Special thanks to member of the community Ali Al Haj who helped provide some insightful information Graphics: @nourxahabi Fifth in our series of Syria’s religious makeup: the Ismaili Muslims. We aim to educate ourselves and our fellow Syrians on the history and communities of our country. Misinformation often grows vastly and knowledge about one another is a vital way to achieve coexistence and move forward. Ismailism in Syria dates back to the year 806 AD. Centralized in Syria’s west by the Coastal Mountains, Ismailis form large minorities in the governorates of Hama and Tartus. Historically stemming from Shia Islam, it shares much with mainstream Islam but is also distinct in its practices and history. Syria boasts one of the largest Ismaili communities worldwide, and today, the community likely forms the 6th largest religious group in the country. It is the smallest Islamic-related sect in Syria following the Sunnis, Alawites, Druze & Twelver Shias.

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.

Kinda Ghannoum, a Syrian-Polish graphic designer, spearheads a nonprofit documentary project alongside friends Sally and Hala, aiming to revive and celebrate Syria's overlooked graphic design legacy through initiatives like the Syrian Design Archive, Syrian Media Archive, and more.

A centenarian pioneer enriching Damascus' heritage, introducing the transformative Jacquard technique to elevate the city's iconic brocade industry.

The Lira is Syria’s official currency. It has evolved numerous times with the changes that Syria and the region in general went through from the late Ottoman era, to the French Mandate, to foreign interventions through to independence, and its usage began in 1948.

Another epidemic in Syria is the immense rise of undiagnosed Generalized Anxiety Disorder, a disorder whose severity is unfortunately underestimated and impacting our people on both personal and collective levels as a result of daily lived realities during the war and until today.

If our media doesn’t do our people justice, we will. Check out the incredible story of Dr. Souhel Najjar; a Damascus-born neurologist, who managed to save an American woman’s life from a rare, life-threatening disease and become one of the best neurologists of the US.

Fourth in our series of Syria’s religious makeup: the Sunni Muslims. This article delves into the early islamic era in Syria (commenced by two powerful Sunni dynasties, the Umayyad and the Abbasid), as well as the incredibly diverse nature of the many Islamic dynasties that have come to rule our land from 634-1919 AD. While the vast majority were Sunni, about half of them were in fact non Arab and have dominated Syria’s Sunni Islamic history. This plays a massive role in shaping the modern day demographics of Syrian Sunnis, in addition to refugees and their descendants who have settled in Syria, such as Iraqis and Palestinians. As the majority, Sunnis have played key roles in the development of Syria’s political and social fabric particularly during our country’s establishment as a modern state. Syria was key to the establishment of Sunni Islam as a powerful social and political entity in the world, as Damascus was the capital of the first Islamic Empire - the Umayyad Empire - which spanned from Northwest Africa to modern day Pakistan in the east, from the Southern Arabian Peninsula to the Caucasus region, as well as modern Spain and Portugal. Often many of us conflate Islamic rule in Syria with Arabs, yet forget that in fact, the majority were non Arab Islamic dynasties. Sunni Islam has also dominated Islamic history in Syria.

In an attempt to "eradicate" them, our society is largely silent about its queer population. Behind this facade of silence are many heartbreaking stories and lived realities of queer people who have been ignored and left to live in hell due to laws in Syria that not only criminalize their personal endeavors, but their whole existence; laws that fail to criminalize violence instigated by surrounding hostile environments. It is time for everyone to understand that a Queer person's feelings are never ever by choice... how insane would it be for one to "choose" a life of continuous struggle. The Syrian Society for Assisting the LGBTQ+ Community is an unlicensed association due to the country's policies and oppressive society. Their objectives include: - helping individuals in the  community, especially those whose lives are threatened by their surroundings - providing psychological support for those facing emotional distress - offering online awareness sessions for those struggling with self-acceptance and societal differences regarding sexual orientation - and assisting with relocation through the United Nations or Kandil organization in neighboring countries. For urgent contact: syrasslgbt@gmail.com. Instagram page: syrasslgbt.

Syria's segregated education system lacks discourse on the social impact. Studies show coeducation fosters equality, breaks stereotypes, and enhances understanding. Do walls truly ensure safety or hinder learning equality?

The story of a revolutionary Damascene woman. Nazik Al Abid reminds us how damaging patriarchal oppressive customs hinder us from any progress, how feminism not only empowers women, but creates a just society. Her struggle for a better Syria, which largely was achieved at the time, did not come without the pointing fingers of insecure men and women who were too intimidated by her. We remember her legacy today with the current state of Syria as we have much to improve and many voices and issues that have been ignored.

Award-winning author & illustrator Nadine from Damascus champions inclusive representation in children's books, illuminating Syria's heritage. Her works, including 'Answer me, Leila!' and 'Tomorrow,' delicately navigate special needs and war's impact, garnering global acclaim and educational use.