-
Theism of the Syrian Experience in the Tanning Profession

By: Ezzeldin Malla
One scene from the series "Valley of the Wolves" caught my attention, where Murad Alimdar talks with Uncle Omar about his involvement in a quagmire of crime and drugs, reflecting the profound philosophical and social depth of our Syrian society. It portrays the bitter reality of human and societal life in Syria. Murad states, "I am now living in the dirtiest place in the world," to which Uncle Omar responds by taking him to a tanning workshop.
There, he conveys the truth to Murad that this place is not only polluted with dirt and foul odors but is also a symbol of hard work and effort required to achieve great results. Tanning involves complex stages, encompassing considerable pollution, but ultimately leads to the production of fine leather that is manufactured into high-quality materials exported and sold worldwide.
This scene, while seemingly simple, clearly reflects a symbolic metaphor for a deeper understanding of the Syrian situation in general and the Kurdish situation in particular in the context of the Syrian crisis.
At the beginning of the tanning process, raw, foul-smelling hides are treated with chemicals and pollutants. This stage closely resembles the condition of the Syrian people in recent years, as the country witnesses comprehensive destruction of its social, educational, and ethical structures, armed conflicts, political struggles, and loss of security. This catastrophic situation resembles the dirt that workers deal with in tanneries. Murad Alimdar expresses this state by saying he lives in “the dirtiest place in the world,” an image that can represent the chaotic and conflicted Syrian situation.
However, over time, despite the harsh conditions, people continue to work. In the Syrian context, this reflects the resilience and challenge demonstrated by the people in the face of oppression and injustice. Additionally, the economic, social, and moral challenges facing the Syrian citizen press down on him from all directions, similar to the pressure faced by hides during this phase.
After the chemical treatment stage, the tanning process begins to evolve into something more valuable. This stage represents the challenge faced by the Syrian people. Despite the difficult circumstances, the Syrian people must continue to work and struggle to build a better future.
As Uncle Omar points out in his conversation, these workers toil day and night. This reflects the spirit of determination that communities need in tough times. He suggests that continuous work, even in the hardest conditions, will ultimately lead to positive outcomes.
The adverse conditions faced by the Syrian people may eventually lead to positive transformations. After their prolonged suffering, a stage of awakening and revival may arrive when the people reassess and reorder their priorities. In this moment, hope emerges, and the country begins to move toward change and progress. Uncle Omar emphasizes to Murad Alimdar at the end of their discussion that the final outcome will be legitimate and beautiful, like the luxurious leathers made from harsh materials.
This point resonates with what the Syrian people are currently experiencing. Despite all the destruction and devastation, there remains a constant hope for revival. The Syrian people have endured harsh conditions of killing, displacement, and poverty, but these circumstances will not last indefinitely. Just as hides are purified in the tannery, there is hope that the Syrian conditions will also improve in the future, leading to a stage of rebuilding.
In this context, the Kurdish people represent an integral part of the Syrian fabric and have suffered greatly amid the political and social upheaval that has gripped Syria. Many Kurdish areas have been the arenas for political bargaining and interests, facing continuous targeting from conflicting parties. However, what distinguishes the Kurdish people is their resilience and determination to survive, and we can see the Kurdish struggle within this framework, as it reflects their resistance and insistence on coexisting in their homeland and their right to self-determination.
Although the current Syrian situation may sometimes seem bleak, there are signs pointing toward a new phase of transformation. This could resemble a post-crisis stage in Syria, where the Syrian people, with all their components, including the Kurds, will have to rebuild their homeland after the destruction that has impacted the social and economic fabric.
Therefore, we can argue that the Syrian crisis is not the end of the road but could be the beginning of positive change after prolonged suffering. The harsh conditions that Syrians endure will ultimately lead to the reconstruction of their homeland in a better way in the future.
I believe that the scene that brought Murad Alimdar together with Uncle Omar in “Valley of the Wolves” clearly reflects the stages experienced during social, political, and economic crises in Syria. We can see in this comparison a metaphor for the stages the Syrian people undergo in their current ordeal.
Initially, people suffer from harsh conditions, but over time and through hard work, these circumstances can transform into opportunities to build something better and more valuable by understanding themselves and their communities and how to address them. The importance of resilience and perseverance in times of hardship cannot be understated; continuous efforts in promoting tolerance, love for others, and peaceful coexistence could eventually
You May Also Like
Popular Posts
Caricature
BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
opinion
Report
ads
Newsletter
Subscribe to our mailing list to get the new updates!