To stand today as an observer of the Syrian scene means to be confronted with a torrent of contradictions that necessitate a careful re-examination of the concept of contemporary urban and economic "logic."
We stand today at a crossroads between a discourse that encourages "small projects" as a lever for growth, and a reality on the ground that is squeezing the lifeblood of these projects in venerable markets like Al-Manakhliya. What we are witnessing is not merely a process of "modernization," but rather an organizational challenge that affects the infrastructure of basic services and the structure of the historic city, requiring a pause to review the "conditions for integration" between large investments and the needs of the local population.
First: Protecting the productive "shadow economy" and the memory of crafts
Workshops, crafts, and micro-enterprises have always constituted the true lifeblood of the Syrian economy, guaranteeing its resilience in the most difficult crises. The move to clear the Al-Manakhliya market and its surroundings under the guise of urban beautification raises questions about the "intangible costs." Heritage is not merely a "visual spectacle" for tourists, but rather a "social and economic function." The fragmentation of these artisanal communities destroys the "cumulative knowledge" that isn't taught in universities, and transforms the vibrant organic economy into isolated entities within industrial cities that lack the spirit of the historical market. True modernization requires revitalizing these artisanal environments in their original locations, not replacing them with lifeless spaces.
Second: Green Investment... The Case of "Al-Adawi" and "Kiwan" as a National Priority
The land of "Kiwan" and the orchards of "Al-Adawi" represent natural lungs for a city suffering from increasing environmental pressures.
- The Al-Adawi Tourism Project: Announcing massive projects that will benefit millions in these areas requires a highly rigorous Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Replacing historically productive orchards and dense vegetation with water parks or shopping malls may achieve "digital growth," but it will diminish the "quality of life" for residents.
- Social Responsibility of Investment: Transforming the "right to nature" into a "paid service" through the privatization of these spaces reduces the area available to low-income citizens and turns green spaces into real estate privileges instead of being a guaranteed public right.
Third: The Sovereignty of Agricultural Production... Food Security and Rural Damascus
Urban expansion in the heart of the capital cannot be separated from the ongoing erosion in Ghouta and rural Damascus.
From Production to Consumption: Converting agricultural lands into concrete blocks threatens biosecurity and food security. We urgently need to adopt major national projects for reforestation and support for livestock in rural areas, and to provide production inputs at fair prices. The sustainability of the state begins with the productivity of its land, an investment no less important than any massive real estate project.
Fourth: The Philosophy of "Identity" and the Challenges of Urban Replication
What we observe in some governorates, such as Deir ez-Zor, with attempts to replicate Damascene stone landmarks (like the Umayyad Mosque) on formerly green spaces, reflects a disconnect in urban identity. Identity cannot be imported or replicated; Rather, it is built upon respect for the unique character of the local environment and the people's natural need for open spaces, moving away from the rigid formalism that prioritizes stone over nature.
Fifth: Restructuring Public Services and Guarantees of the Social Contract
The transformations we are witnessing in the service sectors (such as electricity, telecommunications, and now health) necessitate reaffirming the state's role as a "regulator and guarantor."
- The Dilemma of Quiet Privatization: Transforming public hospitals into financially independent entities may aim to increase efficiency, but this should not come at the expense of "universal access" to healthcare. Health and education are the foundation of social peace, and any imbalance in their equitable distribution could lead to cracks in the national social contract.
- Towards an Integrated Development Vision
The real challenge facing urban management today is not merely "attracting investment," but rather directing this investment to be environmentally friendly and community-oriented. Damascus does not need to be a "copy" of other cities; it needs to reclaim its spirit as a productive, green, and inclusive city for all its residents.
Successful investment is that which builds towers without uprooting the olive trees in Adawi or obliterating the copper hammers in Manakhliya. Preserving the "public domain" of the urban space is the only way to guarantee the city's stability and future prosperity.
Dr. Amin Saab
Zaman Al Wasl
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