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From love poems to saints whose love for one another was as profound as their faith, queerness is woven into the history of the Levant. In this post, we cover some of Syria’s hidden queer legacy.

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2 years ago
Social Issues Society

Secularism in Syria

Information that we hope is spread far and wide, as we witness the wildfire spread of false and even dangerous ideas about secularism within Syrian society. Awareness is the most important step and even a weapon. With the rapid changes we witness as Syrians, we must work together to reject exclusionary speech and which may even foster and support eventual violence against a segment(s) of society through misinformation and lack of dialogue. We must work together to build safe spaces that foster dialogue and which altogether eliminate the concept of “majority/minority groups”, working together as Syrians equally with all our differences across social standing, religion, and ethnic backgrounds.
2 years ago
Social Issues Society

Towards a New Syria

In the middle of all of these overwhelming feelings of hope, disappointment, uncertainty, and fear, I remember the voice of my father saying, “All people have the government they deserve.” I became furious every time he said this. In his statement, I saw blaming the victim and undeniable accusation towards people living under some kind of political regime, as if they have brought it to themselves! But now, I say it with him and see hope, promise, and recognition that the actions of individuals can determine the destiny of all. So, what threat are we exactly facing? And what opportunity lies ahead? How can past mistakes be avoided? What is the most appropriate discourse style? This post seeks to address several issues that are directly related to ongoing social movement in Syria, in the hope of establishing a common ground on which everyone, as Syrians, can stand to engage in a meaningful discussion.
2 years ago
Faces of Wanabqa History

First to Jet Across America & Father of a Queen: Najeeb Halaby’s Syrian-American Story

Najeeb Halaby was a Syrian-American pioneer in aviation with an extraordinary journey. He was the first to make a nonstop jet flight across the US and led the largest American airline. He was also the father of the first American-born Arab Queen. How much do you know about Najeeb Halaby?
2 years ago
Social Issues

The Baron Hotel: A Relic in Time

The Baron Hotel has long been one of the most cherished sights in Aleppo. It is a window into the past and a gallery of the city's culture and history. Since its establishment a little over a century ago, it has mirrored the highs and lows of Aleppo. But sadly, this iconic hotel officially closed down earlier this year. In this post, we pay tribute to the incredible history of this Aleppan landmark.
2 years ago
Social Issues

Breaking Down Stereotypes: Debunking 9 Myths About Syrians in Turkey

Though 9 points or one post is far from enough to summarize the frustrations of 3.6 million Syrians, this post aims to shed light and debunk a few stereotypes they are dealing with. It is important to note that the intent is not to generalize all Turks but to shed light on the experiences and struggles many Syrians face in the country.
2 years ago
Faces of Wanabqa History

The Homsi Empress of Rome: Julia Domna

Julia Domna was born in Emesa, Syria (present-day Homs) around 160 A.D., descending from a ruling royal line. She became the wife of the Roman emperor Septimius Severus in 187
2 years ago
Damascus History Region

Damascus, Once the World Leading Centre of Astronomy

In the 14th century, Syria had two of the most notable astronomers who contributed to the world of astronomy and the Syrian Muslim community. Al Khalili came up with tables that would determine the times of the five prayers for Muslims in Damascus. On the other hand, Ibn Al Shatir created a sundial to install in the minaret of the Umayyad Mosque. Both Al Khalili and Ibn Al-Shatir left behind inventions and creations that would later influence the work and findings of world astronomers who came after them.
2 years ago
Aleppo History Region

Aleppo’s Destruction Through History

Aleppo has long been known for its commercial and military significance, strategically positioned between the Mediterranean Sea and Central Asia. However, this strategic importance came with many instances of Aleppo's destruction. So we ask ourselves, how many times can a city fall only to rise again?
2 years ago
History

Syria’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Syria’s historical heritage was not spared the ravages of the horrific war that has spanned over a decade. Today, Syria’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites stand in a heartbreaking state of neglect. Each site boasts its own complex historical mosaic, but now all of these sites stand as silent witnesses of our ancestors’ stories, awaiting the restoration they deserve. Despite Syria’s endless cultural and historical wealth, UNESCO currently recognizes only seven of its sites. Due to the absence of restoration efforts by the government, and because of inadequate global support, these sites are in danger of being lost to the sands of time.
2 years ago
Social Issues Society

Fading Lights and Patient Souls: Celebrating Holidays of Hope in Syria

Over the past decade, a lot of attention has been directed towards Syria, the beating heart of the Middle East, which embodies a complex human story as it fights to maintain its identity in the face of conflict and political and social transformations. In this part of the world, life used to overflow with colors and holidays were filled with joy and brotherhood. However, things are different today, where holidays are looked upon with nostalgia and patience. Perhaps the deeper meaning of holidays in Syria is the hope for reunion, unity and peace, with every passing holiday serving as a reminder that light is still shining through the darkness, and that life still goes on in the face of adversity.
2 years ago
Diversity Ethnicity

Circassian Remembrance Day & The Long Legacy of Circassians in Syria

Syria is home to a diverse and rich mosaic of cultures, and among them are the Circassians, an ethnic group from the Northern Caucasus region. Circassians have a tragic history of genocide and displacement, a history which led many of them to Syria. Despite this, they have a reputation for their regal demeanor owing to their pride in their unique heritage of resistance and deep relationship with their homeland. This is a brief look into their story in Syria.
2 years ago
Diversity Ethnicity History

Remembering the Armenian Genocide & the Legacy of Syrian Armenians

Armenian identity is greatly impacted by a deep wound. Today, we celebrate their presence, perseverance and legacy in Syria, and we also acknowledge that many Armenians have become refugees once more, fleeing and leaving behind traces of an identity that has become an inseparable part of Syria. Here, we briefly relay their story as emblems of resilience and cultural preservation that we, as Syrians, need. Due to past experiences, Armenians hold onto their culture and language firmly. In the diaspora, some formed quite exclusive social milieus. Despite this, Armenians in Syria were renowned for the extent of their assimilation as well as their fondness for the country and identification with it, unlike Armenian communities in other, primarily Arab, nations. Several reports about Armenian Syrians returning to Armenia as a result of the war in Syria, spoke about the extent of their struggle to blend into their homeland, as well as their efforts to preserve their ways of life (primarily) from Aleppo.
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