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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
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BENEFIT Sponsors BuildHer...
- April 23, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”
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