house there, you are welcome to have a free stay when you go there, even if I am not there. Thanks for showing Syria 👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏
Emotional and sad video. I watch the video and remember everything that happened to me. The war. Losing my family. Our house became a wreck. It's really sad. Anyway, welcome to Syria If you are now in Syria, you should visit the Roman theater in Bosra Al-Sham, Daraa. Have a peaceful day ♥️
Hi Matt and Julia 👋. This video moved me to tears. I am always baffled by man's incredible cruelty to each other. Will humans ever learn to live in peace together 🤔? Thanks for showing the "real situation" in present day Syria. I will always trust your reports over the mainstream media. I wish that Western governments would realize that sanctions hurt the common folks much more than the governments sanctioned. As a Christian, I wonder why Christians worldwide haven't stepped up to fund the restoration of this very important historical Aramaic village? Must be "sanctions". As always, thanks for showing the kindness of people who have suffered so much but remain hopeful and welcoming to "outsiders". May God Bless them and watch over them as they try to return to a peaceful and happy life. 🫂❤️🙏🌎🕊
Thank you so much John, so glad we could share this place and you found it interesting! Couldn’t agree more, these people deserve better from the outside world🙏🏼❤️
People like Manar are the embodiment of "Christian values",also the man who gave you the gift of some stamps simply from the goodness of his heart. This needless destruction for the gain of the "powerful" few will continue until the rest of us-humanity wide- who only want to live our lives in peace,raise our families,break bread together,tend our crops and ourselves and our loved ones for the sake of community and not of dominance- finally say ENOUGH! No more destruction!!!! We will not participate.We will not collaborate.
Thank you for showing us this. You hear about things on the news but to see the devastation left after what happened is so sad. It made me really emotional. The poor people loosing their lives, homes and possessions (any where) is heartbreaking and to what end? Living in the U.K. we really have a good life in comparison. You are both so invested, genuinely interested and very respectful. Appreciate your using your channel in this way, not just all the safe and happy places. Take care both of you!! 👍🏻🥰🙅♀️🙅♀️
Thanks for all your hard work & risks you take to share people & places we would otherwise not see in such a true light. Looking forward to seeing where your travels take you guys next.
Actually,I can't even adequately express how much I appreciate this video. I wasn't expecting to be so moved by your trip to Maaloula,but I was floored by the whole of what you have shown us: the beautiful spirit of the people there,the history,the destruction and the hope for rebirth and reconstruction. Words fail me,really. And to think that it is "my" country that did this,hurt this peaceful community.For what??? I ask again:For what???? Do any of us ordinary people benefit from these disgusting power plays? And should we,ever? What is it worth? It seems to me that all of humanity is diminished by war.Even the so called elites who profit from it. Thank you for a video that is profoundly moving. Now,if only we could all rise up in unison and just say: No more destruction!!!! Imagine what we could build,working together,that would be infinitely more beautiful and life affirming than what we destroy while we are divided and conquered,manipulated and exploited....
I remember when the two of you were sitting on a grassy hill in, I think, Kazakastan perhaps, and you were talking about how you wanted to change your content...to meet people and share their lives. Well, you've done it and this video is one of your best. I knew of the Aramaic language but I had no idea that it was still spoken. The long walk through the canyon and up to the top of Maaloula and all of the damage...heartbreaking...and yet Manar could make a joke about the 4 star hotel now 0 star...such resilience....Thank you Matt and Julia.....Love to you both, Suzi❤
How blessed you were to have had Manar to give you the viewpoint of not only a native but a survivor of the war. My heart literally hurt seeing the remnants of what human beings are capable of. Knowing the pride and value placed on one’s history only to have it and those who love that history destroyed by another simply because it is different. Both of you appear to be welcomed so readily by all you pass by. There must be a vibe or aura you exude that says we are not a threat but a friend. Thank you for being an ambassador for all those who follow your adventures, especially those that many are afraid to embark upon themselves. P.S. LOVED the fact that the Aramaic language is still preserved!!
My heart bleeds to see the way people have to live there..One of the first churches was established there and I can only pray for those Christians suffering there..God bless them for their faith and the struggle they are enduring for it!!😢Thank you Matt and Julia for showing this video..God bless you too!!🙏
The people of this village are so kind and welcoming and giving and lovely, especially considering what they had been through. Their beautiful hearts shine through! When Manar recited the poem in Aramaic while you all walked between the rocks, tears came to my eyes. I pray that this community can rebuild and live in peace again. The church was beautiful. I wish so much I could visit, but you have made it possible to see it. Thank you for this wonderful video.
I love how that gentleman, after finding out you were from England, said very proudly “Good morning!” 🥰 I’m a Christian and I enjoyed seeing this very special place, indeed.
Absolutely fantastic video. It is truly educational to watch people’s real life experiences of a country not what the media want to portray. What a beautiful country Syria is. As you say nothing like how you imagine
Thanks , recently found your channel .... great going through them all. @70 years now, I can affirm your life decisions at this point in your life are correct. Plenty of time to sit. in the future.
So sad. I do hope the city thrives once again, As a Christian it was amazing to hear Aramaic spoken. It was also interesting to find out that I have, apparently, been mispronouncing the word Aramaic 🙃. Lastly, I want to thank you for this incredible video. Truly, thank you!
Amazing city with the houses built into the mountains. I found what was done to the buildings very sad. This is the first video of yours that brought tears to my eyes because I thought about the people that were there when Isis took over and what I imagine they went through. As I sit in the safety of my home and city I realize how safe and blessed that I am. If you by any chance go to Jordan I would love to see you walk through Petra. They should increase the Wonders of the World to 8 and include Petra.
We actually visited Petra before UA-cam, it was, and still is, one of the most incredible places we’ve ever visited! We will definitely get there again one day 🙏🏼 Lots of love to you Joanne, take care ❤️
Just came across your videos, I like that you are not playing it like most of the westerns when they visit us and start being so orientalist, instead you chose to act respectfully and show the daily routine life and like you have said that it is not how the world or more specific "the white world" is picturing us. I am Palestinian and proud of our rich cultures. Gotta say your videos in Syria made me so emotional since I can not make my dream come true by visiting it, I am so thirsty to experience the Syrian culture. Keep going!
Thanks for sharing this video. It was especially enjoyable because my wife and I visited Syria in 2006. We were based in Damascus and did day trips to Maaloula, Krak de Chavelier and Palmyra. The latter is highly recommended if it's possible. By the way even in those days you could count on one hand the number of tourists you crossed paths with. Our family and friends thought we were crazy going anywhere near the Middle East. From Syria we went to Jordan then Egypt. Of all the places we've been it was definitely the most exciting.
Wow my heart broke for the people there and the war so many people lost everything some things just cant be replaced and its so beautiful ! So amazing thank you!
Just breath taking country watched through watery eyes - wanton, senseless destruction of the ancient world is just beyond belief. The resilience of the human spirit shines through though. Another amazing video, Thanks Julia. Thanks Matt.
I have been in this city, its beyoned imagination, you feel time taken you centuries backwards. Syria full of history. Its the birth of civilization. I hope peace to our Syrian brothers and sisters 🙏 ❤️
These videos do show another view of Syria,something never shown on tv news, nice people,beautiful nature , after the devastation you still see people and their lives,I hope you left with happy memories ✌️❤️🇬🇧much love
Harriet and I have never been. A fascinating place to visit. Having guide Manar must have been very helpful in explaining Maaloula. It's so sad to hear of the history of Maaloula. The architecture is stunning. It's amazing how well preserved it is. You guys did a wonderful job with this video. Love it. Sending you much love😍😍 and affection from Richmond, Va. Harriet, Jim and Yuki 🙏❤🙏
Thank you for making these great and informative videos! I have been watching your videos for a long time now. Just wanted to say thank you! And to tell you about Finnish, in Finnish maaluola means dugout or earth cave. A weird coincidence, I think! Stay safe out there! ❤
Thank you for sharing such an incredibly interesting look into Syria and its amazing history! I always love your videos Matt and Julia, wishing you safe and happy travels 🥰🥰❤❤
Ahhh- looks great! Pointer- next video use sub-titles as your audio of your guide was too hard to understand and Much was 'missed'! Yess- these people are some of the oldest Christian communities and they have suffered tremendously but they had "overcome" and still are 'occupying'- and this is something Western Christians still will need to remember!
Thank you guys for sharing and giving me a glimpse of Syria. And again we are the people of our beautiful planet ☮️🌍🕊️ Stay safe and best wishes form Hamburg
Matt and Julia thank you so much for this tour of this beautiful and important historic village and for sharing with the world that aramic is still s spoken in 3 villages Yes in Syria
Thanks! Another awesome video guys, I pray you stay safe in the parts of the world you travel and in your response to your last video about personal choice going to do not travel zones I get to see places I myself would not go.Be safe and God bless.
What beautiful places! The time and resources needed to clean up and rebuild whole towns like Maaloula must be staggering. It was so lovely to hear that Aramaic prayer/poem
I will keep the people of Maaloula in my heart and prayers. It is so sad what people do to others. When in grade school I had a science teacher that made a huge impact on me. We were shown a fluoroscope image and asked what we could tell about the person, with the exception of male/female differences, you can not tell one person from another. We are all flesh and blood and if cut we bleed red blood. Thank you for sharing such a tragic place on our planet. Please stay safe and know you are doing something so amazing for the world if they choose to learn. 🙏🙏
This is a sad story. 30 years ago the old city of Damascus was still a largely traditional Arab urban culture with local shops, old Syrian homes with courtyards fountains and gardens, clusters of friends huddled around small fires smoking nargillahs and listening to Fairouz. By 2009 it was turning into an imitation Beirut, poisoned by western trash and Iranian occupation, forcing the old families into the countryside outside Damascus. This directly led to the 2011 explosion.
Yet again another lovely video. The way you share your travels the land you visit & the lovely people is a light in the darkness of modern media. It’s been awesome watching your travels.
Like many others, I found this video very moving. You show me places, people and food I will never experience myself without your camera lens. Every one of your videos should be shown in schools worldwide to help educate about one world
Thanks so much for this fascinating look at Maaloula. I am hoping one day you will get to the Yemen, my Dad lived in Sanaa for 7 years before the recent troubles and had a deep and abiding love for the people and country he helped build the electricity infrastructure for. I have travelled a fair bit in my times but visiting Dad in Sanaa was always a very special place to go .
The unification of the 2 Yemens (North and South) was a BIG BIG BIG mistake from day 1. The unification of the 2 Yemens is not fit for purpose. This war is a complicated one, but mainly stems from poor unification process. There are 2 different people culturally from 2 different countries, that came to an agreement to become one nation in 1990. However, in came the disagreements between the 2 leaders (south and north) and after 4 years of the unification process, a war ensued resulting in the failure of the unification in 1994. Two lots of nations just cannot live peacefully in one unified land for many reasons that will take too long to explain. So the answer is, we go back to pre 1990 as two independent sovereign states. North and South. Only the Southerners will not call themselves Yemenis. Rather there is a talk to rename themselves as South Arabians (the original name) or The Federal state of Hadhramout. This will be put to the Southern people as a referendum to select the name of the new state.
Even though we are Indians we are known as Syrian Christians. Supposed to be 2 millenia old. Olden times our liturgy was in syriac . Now we use local language malayalam even if live any part of the world. Malayalam is the language of the most southern state of India called Kerala. One of the most beautiful place on earth. Some churches built in ad 105
Thank you for sharing. It is heartbreaking to see what the ruins of the terrible war are in this beautiful country. The language spoken by Jezus Christ is the language of peace and hope. This language is not understood (yet) by all people in this world as you can see in many parts of the world. Jezus and his Father assure us we will learn in due time.....
Thanks for sharing your travels. Beautiful but also upsetting of the events of 2013. You have taken us on journeys that most would never get the chance to see! Safe travels
All I can say is wow. I didn't know Syria is that beautiful. When I was a young lad aged 13, my dad took me to Damascus (Syria's capital). I hated it with a passion. It was a busy city, traffic jams, and food did not agree with me. I couldn't wait to leave. Dad on the other hand loved it and wanted to stay long but I was literally moaning left, right and centre. Now that I am an adult, I wish I could go to Syria, eat their lovely food and enjoy the ambiance.
Hopefully you will go to Syria soon and experience everything for yourself ❤️ Interestingly, We had many locals saying to us that they find Damascus too busy for them.
Such beautiful architecture, can imagine what it may have looked like before the destruction. Amazing how ignorance and greed for power can lead to the extent of making a country completely go down on its knees. Have seen this happening in my own homeland and can totally relate to the absurdity. Syria is still beautiful, magical and unique even through all that destruction. Thanks for sharing, Enjoy and Safe travels to you both.
Thank you so much Janice ❤️ couldn’t agree more with you. The thing that I don’t think I will ever be able to understand is the luck of care for people.
Manar was a good tour guide, kind and well mannered. She represented her country and her Aramaic people well. Oh by the way, the writing on the wall at clip @09:32 states Forever Asad (written in Arabic)
مافي للأبد مافي للأبد عاشت سوريا و يسقط الأسد. قلناها و رح نضل نقولها لن يصح إلا الصحيح ولا بلد لهذه البلاد أن ترى الازدهار يوما بعيدا عن أيدي الطغاة المجرمين
Great job for this video. I'm from Malaysia n thank you for showing what it looks like there. Never really know that there are villages like Maaloula existed. I really enjoyed it. Will support giving a like n subscribe for you guys 👍🏻 be safe
Wow Maaloula is magical. The level of destruction though is so tragic, yet the city seems to still have this undeniable beauty about it. Keep safe guys, well you uploaded this so I'm comforted that you are happy and healthy. LOL
Thanks so much for watching! 🙏🏼
Have you heard about Maaloula and the unique Aramaic language before? ❤️
I have not heard about Maaloula before. I didn't know that the Aramaic is still spoken. Thank you for this very informative video. I pray that the Christian community will be restored.
No, I haven't so it was wonderful to hear about it.
Yes,I have and God bless you for highlighting Maaloula.This video had me in tears and I don't cry easily.
@@mirandatarantella why it made you cry?
@Ahmad Ahmad Because "my" country did this.Because I know these people lived in peace with their neighbors before "my" country decided to mess with Syria for some sick power play.
Because I never would have wanted this destruction to happen to them-or to anyone anywhere on Earth- and because I feel so frustrated that we can't all join together as one humanity to stop it.
Because Manar is so beautiful both inside and out.
Because Christians who truly honor Jesus and his teachings need to step up and raise funds for Maaloula,not just make pilgrimages to Jerusalem as ego signaling for God to see them,but really put their beliefs into practice for their brothers and sisters,not just for their own petty selves.Same goes for pilgrimages to Mecca.
Because the destruction and horror and devastation are all so needless.
Because the human spirit somehow endures.
Because ultimately, we are all one, and we are here to evolve.Together.Not tear ourselves asunder.
This is my home village!!! I am so happy to see it again, where I grew up and spent my childhood. I am absolutely shocked, I haven’t seen it since 10 years ago. It is so hard to see what happened to it after the war and how empty it is. Yall brought so much tears to my eyes, took me back in time were I was small and laughing on the street while walking up the mountain with my friends. Feel so emotional, this absolutely amazing. Please don’t throw those stamps that the man gave you. They are so old and precious. Thank you for showing my country ❤
Wow, so glad we could you share this with you! So sorry you haven’t been back in long 😢 We will never throw those stamps away 🙏🏼❤️
God bless you and your country.
God bless you and bring healing to your heart
Hi...i was in siria and want to go again ..for seeing maloula and sydnaya ..
It's really painful to see what your beautiful village has been through over the recent past. The death and destruction brought about by an evil ideology is finally over. I pray that your beautiful village once again, regain it's past beauty and splendor. May God richly bless your people.
One of my daughter's schoolmate here in Belgium came from that place. They fled in 2013 and arrived here.
The dad used to be an ingeneer and the mom a teacher. The catholic elementary school where my daughter was here took them as janitors and offered them free lodging on the school premisces, thank Gods. The Mom then subsequently opened a business of Syrian food catering that is now thriving here and they learened our language and customs in no time. They are now thankfully happy here (the Dad also now has another job as tech advisor for a heating/cooling company) But still , this is so heartbreaking, because I know them and I know the hardships and the longing for their land they went through.
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing this Annabel, incredible to hear that their business there is now thriving! 🙏🏼❤️❤️
@@MattandJulia The parents are still pretty shocked that before ISIS, there was never any problem for centuries of them being Chrisitians communities and that all lived together in harmony within Syria, knowing their boundaries. ISIS and the war really threw that balance away, showing how harmfull and out of balance extremism can be.
Thank you for that lovely personal story.✝️
I lived in Syria from 2005 till 2009.
I visited Ma'aloula in 2006 and hiked between the cliffs with my kids when they were baby and toddler.
It was beyond lovely to meet Manar and is a testament to love and devotion holding its own against the tide of destruction that Isis wrought. I am staggered to see what was done and am hopeful anew for Manar's dedication to bringing reverence and respect back to Maaloula. As I say with every new video, I would not ever have known if the two of you had not filmed this and brought us with you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart at showing the fortitude and the beauty of Syria I am learning with fresh eyes.
You talk and represent Syria in such a beautiful manner. Thank you for visiting my homeland and showing my people's story. I've watched three of your vlogs about Syria, you bring so much humanity to our losses and tragedy, which isn't always the case in western media so thank you. I haven't been able to return to Maaloula in 13 years. It breaks my heart to see the destruction of places I've once known, but it warms my heart to know that people are seeing the beauty of the country (architecture and richness of culture) and it's people (Syrians' generosity, warmth and friendliness) through your lense. Thank you. God bless you.
Great video guys, but an important correction about Aramaic at 1:58 and 6:22 must be addressed. Aramaic is not only spoken in Maaloula, Jubba'din, and Bakh'ah, but also elsewhere in Syria, and the region. However, the Maaloula form of Aramaic is the last surviving "West Aramaic" dialect, which is indeed close to the one spoken by Jesus (who spoke Phoenician Aramaic). However, "East Aramaic (a.k.a: Syriac-Aramaic)" is still spoken in the north-east of Syria, northern Iraq, southern Turkey, and parts of Lebanon (as well as some Syriac communities in Palestine, Jordan) as well as diaspora communities in Sweden, USA and many more countries. Syriac-Aramaic, which is also referred to as "Mesopotamian Aramaic" has 3 surviving forms that are still used today; Classical Syriac, Turoyo (West Syriac), and Sureth (East Syriac). The language is spoken by the Syriac communities in the Fertile Crescent region, who are divided into the following groups; Arameans (sometimes simply labeled as Syriacs), Assyrians, Chaldeans, and Maronites. The separate sub-communities form the following different (but connected) Churches; The Syriac Orthodox Church, The Assyrian Church of the East, The Maronite Church, The Chaldean Catholic Church, and The Syriac Catholic Church... (accurate details below)
** Here are the linguistic distributions of each Aramaic-speaking group for both "East Aramaic (Syriac)" and "West Aramaic", and more:
Arameans (Syriacs):
They use "Turoyo (West Syriac)" as a spoken dialect, and "Classical Syriac" for liturgy, official and academic writing. They use the "Serto" and "Estrangela" Syriac-Aramaic scripts for writing. Their homeland is southern Turkey, northern Syria (hence the name of the country), north-west Iraq, and parts of Lebanon.
Assyrians & Chaldeans:
They use "Sureth (East Syriac)" as a spoken dialect, and "Classical Syriac" for liturgy and official and academic writing. They use the "Madhinkhaya" and "Estrangela" Syriac-Aramaic scripts for writing. Their homeland is northern Iraq, south-east Turkey, north-east Syria, western Iran.
Maronites:
They use "Classical Syriac" for liturgy. They use the "Serto" and "Estrangela" Syriac-Aramaic scripts for writing. Their homeland is the mount Lebanon.
Maaloula, Jubba'din, and Bakh'ah:
They use West Aramaic (last surviving form of West Aramaic) both as a spoken dialect and in writing (although they do not use the Aramaic scripts anymore, they use the Arabic script instead for writing). Their homeland is obvious.
Mandeans:
They use Neo-Mandaic Aramaic as a spoken dialect, and "Classical Mandaic" for liturgy. They use "Mandaic" scripts for writing. Their homeland is southern Iraq.
Iraqi Jews:
They use Judeo-Aramaic as a spoken dialect. They use the "Jewish Neo-Aramaic" script for writing. Their homeland is northern Iraq, west Iran and south-east Turkey.
You should make a Wiki page otherwise no one cares.
Very interesting!
ܐܠܗܐ ܒܪܟ ܠܘܟ.
God bless you.
Y'all work so hard to produce great content. thanks for bringing the world to me.
Thank you so much for coming along with us Lindsey! ❤️🙏🏼
How sad what the inhabitants of that land have had to go through... How interesting to know about that town of which I knew nothing until now. I hope that the definitive peace reaches those places and they can have a normal life. Thank you for taking me on your route and I look forward to the next places you visit... Love from Buenos Aires
Thank you so much Alejandro! Really appreciate it, can’t wait to show you more 🥰🙏🏼❤️
It’s heartbreaking to see what cruelty and evil humans can inflict on each other. There is a special place in heaven for those who have endured such persecution and hostility. May God bless and protect these dear people and wreak vengeance on their perpetrators.
Thank you for showing this American a beautiful sacred place in Syria 😢 War everywhere is heartbreaking 💔
Glad to know you still use the square script
גלאד טו נואו יו סטיל יוז די סקואר סקריפט
What an interesting and disturbing episode. The cruelty and destruction of the peoples and the historical architecture is difficult to see. It is even more difficult to understand the reasoning and purpose. Thank you for showing this land and a few of the resilient people with the courage the fortitude to remain and attempt to restore it.
Thank you so much for your kind words ❤️
(I struggle to understand the reasoning and purpose immensely)
Aramaic is such a beautiful sounding languages .. it sounds so gentle and yet powerful
Aramaic is Yeshua's hometown native tongue. eTeacher Biblical, Jerusalem; teaches this by online classes. It's worth learning because this will teach you what the Book of Daniel said in its original text. Which, during the time of Daniel, all of Israel, Iraq, Syria, parts of Persia spoke Aramaic because it is the main language used. Just like English is now used all over the west.
@@lilyinthevalley8046 actually I’m learning Arabic now. Maybe I will try Aramaic too in the future. God bless. ❤️
Marmaritta is my home town, you guys should visit during the month of August, the Virgin Mary holiday August 14. We celebrate with concerts and amazing nightlife every night the whole month. All Syrians who live in the USA AND EUROPE go there from July to the end of September. I have a house there, you are welcome to have a free stay when you go there, even if I am not there. Thanks for showing Syria 👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏
Thank you so much! So happy you enjoyed our video! We would love to come back and experience all the celebrations 🤗❤️
Another fantastic journey. You are educating the world. Looking forward to seeing more. Safe travels, thanks for taking me along.
Emotional and sad video. I watch the video and remember everything that happened to me. The war. Losing my family. Our house became a wreck. It's really sad. Anyway, welcome to Syria If you are now in Syria, you should visit the Roman theater in Bosra Al-Sham, Daraa. Have a peaceful day ♥️
Hi Matt and Julia 👋. This video moved me to tears. I am always baffled by man's incredible cruelty to each other. Will humans ever learn to live in peace together 🤔? Thanks for showing the "real situation" in present day Syria. I will always trust your reports over the mainstream media. I wish that Western governments would realize that sanctions hurt the common folks much more than the governments sanctioned. As a Christian, I wonder why Christians worldwide haven't stepped up to fund the restoration of this very important historical Aramaic village? Must be "sanctions". As always, thanks for showing the kindness of people who have suffered so much but remain hopeful and welcoming to "outsiders". May God Bless them and watch over them as they try to return to a peaceful and happy life. 🫂❤️🙏🌎🕊
Thank you so much John, so glad we could share this place and you found it interesting! Couldn’t agree more, these people deserve better from the outside world🙏🏼❤️
People like Manar are the embodiment of "Christian values",also the man who gave you the gift of some stamps simply from the goodness of his heart.
This needless destruction for the gain of the "powerful" few will continue until the rest of us-humanity wide- who only want to live our lives in peace,raise our families,break bread together,tend our crops and ourselves and our loved ones for the sake of community and not of dominance- finally say ENOUGH! No more destruction!!!!
We will not participate.We will not collaborate.
I'm guessing because the government might steal the aid money instead of letting it rebuild the village.
Thank you for showing us this. You hear about things on the news but to see the devastation left after what happened is so sad. It made me really emotional. The poor people loosing their lives, homes and possessions (any where) is heartbreaking and to what end? Living in the U.K. we really have a good life in comparison.
You are both so invested, genuinely interested and very respectful. Appreciate your using your channel in this way, not just all the safe and happy places. Take care both of you!! 👍🏻🥰🙅♀️🙅♀️
Thanks for all your hard work & risks you take to share people & places we would otherwise not see in such a true light. Looking forward to seeing where your travels take you guys next.
Actually,I can't even adequately express how much I appreciate this video.
I wasn't expecting to be so moved by your trip to Maaloula,but I was floored by the whole of what you have shown us: the beautiful spirit of the people there,the history,the destruction and the hope for rebirth and reconstruction. Words fail me,really.
And to think that it is "my" country that did this,hurt this peaceful community.For what???
I ask again:For what????
Do any of us ordinary people benefit from these disgusting power plays? And should we,ever? What is it worth?
It seems to me that all of humanity is diminished by war.Even the so called elites who profit from it.
Thank you for a video that is profoundly moving.
Now,if only we could all rise up in unison and just say: No more destruction!!!!
Imagine what we could build,working together,that would be infinitely more beautiful and life affirming than what we destroy while we are divided and conquered,manipulated and exploited....
I remember when the two of you were sitting on a grassy hill in, I think, Kazakastan perhaps, and you were talking about how you wanted to change your content...to meet people and share their lives. Well, you've done it and this video is one of your best. I knew of the Aramaic language but I had no idea that it was still spoken. The long walk through the canyon and up to the top of Maaloula and all of the damage...heartbreaking...and yet Manar could make a joke about the 4 star hotel now 0 star...such resilience....Thank you Matt and Julia.....Love to you both, Suzi❤
Did you hear about the Assyrians, they speak the same language of Aramaic but different accent, as Assyrians we say Assyrian language not Aramaic.
God blesses syria, and syrians all over the world
How blessed you were to have had Manar to give you the viewpoint of not only a native but a survivor of the war. My heart literally hurt seeing the remnants of what human beings are capable of. Knowing the pride and value placed on one’s history only to have it and those who love that history destroyed by another simply because it is different. Both of you appear to be welcomed so readily by all you pass by. There must be a vibe or aura you exude that says we are not a threat but a friend. Thank you for being an ambassador for all those who follow your adventures, especially those that many are afraid to embark upon themselves. P.S. LOVED the fact that the Aramaic language is still preserved!!
My heart bleeds to see the way people have to live there..One of the first churches was established there and I can only pray for those Christians suffering there..God bless them for their faith and the struggle they are enduring for it!!😢Thank you Matt and Julia for showing this video..God bless you too!!🙏
Wow. I had no idea that Aramaic was still spoken anywhere. I just found your guys channel today and have been binge watching. Keep it up!!!!!
The people of this village are so kind and welcoming and giving and lovely, especially considering what they had been through. Their beautiful hearts shine through! When Manar recited the poem in Aramaic while you all walked between the rocks, tears came to my eyes. I pray that this community can rebuild and live in peace again. The church was beautiful. I wish so much I could visit, but you have made it possible to see it. Thank you for this wonderful video.
I love how that gentleman, after finding out you were from England, said very proudly “Good morning!” 🥰
I’m a Christian and I enjoyed seeing this very special place, indeed.
The architectural devastation is appalling. Thanks for recording this, Matt & Julia.
Thank you so much Michael 😘❤️
Thank you for sharing this Incredible Syria ❤ wish I could visit one day - greetings from Tokyo 🎌
Please visit us i really love Japan and people there ❤️ thank you sir
Orthodox from USA Syrian orthodox are the Lords favorite he is blessing you always...
It breaks my heart, beautiful country and people. Bless Syria and its people.
Absolutely fantastic video. It is truly educational to watch people’s real life experiences of a country not what the media want to portray. What a beautiful country Syria is. As you say nothing like how you imagine
Thanks , recently found your channel .... great going through them all. @70 years now, I can affirm your life decisions at this point in your life are correct. Plenty of time to sit. in the future.
So sad. I do hope the city thrives once again, As a Christian it was amazing to hear Aramaic spoken. It was also interesting to find out that I have, apparently, been mispronouncing the word Aramaic 🙃. Lastly, I want to thank you for this incredible video. Truly, thank you!
Thank you so much Cheryl! Really appreciate it 🙏🏼❤️🥰
My niece's husband is from there and has family there. Great vlog - thanks for taking us along. Very humbling there.
Oh wow! How interesting! ❤️ Where do you live now? 🥰
@@MattandJulia in US - thx for asking
God bless the people of Syria ! Very touching video. You guys do the best job! It’s like I’m with you!❤️💜
Amazing city with the houses built into the mountains. I found what was done to the buildings very sad. This is the first video of yours that brought tears to my eyes because I thought about the people that were there when Isis took over and what I imagine they went through. As I sit in the safety of my home and city I realize how safe and blessed that I am. If you by any chance go to Jordan I would love to see you walk through Petra. They should increase the Wonders of the World to 8 and include Petra.
We actually visited Petra before UA-cam, it was, and still is, one of the most incredible places we’ve ever visited! We will definitely get there again one day 🙏🏼 Lots of love to you Joanne, take care ❤️
Just came across your videos, I like that you are not playing it like most of the westerns when they visit us and start being so orientalist, instead you chose to act respectfully and show the daily routine life and like you have said that it is not how the world or more specific "the white world" is picturing us. I am Palestinian and proud of our rich cultures. Gotta say your videos in Syria made me so emotional since I can not make my dream come true by visiting it, I am so thirsty to experience the Syrian culture. Keep going!
Thank you so much! Lots of love 🇵🇸❤️
عفوا، اهلا وسهلا فيكم
So sad. Very eye-opening. Thanks so much for educating me!! Love from London, Ontario 🇨🇦
Thank you so much Linda ❤️
Beautiful city. God bless and protect our dear Christian brothers and sisters in Syria, Iraq and across middle east and the world.
Syria is levant not middle east
Wow another great video, your chanel is a real breath of fresh air, Thankyou!
Thanks for sharing this video. It was especially enjoyable because my wife and I visited Syria in 2006. We were based in Damascus and did day trips to Maaloula, Krak de Chavelier and Palmyra. The latter is highly recommended if it's possible. By the way even in those days you could count on one hand the number of tourists you crossed paths with. Our family and friends thought we were crazy going anywhere near the Middle East. From Syria we went to Jordan then Egypt. Of all the places we've been it was definitely the most exciting.
Fantastic, one of my best mates years ago was of Syrian origin & he’s parents were so incredibly kind & beautiful people.
Couldn’t agree more, not even surprising to hear it after experiencing everything ourselves. such wonderful people ❤️
Wow my heart broke for the people there and the war so many people lost everything some things just cant be replaced and its so beautiful ! So amazing thank you!
Just breath taking country watched through watery eyes - wanton, senseless destruction of the ancient world is just beyond belief. The resilience of the human spirit shines through though. Another amazing video, Thanks Julia. Thanks Matt.
Thank you for visit Maaloula!
I'm from Maaloula.
Thank you for video🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for showing me parts of the world I have never seen before! You are opening my eyes!
I have been in this city, its beyoned imagination, you feel time taken you centuries backwards. Syria full of history. Its the birth of civilization. I hope peace to our Syrian brothers and sisters 🙏 ❤️
These videos do show another view of Syria,something never shown on tv news, nice people,beautiful nature , after the devastation you still see people and their lives,I hope you left with happy memories ✌️❤️🇬🇧much love
Harriet and I have never been. A fascinating place to visit. Having guide Manar must have been very helpful in explaining Maaloula. It's so sad to hear of the history of Maaloula. The architecture is stunning. It's amazing how well preserved it is. You guys did a wonderful job with this video. Love it. Sending you much love😍😍 and affection from Richmond, Va.
Harriet, Jim and Yuki 🙏❤🙏
Thank you so much guys! Really appreciate your ongoing amazing support! 🙏🏼 Lots of love to you from us both 🥰❤️❤️
Thank you for making these great and informative videos! I have been watching your videos for a long time now. Just wanted to say thank you! And to tell you about Finnish, in Finnish maaluola means dugout or earth cave. A weird coincidence, I think! Stay safe out there! ❤
Awesome carving in the cliff, and Syrias history goes way back. I learned a lot.
Thanks for sharing your journeys with us you two are awesome keep the videos coming the places you go are fantastic
You both are wonderful. Thank you for being so excited to explore and appreciating everyone and everything so much. ❤
Thank you so much! ❤️🙏🏼
شكرآ لكم على هذا الفيديو الجميل عن سورية وعلى محاولة اكتشاف تقافتها وحضارتها
🙏🏼❤️❤️❤️✌🏻
Thank you for sharing such an incredibly interesting look into Syria and its amazing history! I always love your videos Matt and Julia, wishing you safe and happy travels 🥰🥰❤❤
We love that you guys go off the beaten track, thank you for the videos..
Ahhh- looks great! Pointer- next video use sub-titles as your audio of your guide was too hard to understand and Much was 'missed'! Yess- these people are some of the oldest Christian communities and they have suffered tremendously but they had "overcome" and still are 'occupying'- and this is something Western Christians still will need to remember!
Thank you 😘 will do!
Thank you guys for sharing and giving me a glimpse of Syria.
And again we are the people of our beautiful planet ☮️🌍🕊️
Stay safe and best wishes form Hamburg
Thank you so much Michael 😘 sending lots of love from both of us ❤️
Matt and Julia thank you so much for this tour of this beautiful and important historic village and for sharing with the world that aramic is still s spoken in 3 villages Yes in Syria
Thanks! Another awesome video guys, I pray you stay safe in the parts of the world you travel and in your response to your last video about personal choice going to do not travel zones I get to see places I myself would not go.Be safe and God bless.
Thank you so much Todd! Really appreciate your amazing support! It means the world 🙏🏼🥰❤️
That was amazing. Thank you for bringing such different content. You 2 are so inspiring.
I am from Syria and I learn something new from you about my country. Thank you
What beautiful places! The time and resources needed to clean up and rebuild whole towns like Maaloula must be staggering. It was so lovely to hear that Aramaic prayer/poem
🙏🏼❤️❤️
Wow....I shared this one on my page. This was a beautiful (and heart wrenching) video. Thank you for sharing.
Good Report.about . Christian .(ommunity in syria.
Thank you - So.much .
കൺഗ്രാജുലേഷൻ ഫ്രം കേരള / ഇൻഡ്യ.
Congragulations from kerala / India,
Such an amazing place and absolutely great people. Thank you both for all the work you do to bring us this content.
Thank you so very much for showing Maaloula, it is such a beautiful place. from south wales🏴🇬🇧uk
I will keep the people of Maaloula in my heart and prayers. It is so sad what people do to others. When in grade school I had a science teacher that made a huge impact on me. We were shown a fluoroscope image and asked what we could tell about the person, with the exception of male/female differences, you can not tell one person from another. We are all flesh and blood and if cut we bleed red blood. Thank you for sharing such a tragic place on our planet. Please stay safe and know you are doing something so amazing for the world if they choose to learn. 🙏🙏
This is a sad story. 30 years ago the old city of Damascus was still a largely traditional Arab urban culture with local shops, old Syrian homes with courtyards fountains and gardens, clusters of friends huddled around small fires smoking nargillahs and listening to Fairouz. By 2009 it was turning into an imitation Beirut, poisoned by western trash and Iranian occupation, forcing the old families into the countryside outside Damascus. This directly led to the 2011 explosion.
Yet again another lovely video. The way you share your travels the land you visit & the lovely people is a light in the darkness of modern media. It’s been awesome watching your travels.
Thank you so much from the bottom from our hearts for your support and coming along with us! Can’t wait to share everything with you ❤️
Like many others, I found this video very moving. You show me places, people and food I will never experience myself without your camera lens. Every one of your videos should be shown in schools worldwide to help educate about one world
Thank you so much! Your kind words mean the world to us ❤️
once again thanks for sharing your travels and sharing with us cheers to you both !
Thank you so much for coming along with us ❤️
Thanks so much for this fascinating look at Maaloula. I am hoping one day you will get to the Yemen, my Dad lived in Sanaa for 7 years before the recent troubles and had a deep and abiding love for the people and country he helped build the electricity infrastructure for. I have travelled a fair bit in my times but visiting Dad in Sanaa was always a very special place to go .
Nobody gives a ...... to Sana'a run by a bunch of ...... you know what
The unification of the 2 Yemens (North and South) was a BIG BIG BIG mistake from day 1.
The unification of the 2 Yemens is not fit for purpose.
This war is a complicated one, but mainly stems from poor unification process. There are 2 different people culturally from 2 different countries, that came to an agreement to become one nation in 1990. However, in came the disagreements between the 2 leaders (south and north) and after 4 years of the unification process, a war ensued resulting in the failure of the unification in 1994.
Two lots of nations just cannot live peacefully in one unified land for many reasons that will take too long to explain. So the answer is, we go back to pre 1990 as two independent sovereign states. North and South. Only the Southerners will not call themselves Yemenis. Rather there is a talk to rename themselves as South Arabians (the original name) or The Federal state of Hadhramout.
This will be put to the Southern people as a referendum to select the name of the new state.
Incredibly touching video. Thank you
Even though we are Indians we are known as Syrian Christians. Supposed to be 2 millenia old. Olden times our liturgy was in syriac . Now we use local language malayalam even if live any part of the world. Malayalam is the language of the most southern state of India called Kerala. One of the most beautiful place on earth. Some churches built in ad 105
I discovered your channel few days ago and have been on a 3 day binge watching. Love it .
Thank you so much Jeremy! Really appreciate it 🙏🏼❤️🥰
So interesting once again😊❤ great video
Thank you for sharing. It is heartbreaking to see what the ruins of the terrible war are in this beautiful country. The language spoken by Jezus Christ is the language of peace and hope. This language is not understood (yet) by all people in this world as you can see in many parts of the world. Jezus and his Father assure us we will learn in due time.....
Thank you very much! Hopefully things will get better and better 🙌🏻❤️
أهلاً وسهلاً بكم في سورية ❤❤
An amazing video Matt and Julia...what a story you have to tell. Thanks for bringing us with you, we are wiser ! Keep safe Xx
Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts ❤️
Thank you so much for sharing your adventures, NC USA 🇺🇸
Lots of love to you Thomas ❤️
Are you happy to watch what your government did?
I love everything about this video! thanks Matt & Julia!
Thanks for sharing your travels. Beautiful but also upsetting of the events of 2013. You have taken us on journeys that most would never get the chance to see! Safe travels
Amazing & so sad at the same time, thank you for sharing 😊
All I can say is wow. I didn't know Syria is that beautiful.
When I was a young lad aged 13, my dad took me to Damascus (Syria's capital). I hated it with a passion. It was a busy city, traffic jams, and food did not agree with me. I couldn't wait to leave. Dad on the other hand loved it and wanted to stay long but I was literally moaning left, right and centre.
Now that I am an adult, I wish I could go to Syria, eat their lovely food and enjoy the ambiance.
Hopefully you will go to Syria soon and experience everything for yourself ❤️
Interestingly, We had many locals saying to us that they find Damascus too busy for them.
Nice that you are visiting Syria, great video as always! Have a good trip if you didnt already have it. Greetings from Germany. :)
Thought provoking and highly interesting video. Loved it 🤗🤗👍❤️❤️
Thank you so much Nigel ❤️
❤❤Fascinating to see! Thank You Matt & Julia!
THANKS!
Lovely video. Makes me want to travel to Syria and especially that village. Enjoy watching you guys keep up the great content!
Such beautiful architecture, can imagine what it may have looked like before the destruction. Amazing how ignorance and greed for power can lead to the extent of making a country completely go down on its knees. Have seen this happening in my own homeland and can totally relate to the absurdity. Syria is still beautiful, magical and unique even through all that destruction. Thanks for sharing, Enjoy and Safe travels to you both.
Thank you so much Janice ❤️ couldn’t agree more with you.
The thing that I don’t think I will ever be able to understand is the luck of care for people.
Manar was a good tour guide, kind and well mannered. She represented her country and her Aramaic people well.
Oh by the way, the writing on the wall at clip @09:32 states Forever Asad (written in Arabic)
Thank you very much, Manar is an amazing lady ❤️
مافي للأبد مافي للأبد عاشت سوريا و يسقط الأسد. قلناها و رح نضل نقولها
لن يصح إلا الصحيح ولا بلد لهذه البلاد أن ترى الازدهار يوما بعيدا عن أيدي الطغاة المجرمين
I love watching your adventures. It’s so interesting. Thank you for taking us along with you x
شكرااا لكم 👍
Welcome in my homeland! I think you'll be extremely happy for visiting Aleppo. There is so much to see!
Great job for this video. I'm from Malaysia n thank you for showing what it looks like there. Never really know that there are villages like Maaloula existed. I really enjoyed it. Will support giving a like n subscribe for you guys 👍🏻 be safe
Wow Maaloula is magical. The level of destruction though is so tragic, yet the city seems to still have this undeniable beauty about it. Keep safe guys, well you uploaded this so I'm comforted that you are happy and healthy. LOL
Thank you so much 😘❤️
(never worry about us, we are all good ❤️)
Thank you for this beautiful, raw glimpse into Syria.