Maaloula: The Syrian town where the ancient Aramaic language still lives

Nestled among the rugged cliffs of the Qalamoun Mountains, about 56 kilometers north of Damascus, the Syrian town of Maaloula is one of the country’s most distinctive cultural and religious landmarks.

Its rock-hewn homes, ancient monasteries dating back to the earliest centuries of Christianity and the continued use of Aramaic — widely regarded as the language spoken by Jesus Christ — have made Maaloula a unique place where history, faith and living heritage endure despite the devastation of years of conflict.

Maaloula is one of the few places in the world where this ancestral language continues to be spoken by its inhabitants, both Christians and Muslims. The town stands as a remarkable example of coexistence, where religious traditions have flourished in parallel and harmony for centuries.

• Photos courtesy of the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)