I have been to Syria and Turkey as well as Iran. Common thing about these 3 places is the fact that being Indian is a priviledge.
I was in Syria for work and one day I was walking on a winter afternnon in the central street (near Ummayyad mosque) wearing a sky blue color turban. Immediately a crown started to follow me chanting 'hindi' - 'hindi'. I was asked by someone in broken English if I was from the United Nations as they mistook me for a UN forces soldier.
In Istanbul and Antalya turkish shopkeepers welcomed me upon discovering I was Indian. However their first guess would always be Iranian (due to the turban and beard/ moustache).
The Iranians are very warm towards the Indians and consider us their close cousins due to the culture and heritage both nations have. Perhaps among the only few countries where Indian get Visa on Arrival while most westerners have to apply in advance.
Re: Syria and Turkey
by Pat Thakur on Nov 14, 2009 12:16 PM
Obviously the Westerners beleive that Indians will come & have their revenge on the West for having screwed up this World.....
Thanks for an interesting article on a lesser known country like Syria. Since the author seems to be from Turkey, it would be great if an article on Turkey is also posted.
Loved your write up..looking forward to going to syria. It wwould have been good if you had mentioned some info that useful for tourists.( cost of living,accomodation,transport etc). Great article.
