From the Mediterranean Coast to the southern desert to the fertile plain along withe border with Iraq,  Syria is a visual feast. While today's headlines paint a picture of deepening divisions and endless bloodletting, Syrians of all sects and political affiliations take pride at being a part of one of the world's most ancient civilizations. 

The photographs that follow show a glimpse of daily life Syria before the revolution. The rights to use them were generously provided by Creative Syria, a project of the Syrian Cultural Center of Montreal.

Photo by Hala Salhi

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