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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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1 year ago
Aleppo History

Aleppo: The City That Never Dies

Aleppo is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world, a testament to resilience. Time and again, it has been destroyed by war, invasions, and natural disasters—yet each time, it was rebuilt. From ancient trade routes to its role as a cultural and commercial hub, Aleppo has adapted and thrived. Even after devastation from the Mongols, Tamerlane, and powerful earthquakes, its people preserved their heritage while shaping a prosperous future. Today, and despite the toll of war and the 2023 earthquake, Aleppo stands once more at the threshold of renewal. It is not merely a city that survives—it is a symbol of endurance, hope, and the unwavering power of rebirth.
1 year ago
Aleppo Ethnicity History

Dayfa Khatun: The Forgotten Kurdish Princess of Aleppo

Dayfa Khatun ruled Aleppo (1236-1242) at a time of political upheaval, navigating complex power dynamics and preserving the city’s stability. As a Kurdish princess from the Ayyubid dynasty, she navigated the complex political landscape of the time, using diplomacy and strategic alliances to maintain the city’s independence while avoiding costly military conflicts. Her leadership was instrumental in ensuring Aleppo’s stability and prosperity. Dayfa Khatun also made significant contributions to the city's cultural and architectural development, commissioning important schools and fortifications. Her reign challenges the commonly held belief that medieval Islamic politics was exclusive to men and underscores the longstanding presence of Kurds in Syria, who have been an integral part of its history for centuries. Dayfa's legacy reminds us of the crucial contributions women played in shaping the history of their time, despite being largely overlooked in historical narratives.
2 years ago
Faces of Wanabqa Talents of Wanabqa

The Life and Works of Director Marwan Barakat

Syrian artists like Marwan Barakat remind us of the cultural and social wealth that Syrians have to offer to the world, and inspire us to express ourselves and our talents, and to pursue our dreams, leaving a lasting legacy for us and for Syria.
2 years ago
Faces of Wanabqa Talents of Wanabqa

Artist Interview: Layal Watfeh

Get to know the Toronto-based Syrian award-winning musician, voice actor, and composer Layal Watfeh
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
Faces of Wanabqa Talents of Wanabqa

9 Syrians in Europe You Should Know About

These remarkable Syrians in Europe embody resilience, creativity, and activism. Let's celebrate their contributions and recognize the richness that diversity brings to our shared European tapestry.
3 years ago
Aleppo Faces of Wanabqa

Lojain Jibawi: Biography of A Syrian Genius

Elon Musk who? Meet the Syrian dentist and genius of an entrepreneur Lojain Jibawi, who has impacted and inspired many.
4 years ago
Aleppo Social Issues Society

The Aleppine Diary

In Aleppo's sorrowful veil, emotions banished, replaced by an eerie calm. Death's grip on the city, a haunting presence. Once vibrant, now a desolate echo, mourned in silence, a tragic tale of uncherished life.
4 years ago
Damascus History

The 7 Gates of Old Damascus

The gates of Damascus speak to the rich history of the city. Not only did they once protect the city from invaders, they also give our present society a glimpse into the beliefs and culture unique to the different inhabitants of Damascus along history. Across the centuries, each gate served a different purpose and symbolized something distinct to the different societies that resided in the city.
4 years ago
Faces of Wanabqa Northern Syria

Qudsia Haj Hussein

Qudsia Haj Hussein was a pioneer of women’s education in the city of Deir ez-Zor, Syria. She overcame many obstacles and challenges to pursue her own education and to provide opportunities for other girls in her community. She was one of the first Syrian women to graduate from middle school and high school, and she became a teacher and a principal of girls’ schools in Deir ez-Zor. She was a role model and a leader who influenced the social and cultural transformation of her city. In this article, you will learn about her remarkable life story and her legacy for future generations of Syrian women.
4 years ago
Aleppo Faces of Wanabqa History

Matilde Chelhot

The first Syrian businesswoman! Matilde Chelhot was a visionary leader who used her wealth and influence to create a major educational institution that offered vocational training to the poor and needy. She was also a humanitarian who worked with the Red Crescent and donated everything she owned for the benefit of the working class. In this article, you will discover the amazing life and legacy of Matilde Chelhot, who left behind a fragrant memory of good deeds, altruism, achievement, and inspiration.
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