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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
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
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
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
Faces of Wanabqa

The Armstrong of Syria: Muhammed Faris

Muhammad Faris, an exceptional and prominent figure in the history of space, is considered the second Arab person to set foot in space. He was born in the city of Aleppo, Syria, in 1951, and grew up in an environment filled with dreams of aviation and space. He received his basic education in his hometown before pursuing his military education, which later opened the doors for him to become an astronaut.
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
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.
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.
2 years ago
Faces of Wanabqa

9 World-Renowned Syrian Scientists You Should Know About

From groundbreaking discoveries to revolutionary innovations, these Syrians became pioneers in their respective fields and left a lasting impact on the scientific community and beyond. In this post, we are going to briefly explore each person’s story.
3 years ago
History Social Issues Society

Journalism in Syria

Throughout Syria’s history, the way in which we hear news has evolved significantly, and the media’s landscape has been marked by significant shifts in journalism. The journey began in 1876
3 years ago
Faces of Wanabqa

An Ode to Papa

This is my Papa, Bachar Almounajjed, and today marks 5 months since his passing. He was born on January 12th, 1952 in the neighborhood of Al Qemarriye, in Old Damascus
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