Syria as it Was

This book, the first in a series of five books on the Middle East countries, takes the reader on a horseback journey through 52 towns and villages of Syria. Syria once controlled overland access to both Europe and Africa during the times of the ancient Silk Road - connecting east with west. It helps us understand the game play of nations from the First World War and the breakup of the Ottoman Empire. There is more to drawing a simple line in the sand, forgetting the ancient cultures and historical evolution, inter-balance of tribal people and their use of ancient roads, economic exchanges, religion, cultures and languages. It presents a historical perspective of what the Middle East was like during this period to what it is now. Having mastered the Arabic dialects and being well educated in Arab custom and tribal culture, Edward Mitford was able to fully integrate, understand and experience, Syria as it was.