Syria, your rustic charm will never be discovered again

No words can describe the feeling after poring over the heartbreaking image of a young Syrian refugee lying face-down on a beach near a Turkish resort of Bodrum after he drowned in his vain attempt to reach Greece with his family, in early September.

Alan Kurdi's plight is one of the many tales of Syrian refugees which had caught the attention of the world. Many are crying and cringing over the plight of the desperate refugees, who risked perilous sojourn escaping their dreams to rightfully live in their own homeland.

Many of us are familiar with the tragic and heart-wrenching tale of the three-year-old Kurdi.

Last month, the cherubic-faced Kurdi reached his ‘final resting’and he is now sleeping fitfully. Little did he know that the afflictions of his conflict-ridden country had begun way longer than he lived.

PHOTO GALLERY: Drowned Syrian toddler: Why Aylan Kurdi images should haunt us

The city of Syria where Kurdi had fled -- merely days before he met his creator needs no introduction. Known to be a melting pot of culture, civilization, economic wealth and the hospitality of its people, Syria has lost its magic.

Observers chided that the city, made of up over 23 million people, had ‘died’ even earlier than Alan Kurdi.

Each time news on the war-torn Syria that shattered, thanks to a devastating civil war followed by the forced intrusion of hostile militant group known as Islamic State, led to the destruction of a multitude of state heritage – once worshiped and admired by people from around the globe.

Sadly, the destruction brought along with it the obliteration of humanity.

As an avid traveler, my heart broke into pieces especially when I had once set foot on the land of Syria, not too long ago.

It was during the same time five years ago, along with four Malaysian journalists, I received an invitation from the Syrian government to experience what was known as ‘Silk Road Festival’.

Hundreds of media from around the globe thronged the historical city – once famed for its historical heritage – that became a hub for traders from the East and West.

Right from the word go, Syria never ceased to amaze. For over two weeks, we were enamored by the charm of the incomparable city.

We traversed across the country for hundreds of kilometers across the barren desert but our exhaustion paid off with the rustic surroundings and money-can’t-buy attractions that greeted us at every destinations.

From the well-preserved archaic architecture, cuisines, culture to history and local hospitality, it was a foregone conclusion that the Arabic soil had more to offer than meets the eyes.

Sad to say, the prosperity and luck did not stand the test of time as the clock is ticking to get a grip of the escalating refugee situation.

Let these images speak for themselves ... this is Syria, I once knew.

DAMASCUS

Damascus 1

Damascus became one of the world's oldest city and to this day, this area is known as one of the most populated province in the country. Most of the buildings structures here were originated from the Umayyah era and have stood the test of time, co-existing with contemporary structures built to mimic the old-age buildings to preserve the aesthetic and cultural values that are rich in the city. - Photo Astro AWANI/HAMZAH HAMID

Damascus 2

The lanes leading to the ever-bustling Souq Al-Hamidiyah is a testimony of age-old buildings with modern functional adaptation. The pillars from the ruins of Jupiter Temple were built by the Romans. Many eras and civilisations later, the temple beacme a temple for Roman Emperor, Theodosius I before the Muslim conquest of Syria began in 635. - Photo Astro AWANI/HAMZAH HAMID

Damascus 3

This man, who sells tea was a sight to behold. Complete with a traditional warrior outfit, he welcomed his clients at one of the city's popular attraction, Souq Al-Hamidiyah or Sayyida Zainab Mosque. The aroma of his tea concoction -- a special mixture of scented vines and rose water -- is simply exquisite! - Photo Astro AWANI/HAMZAH HAMID

Damascus 4

At 70, Amira Al-Samman is synonymous as a practitioner of one of Ottoman's popular mastery -- the famed mosaic -- which a business she had inherited from her forefathers. She operates at Citadel in Damascus, Amira said the craft comparatively different from that in Egypt or any Arabic lands as mosaic boxes from Syria are finer and neater as they are lovingly made by pressing the laminated billets into a carefully crafted bar on the wooden box. - Photo Astro AWANI/HAMIZAH HAMID

Damascus 5

A market or also known as souq in Damascus dot almost every grid of Syria. This place sells a multitude of daily essentials and eye-catching souvenirs. From spices to textiles, cosmetic products and pottery to accessories and home decors, you can shop here until your heart content! - Photo Astro AWANI/HAMZAH HAMID

HOMS

Homs 1

Located in Asy-Syuhada Square, Homs, the Khalid Al-Walid Mosque is a an epitome of Uthmaniyah-Turkey exquisite architecture. It was built in honour of the great warrior, Khalid who conquered Syria in the 7th century and overthrew the Byzantine defenses in Syria. - Photo Astro AWANI/HAMZAH HAMID

Homs 2

This mosque is exceptionally special as it houses Khalid Al-Walid's tomb. Visitors who visit his tomb will remember his military leadership and how he victoriously united the land of Arabia, under a single political entity, Caliphate or Khalifah.What has happened to the tomb is at the end of this article. - Photo Astro AWANI/HAMZAH HAMID

ALEPPO

Aleppo 1
A daily view around the city of Aleppo, located on the northern tip of Syria. Historically, this city became the final stop for the Silk Route that cut through the Central Asia and Mesopotamia. It is dubbed as the country's largest city which was once the administrative capital of the Uthmaniyyah Empire, the third largest after Constantinople and Cairo. - Photo Astro AWANI/HAMZAH HAMID Syria

Aleppo 2

These friendly children I met at the Aleppo Citadel square approached me: "Are you a Muslim? Where are you from? I replied: "Yes, I am a Muslim from Malaysia," to which they replied, "Alhamdulillah, you are my brother from afar". Where are they now? I wonder. - Photo Astro AWANI/HAMZAH HAMID

Aleppo 3

This majestic hall in Citadel Aleppo became one of the most important space and stores weapons and functions as a military hall. It also stores a beautiful dome and minaret from the Ayubbi era, the ceiling of this structure reflects the intricate wood work and hand-painted mosaic formations. - Photo Astro AWANI/HAMZAH HAMID

Aleppo 4

The launch of the 2010 Silk Route Festival was held against the backdrop of Citadel Aleppo, which was once a palace fortress which had existed since the third millennium and holds the illustrious history of ancient Greece, Byzantine, Ayyubi and Mamluk. - Photo Astro AWANI/HAMZAH HAMID

Aleppo 5

Aleppo was once the meeting point of West and East traders. Chinese silk, Indian spices and European metal were some of the items traded here. This carpet shop is an example of hundreds of year legacy in Syria. - Photo Astro AWANI/HAMZAH HAMID

PALMYRA

Palmyra 1

This September 30, 2010 image documents the situation around the historical site of Palmyra. Archaeologists discovered that the world's heritage site possesses Neolitic elements and was mentioned in the Hebrew bible and had emerged as a prosperous city during the Roman Empire. - Photo Astro AWANI/HAMZAH HAMID

Palmyra

Palmyra's architecture is heavily-influenced by Greco-Rome and Persian elements. The city had once flourished as a prosperous metropolis with autonomy power, this ancient city was populated by Amorit, Arami, Arabic and a minority of Jews. Before the arrival of Islam, most of them worshipped demi-gods and Mesopotamia. - Photo Astro AWANI/HAMZAH HAMID Syria

Palmyra 3

The 2,000-year-old Bel Temple or Baal Shamin was built before the Roman Empire invaded the city. On August 2015, it became the target of Islamic State (IS) using more than 30-tonne of explosives. - Foto Astro AWANI /HAMZAH HAMID Syria

Palmyra 4

The main shrine in the city of Palmyra was one of the city's attractions. If on the surface it is merely a desert, underneath it opens up to lanes that will take visitors to the tombs of warriors, laureates and aristocrats. - Photo Astro AWANI/HAMZAH HAMID

Syria

Orange lighting lent a calming ambiance at The Arch of Triumph, situated at the entrance of the ancient ruins' colonnaded street, at night brings back old memories of the city. On October 4, 2015, ISIS militants have destroyed this iconic structure, reduced it to rubble. Photo Astro AWANI/HAMZAH HAMID

Syria

A smiling Syrian Bedouin girl flashing a sweet smile as she welcomed city dwellers and tourists who are taking a respite in the desert of Palmyra. - Photo Astro AWANI/HAMZAH HAMID

LATTAKIA

Lattakia 1

The next destination was Qal'at Salahuddin, a fortress city located on Jabal Bahra, Lattakia. The fortress was built in 1188 and became the home of Alexandeer the Great and his soldiers after they clinched victory during the Christian Holy War. - Photo Astro AWANI/HAMZAH HAMID Syria

Lattakia 2

Perched atop the fortress to enjoy the panoramic view with the billowing wind blowing in the face, visitors are taken down the memory lane to revisit the history involving the Byzantine government, the Christian Holy War, the invasion of al-Ayyubi and the overthrown Mamluk government. - Photo Astro AWANI/HAMZAH HAMID

lattakia 3

The complexities of the Qala'at Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi structure can lead one to wander off aimlessly. In the fortress, there are various main divisions including food pantry, water reserve ponds and warriors' chambers. - Photo Astro AWANI/HAMZAH HAMID

BRAD

Brad 1

There are almost 700 settlements in the northwest of Syria or also known as 'The Forgotten City' or the 'Dead City'. One of the cities is known as Brad, a deserted area rich with church ruins and old tombs. This vast area holds secrets to an abundant of academic evidents on the early days of orthodox Christian. - Photo Astro AWANI/HAMZAH HAMID Syria

Brad 2

One of the arches that greet visitors sit sturdily here inBrad. Built using blocks of limestone, the area is known as a cemetery that houses the remains of St.Maron, the priest during the 4th century. - Photo Astro AWANI/HAMZAH HAMID Syria

Brad 3

In almost every nook and corner of the land in Syria, world travellers will be able to bring a piece of memory about life in the past and seek answers on religion, civilisation, nation and culture. How long can a contemporary society enjoy this privilege? - Photo Astro AWANI/HAMZAH HAMID

INHUMANE DEVASTATION From the series of photographs above, you have witnessed the beauty of Syria and some of its cities. I would like to end this article by documenting the devastation in these cities. What is Damascus, today:

Damascus Aftermath 1

Syrian Bashar al-Assad regime is still felt in Damascus, the impact of the civil war and IS militants have placed the city on high alert. - AFP Photo Syria

Damascus Aftermath 2

Part of the access road which linked Damascus and the other parts of the city -- once known as a commercial, arts and cultural hub -- are now filled with dusts. - AFP Photo

Khalid Al-Walid Mosque in Homs:

Homs Aftermath 1

This July 25, 2013 photograph shows the damage it suffered after the mosque was bombed by a rocket missile during the peak of the civil war involving Bashar Al-Assad regime and their detractors. - AFP Photo Syria

Homs Aftermath 2

This 23 July 2015 image shows a badly-damaged Khalid Al-Walid's tomb. - AFP Photo

What happened in Aleppo:

Aleppo Aftermath

This September 24 2014 image shows the severely damaged Umayyad Mosque in Aleppo during the civil war in Syria and had erased the city from history entirely. - AFP Photo

What happened in Palmyra:

Palmyra Aftermath 1

Merciless IS bomb attacks have destroyed ancient heritage including the Bel Temple or Baal Shaamin in Palymra. - AFP Photo Syria

Palmyra Aftermath 2

A satellite image of Bel Temple in this image date August 31 2015 shows a collapsed building after a bomb blast tore through the city of Syria. - Foto AFP

As time goes by, only fond memories of Syria and its renowned legacy and hope remain in the hearts of the people. Muslims around the globe strive to move with strength and their prayers for justice to prevail and maintain peace, sovereignty and humanity. Peace to everyone ...

Syria Family

Father, mother and their children became the victims. How are they doing now? - AFP Photo