'The Seven Gates of Damascus' by Maya Youssef

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'The Seven Gates of Damascus' from 'Syrian dreams' album

I wrote this seven-section suite where each section corresponds to one of the gates of Damascus. I have elaborated on al-Kindi's theory, whereby each planet is connected to a certain maqam (scale), and used the scales accordingly.
Many historians who have documented the story of Damascus city, such as Ibn Asaaker (1105-1175 AD) in History of Damascus City (1995) describe the layout of the city and the location of the gates as being geographically arranged in alignment with the seven planets, in order to bring prosperity and protection to the city and its people. It is not only that Damascus was built on the basis of these gates but also that the seven gates witnessed the history of the city from the day it was built, through the ages and until the present moment. Thus the seven gates of Damascus carry a deep historical and cultural value in Syria’s history.
This suite was organised in the following order: Bab Al-Saghir, ‘The Small Gate’ (Jupiter-maqam Ushaq); Bab Kisan, ‘The Kisan Gate’; (Saturn- maqam Kurd); Bab Touma – ‘The Gate of St Thomas’ (Venus- Maqam Bayati/Saba); Bab Al-Jabiyah- ‘Gate of the Water Trough’ (Mars- maqam Hijaz); Bab Al-Faradis – The Gate of Paradise (Mercury- Huzzam); Bab Al-Salam – The Gate of Peace (Moon- maqam Nahawand); and Bab Sharqi ‘The Eastern Gate.’ (Sun- maqam Rast). The last gate (Bab Sharqi) is a Syrian folk tune which embodies Syrians’ love for life.

The album 'Syrian Dreams' is This album is my personal journey through the 6 years of war in Syria. It is a translation of my memories of home and my feelings into music. I see the act of playing music as the opposite of death; it is a life and hope-affirming act. To me music is my healer and an antidote to what is happening, not only in Syria, but in the whole world. I like to think that my music brings people back to humanity and to their heart centres, where no harm can be done to any form of life and where all can exist together in peace.

Syrian Dreams is released by Harmonia Mundi on 17th Nov 2017.

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Special thanks to the Humans of Damascus group for the lovely photos!