Sun Trails
Rediscovering Memory… Step by Step
The "Sun Trails" program stands as one of the Turathuna Foundation’s most prominent interactive field projects. Launched in 2021, this ambitious initiative aims to rediscover the landmarks of the Old City of Homs, shedding light on its hidden historical, cultural, and architectural treasures, and presenting them to the community in a way that deepens their connection to their heritage.
The Philosophy Behind the Name
The program takes its inspiration from our headquarters at Homs First Theater. We envision the theater as the "sun," with each field tour acting as a radiating "trail" that extends to illuminate a forgotten corner of our history. To ensure a deep educational impact, every journey begins with an introductory lecture by specialized experts, painting an accurate historical picture of the landmarks before the physical exploration begins.
Project Milestones and Achievements
Since its inception, the program has witnessed remarkable growth in both public engagement and organizational scale, successfully executing a series of specialized trails that document the human connection to the place:
- 2021: The project debuted with an intensive three-day workshop, culminating in the "Sultanic Railway Trail," which welcomed 120 participants.
- 2024: We organized a specialized trail for the members of the "Youth Heritage Guards Club." This was followed by a public trail planned and guided by the club's graduates, engaging another 120 heritage enthusiasts.
- 2025: Marking a peak year of activity, the foundation successfully executed 6 consecutive and diverse trails, attracting approximately 300 participants from all segments of society.
- 2026: Continuing our momentum into the spring, we launched new heritage walks in April, actively guiding the public through the ancient landmarks and vibrant history of the Bustan al-Diwan neighborhood.
What Do the Trails Explore?
The focal points of each trail are carefully selected to cover the rich social, religious, and architectural fabric of the city, including:
- Sacred Sites: Ancient churches and mosques that tell the story of the city's diverse spiritual history and coexistence.
- Residential Architecture: Traditional Homs houses distinguished by their unique architectural styles and captivating inner courtyards.
- Authentic Urban Elements: The historic "Sibaats" (vaulted alleyways) and old markets that define the visual and commercial identity of Homs.
Partnerships and Media Coverage
To ensure the project's sustainability and expand its impact, "Sun Trails" is implemented under the generous sponsorship of the Homs Governorate. It is brought to life through fruitful collaborations with the Homs Tourism Directorate, Homs University youth cadres, and local community organizations such as the Expatriate Friends Association.
The program has also received extensive media coverage across local and global platforms—including Al Jazeera, the SANA News Agency, and the Media Directorate—helping to broadcast the foundation’s mission of preserving Syrian heritage to the world.
