Syrian artists take to Citadel to thank Jordan for its hospitality

AMMAN — Amman Citadel visitors were rather surprised recently when they passed by a number of Syrian artists performing a traditional Syrian show at the archeological site located in the heart of the capital. 

Neither a wedding show nor an artistic performance it was simply a gesture of gratitude and a way for Syrians to say “Thank you!” to Jordan and its people, the organisers explained. 

Ayham Al Omar, who is behind the idea, said his initiative, called “The land of Nashama brings us together”, was conceived as a way to say thank you in an artistic way. 

“I worked on a video clip that includes musical performances to say thank you to Jordan for hosting me and my family. All of those who worked on the initiative were Syrians and they also wanted to thank the Kingdom for giving us a safe haven,” he told The Jordan Times in an interview. 

The Hama-born artist came to Jordan six years ago, when the instability in his home-country was in its early days. 

“When I first arrived in the Kingdom, Jordanians met me and simply said ‘welcome to Jordan’. All the Jordanians I met worked hard to treat me in a normal way and not make feel different from others,” he added.

Thanks to Jordan, Omar said, he was able to resume his studies and later to start work. 

“Ramadan is approaching and, in past Ramadans, people made me feel at home,” he said with a smile. 

Omar recalled how he had many chances to leave Jordan and go abroad, but refused, saying he is living in a safe country and there is no reason for him to leave. 

The 29-year-old said the performance shown in the video comprised Jordanian and Syrian performers, so as to show the world that Jordanians and Syrians are living in harmony. 

Omar said they will display the video clip on Jordan’s Independence Day, voicing hope that many local websites will show his work and spread their message further.