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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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5 years ago
Culture and Heritage Damascus Faces of Wanabqa Talents of Wanabqa

Yervant Stepanian

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

History of the Syrian Pound

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.
5 years ago
Aleppo Mental Health Society

The Prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Syrian Society

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.
5 years ago
Aleppo Faces of Wanabqa

Souhel Najjar: The Syrian Neurologist whose Story Became an American Drama Film

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.
5 years ago
Queer Issues Society

The Lives of Queer People 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.
5 years ago
Faces of Wanabqa History Social Issues Society

Nazik Al Abid: Activism, Feminism, and Her Struggle for a Better Syria

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.
5 years ago
Faces of Wanabqa Talents of Wanabqa

Nadine Kaadan

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.
5 years ago
Faces of Wanabqa History

Soraya Tarzi: The Forgotten Queen of Afghanistan

This article tells the story of Soraya Tarzi, the first Queen of Afghanistan and a pioneer of civil rights. She was born in Damascus to a progressive father and a Syrian mother. She married Prince Amanullah Khan, who became the King of Afghanistan in 1919. Together, they introduced many reforms to modernize Afghan society, such as education for girls, women’s rights, and separation of religion and state. However, they faced resistance from conservative forces and had to leave the country in 1929. Soraya died in exile in 1968, but her legacy lives on.
5 years ago
Queer Issues Society

Living in the Shadows to Protect My Family

Thank you for sharing your article with me. Here is an excerpt that I generated for it: A Syrian queer man shares his journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance in an unkind society. He challenges the stigma and discrimination that he and others like him face, and calls for recognition and respect of their humanity.
5 years ago
Culture and Heritage History

The History of Shawarma in Syria

How did a young Syrian man who moved to Istanbul in 1873 start a culinary revolution that would span continents and cultures? Discover the story of Siddeeq Khabbaz, the founder of the first Shawerma restaurant in Syria, and how his legacy lives on in every bite of this mouthwatering dish.
5 years ago
Faces of Wanabqa Talents of Wanabqa

Rami Al Ali

The Syrian fashion virtuoso shaping style, breaking norms, and celebrating the synergy between art and fashion.
5 years ago
Faces of Wanabqa Talents of Wanabqa

Rabiea Alshikkador

In this article, Rabiea shares his testimony of his journey from a dentist in Syria to an artist in the Netherlands, and how he found healing and purpose through his paintings.
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