TV4’s team has visited the oldest Christian village in Syria – which has been severely tested by jihadists over the years
Most of the houses gape empty. A few people walk along the roads and some street dogs run around. Former tourist magnet Maanoulaa is far from its former self. In the past, people flocked here to see Syria’s oldest Christian village, which has preserved an ancient Aramaic dialect, which some believe is similar to that spoken by Jesus.
But here too, the almost 14-year war in Syria has left a clear mark.
Up on the mountain is the beautiful old church of St Sergius. Father Fadi Barkil talks about the nightmare months.
– In 2013 al-Nusra attacked Maaloula. They entered the church and burned it. They also burned and stole several icons in here. All the pictures you see in the church now are just pictures, not of the real icons, he tells TV4.
Half the population fled
Terrorist-listed al-Nusra stayed for seven months and there are clear traces of gunfire but also the regime’s bombings. In the end al-Nusra left but by then more than half the population of the village had fled the country.
Before the war, it is estimated that around 1.5 million Christians lived in Syria. Nowadays it is believed to be around 300,000. The Christians are one of the minorities who wonder how the new regime will include them in the new Syria.
Fadi Barkil says he was scared last Sunday when everything happened. He took the few valuable things found in the church and hid them in Damascus. He and many others were afraid they would see international IS fighters on the streets.
– But now we have seen that it is Syrians who have come to Damascus, not a lot of foreigners. The Syrians are our brothers and we feel calmer.
“Feeling optimistic”
But for now the Christians stay away from the village.
– I feel optimistic and have told the others to come back to their houses, our church and Christianity. It is safe here, says municipal councilor Maha el Shaer.
But both she and Fadi Barkil say that the new government must prove that they intend to include everyone in the new Syria, and that they are capable of maintaining security. Tomorrow, Sunday, Father Barkil will hold mass and he knows what he will preach about.
– In my sermon, I will talk about the fact that we should aim for peace. Join hands and build Syria together. If we stick together, there is no longer a threat, says Father Fadi Barkil.