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.

Exploring the complex traditions of Syrian weddings, the article delves into the role of 'Khattabeen' in arranging marriages, highlighting the cultural nuances and challenges faced by women in these traditional practices.

We have increasingly come across this intolerant phrase that’s thrown around carelessly as though it is an undeniable fact. What are the reasons for this and what is an example you have come across yourself?

Syrian wheat holds a special place in the country's history, economy and culture. We explore the reasons for this and the ways in which strengthening the production of Syrian wheat can make a difference in current environmental issues seen across the world.

Let's debunk myths and end the fear once and for all, a woman's dignity is her honesty, and there's no evidence to prove virginity, just like there isn't for the other gender (men). Here are four shocking things I heard and experienced as a Syrian woman: The 1st shock: Once, an anxious girl asked me how she could make sure she's still a "virgin". She was studying in another city and sharing a dorm room with other girls. She'd never had any sexual experiences, but she would have strange thoughts that her roommates sedated her and tore her hymen. The 2nd shock: I met a guy about a year ago, who claims that he's very open-minded and has attended several sexual education courses, so according to him, he's very aware of sexual health. Turns out he believes premarital screenings can determine a woman's virginity (a total myth). The 3rd shock: I came across a girl's post in a private- only women- Facebook group. She was freaking out because while walking on a street she had to jump over a hole in the ground. When she got home, she saw a couple drops of blood and wondered: "Am I bleeding because my hymen tore? Does that mean l am not a virgin anymore? Please, reassure me!" The 4th shock: In one of the gender-based violence workshops I used to run, I was shocked when a young man simply intervened with: "A woman who was raped is no longer suitable for marriage. She's not a virgin anymore." To my surprise, the majority of the group agreed with him.

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.

This post isn’t about inclusivity and is only sharing about the experiences of the many Syrians that are “white passing” both abroad and in Syria. Likewise, the post sheds light on issues of colourism/prejudice within the Syrian community. Oftentimes abroad, light skinned/“white passing”/“European looking” Syrians are faced by racist or frustratingly ignorant comments because they look “too white to be Syrian!”.

The Untitled Book Society, founded in Damascus, invites its members from different professions and interests to a world filled with books and poetry. Fun activities, special guests, and inspiring stories accompany them on their journey of sharing the power of reading books.

Syrian mothers face many challenges and inequalities, both in their home country and abroad. They often lack education, empowerment, and independence. They are isolated, dependent, and marginalized. How can we celebrate Mother’s Day when this is their reality? How can we support and empower Syrian women and mothers?

Today, we remember all the Syrian women in our lives who have not only had to endure years of war and its consequences, but a society that has also actively hindered her progress. We remember Syrian women who have excelled abroad despite hardship, who preserve our culture and heritage, and who contributed to society through liberation, progress, medicine, arts, and culture; the Syrian women that have made our lives worth living for.

This post is simply a response to the ridiculous remarks being made by reporters and western media about Syrians in the context of the invasion of Ukraine; we advise you to look into it. Please don’t take the post out of context- no racism or superiority/nationalist sentiment is intended, unlike the reporters whose comments sadly reflect the general ideas people in the west have about us.

According to the English Language Proficiency Index, Syria is listed in the very low proficiency category. Amongst all Arabic speaking countries in this (low proficiency) category, Syria fares the best, sitting at 89/112, and surpassing Yemen, Libya, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Sudan, and Jordan. However, Syria is far behind Lebanon (34th) & Tunisia (52nd). English, French, and Russian are taught in Syria. Despite that, on an educational and societal level, Syria lacks proficiency in foreign languages. Why is that? Here is a look at the history of teaching foreign languages in Syria.