Gezicht op Damascus vanuit Salhieh c. 1875 - 1900

This photograph captures a view of Damascus from Salhieh, as seen through the lens of Maison Bonfils. Dominating the foreground is a cemetery, its stones evoking a field of memories. These stones, simple yet resonant, speak to the universal human experience of death and remembrance, each marker a poignant pause in the narrative of existence. Across cultures, we find similar symbols: ancient Greek stele, Roman monuments, and even the elaborate tombs of Egypt, all serving to commemorate and connect with the departed. The cyclical nature of life and death, represented by these enduring symbols, underscores our shared subconscious awareness of mortality. This photograph reminds us that these motifs aren't merely static representations but powerful forces engaging us on a deep, psychological level. The cemetery, a space of transition and memory, becomes a stage where the drama of human life plays out, connecting past, present, and future.