Catch-up Syria-Orkney part 2: Damascus

Image: demonstrations Damascus, Syria.

You can't discuss politics in Syria and it will be difficult to find people willing to discuss politics with you. That did not stop me observing and being in the midsts major political demonstrations in Damascus. The political reallies added God knows how many extra decibels coming from distorting loudspeakers and honking cars to the city's already hectic sound scape.

Enduring the noise was worth the experience though. It was interesting to observe this passionate expression of a people-ruler relationship in a Middle Eastern context. I have witnessed a great variety of events that give expression to the relationship between a ruler (king, queen or president) and the people: the cremation of the assassinated Royal Nepalese family (2001), the burial of the Maori Queen in New Zealand (2006), the demonstrations in Damascus and the annual Carnival celebrations in Maastricht, and Queens Birthday celebrations in Amsterdam. They all relate to the 'king archetype' which I am exploring as part of one of my video projects.

Image: roaming the back streets of old Damascus revealed a beautiful surprise in the form of a small family run cloth dyeing business. The machines used, the actions performed and the setting were fascinating and provided a visual feast.

Image: bridal mannequin with missing hand, jewelry and a local woman in traditional black dress in the souk or market of Damascus.