Damascus - The caravans of the Silk Road Festival 2009, which was organized by the Ministry of Tourism, arrived Thursday in Damascus, their last destination, after concluding their tour of the archeological and tourist sites in Bosra, Swaida, Palmyra, Hama, Homs and Aleppo.
On the way back, the caravans visited Qalat Samaan which dates back to 474 A.D.
They also passed by Ma'alula, north west of Damascus, which dates back to the 10th century B.C. Its inhabitants still speak Aramaic language besides Arabic.
The caravans' journey also included a visit to the Monastery of Sidnaya which was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, second in importance to al-Qyama Church in Jerusalem.
Around 250 journalists from 35 different Arab and foreign countries participated in the 8th Silk Road Festival held October 9.
Journalists participating in the Festival expressed admiration of the historic archeological sites reflecting the cultures of civilizations which succeeded each other over those cities.
By Haifa Said /Mazen
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2009
