Syria (path of Alexander the Great)

I recently finished my master degree in History. My specialization is ancient history and I had the opportunity to visit distant countries where Alexander the Great was said to have traveled. This is my second part of journey - if you want to see first one, just search for "Lebanon path of Alexander the Great".

This is Syria, more specific Bosra, Maaloula and Masyaf (and many more, I will probably make part 2, if you are interested). Here is small info about those places, in case you want to visit:

Bosra is an ancient city with the earliest records dating back to the 14th century BC.
By the 2nd century BC, it had become one of the first Nabataean cities. Along with Petra, it was among the most important centers of the Nabataean Kingdom. In 106 AD, the city was conquered by Cornelius Palma, a general of Emperor Trajan. It was then renamed Nova Traiana Bostra and made the capital of the Roman province of Arabia Petraea.
At the beginning of the 7th century, Bosra was taken by the Sassanids, and shortly afterward by Muslim forces.
The last photo shows the flag of former rebel groups that once operated in the area and later switched to the government side, which is also one of the reasons why visiting Bosra has become possible.

Maaloula is one of the last places in the world where Aramaic is still spoken, language traditionally associated with Jesus Christ.
While visiting, I had a chance to listen to part of a Christian service in Aramaic, and another part in Arabic.

Masyaf Castle is a stunning fortress closely associated with the Assassins, especially during the time of the Crusades.
It was one of the two main strongholds of Rashid ad-Din Sinan, known as the “Old Man of the Mountain”, the 12th-century leader of the Nizari Ismailis (often referred to as the Assassins).

Syria is an incredibly beautiful and historically rich country, with places that genuinely feel unlike anywhere else. At the same time, the reality on the ground is still complex: politically, economically, and in terms of security.
Traveling here is possible, but it’s not something I would recommend without prior experience, local contacts, or at least a knowledgeable guide. Speaking some Arabic, or having a solid understanding of how things work in the region, makes a big difference.