Written on February 19, 2013 by CB Driver in Middle East, Photo of the Day 
I came across this photo a few days ago and was transported back in time to Aleppo, Syria, in 2010–when I had the opportunity to travel there. Before the war. When life was peaceful.
These boys and the looks on their faces caught my eye, leading me to share the photo.
When/Where I Met the Boys: Outside the Aleppo Souk
I remember when I met them. I’d just gone shopping inside the Aleppo Souk with a friend from France. We’d been looking for the world-famous olive oil soap, which contains laurel oil and is great for one’s skin. We’d had a fun time, chatting with the locals, who were super friendly. Not just the ones trying to sell us things. Others, too.
We stepped outside of the souk, looking for a small restaurant to grab something to eat, and I spotted these boys. I loved the way they stood, arm in arm. They looked nice kids. Happy ones. They may have been children of some of the vendors inside the souk, but I’m not sure.
Who Were They?
What are their names?
Were they brothers? Or friends? Or maybe to them, it felt the same either way.
I wish I could remember if I showed them the photo after I took it. I often do that when traveling and children simply love it.
Where Are They Now?
Now, looking at these boys, I can’t help but wonder–Are they OK? Are they safe? I hope so. But there’s no way to know.
Sadly, Aleppo–the largest city in Syria–has suffered tremendous damage during the civil war. The souk has been destroyed. Many other cultural sites have also been decimated or heavily damaged.
Hoping for Peace
I hope that the war ends soon and that Syria can rebuild as quickly as possible. The country and its people have been through a lot and it’s heart-wrenching knowing that it is ongoing.
Photographic Details
Camera: FujiFilm FinePix E900
F stop: 2.8
Shutter: 1/200
ISO: 400
Filter: None
Your Thoughts/Reactions?
Have you visited a country or region that was safe and peaceful when you were there, then destabilized shortly thereafter? If so, where?
Also, do you ever look at photos you’ve taken of people you’ve encountered while traveling and wonder what they’re doing now? Have you ever found out? Or has the person’s image remained a snapshot–a moment frozen in time?
Can’t Get Enough?
Want to see more photos from around the world? Here are the other ‘photos of the day‘ (people, places and things) from several continents.
Here are additional posts from Syria in general and recent ones I’ve written as part of a retrospective:
Remembering Syria Before the War
Peacetime Reflections: a Photo Journey Through the Umayyad Mosque, Damascus
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