The Merchant of Syria: A History of Survival

‘The Merchant of Syria’ is in some ways a most appropriate title. This book is about a merchant of traditional virtues and scrupulous honesty, truly a man of the people in the best sense. His story tells us much about Syria, in the usual manner of Ms Darke, the depth of whose love for Syria sometimes baffles her children as her afterword confesses, who always seems to describe this country in terms of its people. But actually this book is far far more than a bio. It doubles as guide to modern Syria, looking at its history, politics, geography, and religious, tribal and other sociological divisions. And yet if I have given the impression by the use of these terms that this is an academic book in any way nothing could be farther from the truth. Ms Darke has a long association with Syria, having made her name as a travel writer in the Middle East, specialising in Syria, and then by writing a book about the purchase and renovation of a house in the old city of Damascus, and what became of this venture when the war began. Her understanding of Syria is based on careful personal research and exploration and probably thousands of conversations with its people. Syria is a kind of melting pot and even a kind of railway station for people and peoples in transit in the Middle East, a magnet for international powers especially including the USA, Russia, France, the UK as well as the locals, Jordan, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Iraq and Iran. Darke explains very easily and lucidly how the religious and tribal divisions have played out, the strings of their harp twanged by urgent messengers from Tehran, Washington or Ankara etc. What has all this to do with Abu Chaker, the merchant whose story she also tells? Because with the political role it has Syria’s life blood has always been to do with trade especially in the realm of textiles, Chaker’s business, where the hallmark of quality and manifestation of cultural wealth is perennially of value. Understanding this Darke retains perspective and optimism in looking to a better future for the country she loves.

Thoroughly fascinating journey through a truly unique modern-day story... A genuinely heartfelt and enjoyable read !