Seven years into the war, Syria has become a country devastated by conflict, associated with images of rubble, death, and unimaginable tragedy. Before the war, of course, Syria had a completely different identity. Tourists flocked to the country for its barbecue, its culture, and its rich history, eager to explore several of the oldest cities in the world. In today’s issue, we’re reflecting on Syria before the war. A Syrian friend of mine shares a few memories of her home city. Then Karen Yuan asks Robert Kaplan, a journalist who covered Syria for The Atlantic in 1993, how he imagined the country’s future, 25 years ago.
—Caroline Kitchener
Memories of Aleppo
As told to Caroline Kitchener, Photos curated by Alan Taylor
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