Journeying Syria’s shattered cities as they move from war to peace

Entering Ghouta Osman Bahadir Dincer It was around seven o'clock in the evening when we arrived at a church in the city of Hama, Syria, to attend the wedding of a friend. As guests gradually filled the courtyard, music began to echo through the building. One by one, the bride, groom, and their relatives entered the church accompanied by songs, applause and cheers. After the religious ceremony concluded, groups of young men and women began performing Ewiha, a traditional wedding chant in Syria…