The ‘Arab Anthony Quinn’ speaks to FW

Words sound futile when describing a brilliant and enchanting man, who has strong charisma, rare eloquence, patience, and a commanding presence on screen. He has performed in timeless classics in both cinema and television, all of which have become turning points in the Syrian drama. Among his unforgettable works are Ukhwat al-Turab (Soil Brothers), a historical epic about Otto-man Syria during World War I, Asi al-Dame (Tearless), a contemporary social drama, Yawmiyat Mudir Am (Dailies of a Director General), a satirical comedy, al-Taghriba al-Filastiniyya (The Palestinian Epic), a grand historical production about Palestine, Muluk al-Tawaef (Feudal Kings) and Rabi Kurtuba (The Spring of Cordoba), about Muslim Arab rule in Spain, and Saladin. Mahmud Darwish, one of the greatest Palestinian poets of the 20th century, described him as “The Arab Anthony Quinn.”

His name is Khaled Taja.

Tell us about the beginnings, the early years.

I am a Kurd but I feel nothing but Arab nationalism. I grew up in an Arabic speaking home, lived within Arab society, and became committed to Arab causes. I do not believe in separatist movements but rather in large blocs and coalitions. We had enough separation with (the) Sykes-Picot (Accords of 1916, which divided the Arab World among Great Britain and France). This separation plan of dividing us into city states—small bites—is still ongoing until today. Large blocs are a source of power and the basis for development and prosperity of the region as a whole. Oil should be for all the Arabs, I believe, with no exceptions. And so should wealth. It should be for every Arab as well, and not be restricted to families and individuals.

What does Damascus mean to you?

Damascus is history and deep-rooted civilization. I like its Oriental homes and frequent them often. I like its citrus trees and its jasmine. I hope to die in this city. I would prefer living in relative isolation, away from all the noise pollution.

What are the things you like most in life?

I like high rocks, mountains, and valleys.

They remind me of myself. I climbed high mountains during my life, and fell from their heights—I’ve been through life’s highs and lows. I also like to travel a lot.

If you were to chose one country to live in (other than Syria) where would it be, and why?

Holland. I would chose Holland due to its enchanting natural beauty, and the high manners of its people. They are there for each other and they like each other. The people of Holland do not have devastating economic and political worries that occupy them. They have their dignity, rights and self-respect as human beings. It is a country that exports nutrition products, not missiles or bombs.

Who is your favorite poet?

Mahmud Darwish, he reflects best what is inside Khaled Taja.

What was the most cherished period of your life?

When I was 20. I was strong and filled with dreams. I was living a poetic period of my life, which was unblemished, both intellectually and emotionally. I was like a pure river before it got polluted by mankind. I had many dreams of course, but 99% of them were not realized. My biggest ambition at this stage of life is to maintain my health.

Who is the most inspiring figure in your life?

Khaled Taja. Myself. Ever since I came to this world, I only believed in what I felt and interacted with nothing but my emotions. I paid a high price for that, but I do not regret it.

What do you people do not know about you?

I love poetry and observe nature. I like to delve within people’s innermost thoughts and emotions. I came early to this world. I should have arrived 100 years later. Everything around us is so uncivilized despite all the progress that mankind has made. Men are still vicious. I think that 100 years from now things will be better because scientific development will produce an urban civilization that matches our humanitarian one. The curse of this era is oil. If it were not for oil, separation would not have divided us and Israel would not have been created in our midst to defend Western interests and US influence in the region. Ehud Olmert’s talk about re-starting negotiations on the Golan Heights are nothing but lies. The Golan is fertile and rich with water that is badly needed for the Israeli economy. I do not believe in talks over the Golan. ‘What was taken by force can only be retrieved by force.’ That is an old saying but it still holds. It is the one truth that we should remain committed to and embrace. The resistance has proven its effectiveness after all and was able to defeat the strongest of powers (Israel). The resistance has overcome in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Lebanon. The Golan is an inseparable part of Syria, and with no doubt, a day will come when it will be returned to us.