Time Zone |
Asia/Damascus |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+3 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+3 |
Time Zone |
Asia/Dili |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+9 |
Daylight Saving Time |
Daylight saving time is not observed in the current region. |
Maloula is an ancient town in western Syria, situated in the mountains about 60 kilometers north of the capital Damascus, at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level, and known for its steep terrain and well-preserved ancient villages. The town's most distinctive label is "the last bastion of Aramaic", an ancient language from the time of Jesus that is still spoken by its inhabitants, and is one of the few places in the world where Aramaic speakers are concentrated. Mallura has a rich Christian heritage, including the Monastery of St. Sergius and the Monastery of St. Thacker, built in the 4th century AD, with its beautifully sculpted buildings in Roman and Byzantine styles. The town's picturesque natural and man-made landscape is characterized by stone houses built into the hills, winding stone alleyways and surrounding cliffs. Despite its destruction during the Syrian civil war, local residents and restoration agencies are working to preserve this cultural treasure as a symbol of Syria's diverse civilization and resilience.
Same, the capital of Timor-Leste's Ainaro District, is located about 50 kilometers south of the capital, Dili, in the mountainous interior and is an important agricultural and transportation hub for the country. It is known for its coffee farming, surrounded by terraced fields that produce Timor-Leste's premium Arabica coffee beans. Historically, Samu was an important stronghold during Timor-Leste's War of Independence, and remnants of the resistance movement still remain in the area, attracting history buffs to explore. The surrounding area is rich in natural beauty and close to Mount Ramelau, Timor-Leste's highest peak, making it a stopover for hiking enthusiasts. A blend of traditional Timacu culture and modern townscape, Samu offers a unique look at the interior of Timor-Leste.