Malula: Stronghold of Syriac-Aramean Identity

MALULA, Syria — The town of Maaloula (Maaloula), situated in the Qalamoun Mountains northwest of Daramsuq (Damascus), is one of the oldest villages in Syria to preserve its Syriac-Aramean identity. This historic town is among the most significant cultural and religious cornerstones of Eastern Christianity. Remarkably, Malula remains one of the few places where Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ, is still spoken, serving as a living link between the past and the present.

Maaloula’s unique geography has made it a natural fortress, allowing it to reflect and maintain Syriac-Aramean culture throughout the ages. Despite enduring numerous invasions and political upheavals, Malula has retained its Christian and Syriac identity, a testament to the resilience of its people.

2013 ISIS Assault

Throughout its long history, Malula has been subjected to numerous attacks. However, the 2013 assault by the Islamic State (ISIS) was particularly brutal and devastating. Terrorists stormed the town, targeting its ancient churches, such as St. Thecla Monastery and the Monastery of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, with the intent to erase its Christian landmarks and obliterate its cultural and religious identity.

ISIS sought to destroy Christian symbols and forced residents to flee or convert to Islam under threat of violence. After months of fierce battles, local fighters and residents succeeded in driving the terrorists out. Though the attack left significant destruction, the gradual return of Syriac Christian families who had fled marked the beginning of recovery.

Lingering Tensions Among Neighbors

Despite Malula’s recovery, tensions persist between some Christian families and their Muslim neighbors due to lingering suspicions about the role some local Muslims played during the ISIS attack.

According to accounts from Malula’s residents, some believe that certain Muslim neighbors provided logistical and intelligence support to the terrorists, enabling them to infiltrate and extend their control over the town. This has left a deep scar on Christian-Muslim relations, leading to significant distrust between Christian families and some of their Muslim neighbors.

These unresolved issues continue to impact the social fabric of the town and raise concerns about the future of its Christian and Syriac identity.

Fragile Future Under Transitional Governance

As Syria navigates its political transition, Malula’s future remains uncertain. Though local forces managed to expel ISIS, the town has yet to achieve the stability it enjoyed previously. Recent reports indicate that forces from the Syrian Transitional Government visited the town, but their engagement was limited to a formal tour without addressing local concerns. No plans have been announced to address security concerns or to support the town’s reconstruction in a meaningful way.

Residents fear marginalization and worry that insufficient support may leave the town vulnerable to further challenges. Protecting Maaloula’s unique cultural and religious heritage and ensuring its continued standing as a home from Aramaic speakers will require concrete steps to ensure its security and promote reconciliation among its diverse communities.

Preserving a Legacy

Malula, a historic meeting point of cultures and civilizations, now faces new challenges in preserving its religious and cultural legacy. While its residents continue to stand firm, they hope for local and international support to protect their town from forced transformation and to ensure that Malula remains a beacon of Syriac-Aramean identity, resilient in the face of adversity.