STORY: Preserving the past, Syrian lawyer takes on mission to rescue forgotten treasures
DATELINE: Oct. 3, 2023
LENGTH: 00:03:58
LOCATION: Damascus
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the bookstore
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): ALAA AL-SAYYED, Lawyer and historical researcher
3. various of the bookstore
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): ALAA AL-SAYYED, Lawyer and historical researcher
5. various of the bookstore
6. SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): ALAA AL-SAYYED, Lawyer and historical researcher


STORYLINE:

In the heart of the bustling city of Aleppo in northern Syria, Alaa al-Sayyed, a lawyer by profession and a historical researcher by passion, has embarked on a remarkable journey to rescue the forgotten treasures of the past and induce the love of reading in the new generation.

With a fervor for preserving history and a deep love for books, al-Sayyed began his project by collecting rare and old books online and distributing them through social media to those who still believe in the value of books in today's digital world.

His efforts have finally given birth to the Paper Documents House, a six-month-old bookstore.

Al-Sayyed said that when people read books, they touch and smell the paper, and read the content, regarding this as a multi-dimensional interaction that preserves the magic of books that has been arguably overshadowed by online alternatives.

His bookstore is seen as a sanctuary for old books, magazines, newspapers, and documents that would have otherwise been relegated to basements and attics.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): ALAA AL-SAYYED, Lawyer and historical researcher
"I noticed that many people possess books, documents, magazines, pictures, and records. This vast collection of materials needed preservation. Many were either storing them in basements or neglecting them while abroad. I felt these books should be rescued and shared with others. So, I began collecting them. Some people even contributed books as gifts for our cultural projects, leading to the creation of the Paper Documents House."

What sets al-Sayyed's mission apart is his emphasis on the use of secondhand books in today's challenging economic situation in Syria.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): ALAA AL-SAYYED, Lawyer and historical researcher
"Given the current circumstances, I've promoted the use of secondhand books. They are more budget-friendly compared to new ones. Additionally, the cost of used books decreases over time, making them more accessible, unlike expensive new books."

Al-Sayyed said the results of his dedication and vision are evident, noting that the Paper Documents House has received a large number of visitors.

But for al-Sayyed, the true magic lies in every old item he rescues.

SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): ALAA AL-SAYYED, Lawyer and historical researcher
"Every old item carries a touch of magic. It transports people back to their childhoods and the books they used to read, evoking nostalgia and wonder. The older the books are, the more enchanting they become, with their yellowed pages and the scent of old paper."

As al-Sayyed continues his mission to preserve the past, he hopes that more people will recognize the value of these forgotten treasures and wishes to see more libraries across the country preserve the old books from the darkness of neglect to spread the light of knowledge again.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Damascus.
(XHTV)