By: Ezzeldin Malla

One scene from the series "Valley of the Wolves" caught my attention, where Murad Alimdar talks with Uncle Omar about his involvement in a quagmire of crime and drugs, reflecting the profound philosophical and social depth of our Syrian society. It portrays the bitter reality of human and societal life in Syria. Murad states, "I am now living in the dirtiest place in the world," to which Uncle Omar responds by taking him to a tanning workshop.

There, he conveys the truth to Murad that this place is not only polluted with dirt and foul odors but is also a symbol of hard work and effort required to achieve great results. Tanning involves complex stages, encompassing considerable pollution, but ultimately leads to the production of fine leather that is manufactured into high-quality materials exported and sold worldwide.

This scene, while seemingly simple, clearly reflects a symbolic metaphor for a deeper understanding of the Syrian situation in general and the Kurdish situation in particular in the context of the Syrian crisis. 

At the beginning of the tanning process, raw, foul-smelling hides are treated with chemicals and pollutants. This stage closely resembles the condition of the Syrian people in recent years, as the country witnesses comprehensive destruction of its social, educational, and ethical structures, armed conflicts, political struggles, and loss of security. This catastrophic situation resembles the dirt that workers deal with in tanneries. Murad Alimdar expresses this state by saying he lives in “the dirtiest place in the world,” an image that can represent the chaotic and conflicted Syrian situation.

However, over time, despite the harsh conditions, people continue to work. In the Syrian context, this reflects the resilience and challenge demonstrated by the people in the face of oppression and injustice. Additionally, the economic, social, and moral challenges facing the Syrian citizen press down on him from all directions, similar to the pressure faced by hides during this phase.

After the chemical treatment stage, the tanning process begins to evolve into something more valuable. This stage represents the challenge faced by the Syrian people. Despite the difficult circumstances, the Syrian people must continue to work and struggle to build a better future.

As Uncle Omar points out in his conversation, these workers toil day and night. This reflects the spirit of determination that communities need in tough times. He suggests that continuous work, even in the hardest conditions, will ultimately lead to positive outcomes.

The adverse conditions faced by the Syrian people may eventually lead to positive transformations. After their prolonged suffering, a stage of awakening and revival may arrive when the people reassess and reorder their priorities. In this moment, hope emerges, and the country begins to move toward change and progress. Uncle Omar emphasizes to Murad Alimdar at the end of their discussion that the final outcome will be legitimate and beautiful, like the luxurious leathers made from harsh materials.

This point resonates with what the Syrian people are currently experiencing. Despite all the destruction and devastation, there remains a constant hope for revival. The Syrian people have endured harsh conditions of killing, displacement, and poverty, but these circumstances will not last indefinitely. Just as hides are purified in the tannery, there is hope that the Syrian conditions will also improve in the future, leading to a stage of rebuilding.

In this context, the Kurdish people represent an integral part of the Syrian fabric and have suffered greatly amid the political and social upheaval that has gripped Syria. Many Kurdish areas have been the arenas for political bargaining and interests, facing continuous targeting from conflicting parties. However, what distinguishes the Kurdish people is their resilience and determination to survive, and we can see the Kurdish struggle within this framework, as it reflects their resistance and insistence on coexisting in their homeland and their right to self-determination.

Although the current Syrian situation may sometimes seem bleak, there are signs pointing toward a new phase of transformation. This could resemble a post-crisis stage in Syria, where the Syrian people, with all their components, including the Kurds, will have to rebuild their homeland after the destruction that has impacted the social and economic fabric.

Therefore, we can argue that the Syrian crisis is not the end of the road but could be the beginning of positive change after prolonged suffering. The harsh conditions that Syrians endure will ultimately lead to the reconstruction of their homeland in a better way in the future.

I believe that the scene that brought Murad Alimdar together with Uncle Omar in “Valley of the Wolves” clearly reflects the stages experienced during social, political, and economic crises in Syria. We can see in this comparison a metaphor for the stages the Syrian people undergo in their current ordeal.

Initially, people suffer from harsh conditions, but over time and through hard work, these circumstances can transform into opportunities to build something better and more valuable by understanding themselves and their communities and how to address them. The importance of resilience and perseverance in times of hardship cannot be understated; continuous efforts in promoting tolerance, love for others, and peaceful coexistence could eventually