Mohammad Alammar
The Train Whistle and the Scent of Figs: A Memory of Peaceful Days in Mheen
In the heart of the Syrian Badia, where the harshness of the desert meets the softness of greenery, the town of "Mheen" lived a daily rhythm akin to poetry. Historically, the town was known by its ancient Aramaic name, "Mia chi," meaning "Living Waters." This name was no coincidence; fresh springs flowed from the earth to irrigate the fig orchards, olive groves, and vineyards that encircled the town like an emerald necklace. The true story of Mheen in the mid-20th century began every morning at the break of dawn. Farmers would head to their orchards for watering and care, creating a collaborative scene where neighbors worked together to prune and harvest as if they were one large family. However, the most significant event that broke the quiet of the Badia each day was the whistle of the "Mheen Train." The train station passing through the town served as a vital lifeline, connecting the rural residents to major cities like Damascus and Homs. During the harvest seasons, the station buzzed with activity. Crates of the famous Mheen figs and apricots were loaded onto the train to travel to city markets. In return, the train brought merchants and visitors who headed to the town's "Western Market" (Al-Souq Al-Gharbi), a modest yet vibrant center full of life, familiarity, and affection. As the sun set, after a long day of working in the fields and the bustling market, the doors of the "Madafas" (traditional guest houses) would open to welcome locals and visitors alike. There, the aroma of bitter Arabic coffee, brewed over a wood fire, filled the air. The coffee cups circulated alongside conversations between the young and old, sharing tales of the Badia. These Madafas were not just reception rooms; they were true schools where the values of generosity, chivalry, and unity were passed down from one generation to the next. This is the real Mheen; not just a geographic point, but an oasis of tranquility, the scent of good earth, the sound of a train carrying bounty, and a cup of coffee that brings hearts together.