Samara

He works in the Tombs of the Nobles, on the Qorna Mountain, offering his extensive knowledge of the area with visitors. Surrounded by the once rich, powerful and elite in their resting places, he is a lively character.

His father worked here all his life, but now stays at home, allowing his son to carry on the family tradition. From the age of 13, Samara has spent his days on this now uninhabited land. 15 years on, he waits patiently in the dry heat, for a tour bus to arrive, or a passing cyclist/walker with a ticket to the Tombs.

Samara has seen many changes from the days of being a child, living on the mountain. Possibly the most memorable and traumatic, was the recent upheaval of the Qurnawi people during their relocation to a purpose built village, a few kilometres away.

Like so many people here, he has a family history and connection with the Mountain and knows many of her secrets. If you talk to anyone from here, they will all quite happily share their memories and stories with you.