Adnan Azzam Writer, traveler, former member of the executive board of the Soweida region (Syria) Official website

Raised as a family in a rustic house in the village of Al-Doweira, I lived a childhood that was both rough and happy, focusing on all the social and natural details of this rural environment. At the age of 12, I was brought to leave this place by taking with me as much sadness as memories to continue my studies in the city of Soweidah.

Nevertheless, in developing my perceptions and intellect, I ended up attaching myself to this city and, 6 years later, when it was time for me to continue my higher education in Damascus, this new beginning was just as painful to me.

My time in the Syrian capital allowed me to study law. In my life, I have always aimed very high and, by embarking on this journey, I already had the idea of one day being able to become president of the republic. Nevertheless, my enthusiasm and political discourse was quickly threatened by my all-powerful opponents, propelling me into prison and forcing me to glimpse another future.

Despite my immense attachment to my homeland, which I will continue to carry in my heart all my life, I choose to leave my homeland to the unknown. On the eve of my departure, I described in my golden notebook the tearing that I lived, between the choice to stay or leave.

I then begin my first major life project, that of traveling the world on horseback and promoting the culture and aura of my homeland all around me. This experience will push me to regularly travel the world and become an ambassador for understanding between peoples and cultures.

From 1986, I settled in France, developed several companies and founded a family. I will also return to settle in Syria, making these two countries, these two lands and these two peoples one and the same homeland that I carry high in my heart.

Year after year, I gather writings, photographs and objects close to my soul in my home in Soweida, gradually transforming it into a kind of museum resembling a library open to the world. I will spend long hours reading, writing, but also and contemplating and photographing these objects, as if an intuition pushed me to immortalize them.

On December 8, 2024, the disaster occurred. Not only in my home or town, but in all of Syria. The state collapses and power is handed over to armed groups that kill, destroy and burn, in retaliation for what they claim to have suffered.

My house is looted and burned, quickly turning into a pile of ruins. In a few moments, my life is destroyed. Despite the deep pain and immense grief that delays me, I finally get up and decide to revive my life through a virtual space.

I invite you today to visit this “new house” that I wish vast and welcoming. Maybe you will find images and faces that will be familiar to you? I will also share words and intentions to inform you about my reflections and future actions...