A documentary screening titled "Al-Ashiq Canal," organized by the Hama Directorate of Culture yesterday evening on Sunday, shed light on one of the historical water structures in the region, on the occasion of the World Day for the Revival of Intangible Heritage. This screening came within the framework of efforts to preserve heritage, enhance cinematic activity, and spread visual culture.
The film, which was screened at the Directorate's building and directed and artistically scripted by Dr. Mustafa Maghmouma, conveyed the forgotten historical story of this canal, amidst a wide academic and popular presence, with the aim of archiving Syrian monuments and protecting old architectural evidence. The screening opened new horizons that combine the observation of archaeological facts with the appeal of cinema, transforming visual narrative into a permanent record that protects memory and stimulates knowledge-based tourism.
Mohammed Al-Obeid, an official at the Hama Directorate of Culture, pointed out that the Al-Ashiq Canal, which used to connect Salamiyah and Apamea, had turned into a legend due to the multiple interpretations regarding its history. He clarified that it extends for about 150 kilometers and dates back to approximately two thousand years, representing an engineering achievement linked to transporting water from the Salamiyah area in the east to Apamea in the west, amidst water scarcity and desertification.
Al-Obeid drew attention to the importance of the canal lying in the long distance the water traveled, while taking into account the gradient ratio between the two areas to ensure its flow. He pointed out the connection of this achievement with the irrigation system that included waterwheels and norias of Hama, which contributed to irrigating orchards and agricultural lands.
For his part, Dr. Abdul Fattah Mohammed, a professor at the Faculty of Arts at Hama University, praised the artistic and creative value of the work, noting that it was an individual effort by Dr. Mustafa Maghmouma that included preparation, direction, photography, and presentation. He highlighted the use of artificial intelligence techniques in presenting a heritage and civilizational subject, noting that the canal condenses a long history of work and engineering effort.
Saeed Zakkar, from the attendees, clarified that the film addressed the historical narrative of the Al-Ashiq Canal with advanced digital technologies, which constitute the first fruits of a series of future productions. He explained that parts and sections of "Al-Ashiq Canal" were previously neglected and unfamiliar to many, with the work reviving life in its fascinating details that touch the soul.
Historical sources indicate that the basalt Al-Ashiq Canal, known as the Salamiyah-Apamea Canal, was the lifeline of water in the region, transporting water for a distance of approximately 150 kilometers from the Ain Al-Zarqa spring west of Salamiyah to the ancient city of Apamea. The book "Atlas of the Orontes River Basin," published by the Higher Institute for International Studies and Development in association with Geo Expertise Foundation, documents the construction of the canal in the years 116 and 117 AD, during the late reign of the Roman Emperor Trajan.
The book pointed out that the canal was destroyed due to an earthquake in 1157, before being fully restored in 1491 with a modification of its water flow path towards the city of Hama. The World Day for Intangible Heritage, established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is celebrated on October 17 of each year, coinciding with the anniversary of the signing of the Heritage Safeguarding Convention in 2003.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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