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.

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.

Third in our series of Syria’s religious makeup: the Christians. 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 & move forward. This article delves into the indigeneity of Christianity in Syria, a cradle of the faith. Christianity came to be in the Levant, at a time when Syria was under Roman rule. The language spoken at the time by inhabitants was Aramaic. When the Roman empire split, Syria was an important center of the Eastern Roman Empire, which became known as the Byzantine Empire that was heavily influenced by Greek culture and language. It was in Byzantine Syria that Christianity flourished amongst an Aramaic and Greek speaking population, later spreading worldwide. In order to understand Syria’s Christians today, we need to go back to when Syria was referred to as Aram and understand the ways Aramaic still lives amongst us as a result of its preservation through Christianity. As one of the few Middle Eastern nations with a prominent Christian community, and as one of the oldest Christian communities of the world, Syria’s Christians have left their mark on every aspect of Syrian life from politics and education, to the cultural and artistic scenes. The community is diverse in its sects and ethnic identities, with the 3 largest sects being branches of the Church of Antioch: the Greek Orthodox, Greek Melkite Catholics (the names of both reflecting the Byzantine rite heritage), in addition to the Syriac Orthodox Church. Other prominent churches of Syriac rites include Syriac Catholics, Maronites, and the Assyrian/Chaldean churches, in addition to the large Armenian communities mainly based in Aleppo. Historically a majority, the community has gradually shrunk in size, and today form < 10% of Syria, the 3rd largest religious group after the Sunnis & Alawites

The Syrian fashion virtuoso shaping style, breaking norms, and celebrating the synergy between art and fashion.

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.

Second in our series of Syria’s religious makeup: the Jews. 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. Syria is part of a region considered to be the cradle of Judaism. Syrian Jews like their fellow Levantine Jews in Lebanon and Palestine form one of, if not, the oldest Jewish communities worldwide. Centred mainly in Damascus and Aleppo, members of this Abrahamic faith were integral to Syria’s cultural image and history. From some of the oldest synagogues worldwide in Aleppo & Jobar (Damascus suburb), to a stunning legacy of rich material culture that still lives on in Old Damascus. Tensions following the partitioning of Palestine, pockets of sectarianism, and ignorance resulted in a community that began to shrink since the late 1800s, culminating to their disappearance in Syria unfortunately today. In the diaspora, while strongly assimilating in their adoptive homes, they hold strongly to their Syrian heritage.

First in our series of Syria’s religious makeup: the Druze. 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. The Druze faith is a syncretic monotheistic faith that is also esoteric and largely secretive. While the faith has some connections to Abrahamic religions and is often mistakenly linked to Islam, today it is a distinct faith with distinct practices, and almost all Druze do not identify as Muslims. Roughly half of the worldwide Druze population is located in Syria where they form the fourth or fifth largest religious group in the country (3-4%), (following Sunni Muslims, Alawites & Christians, preceding Shia Muslims & Ismailis (however they may possibly replace the Druze today as 4th largest, placing the Druze in 5th place)) Edit: Druze are also located in Northern Jordan forming 0.5-1% of the country. This places them in the light pink category on the map with Idlib Governorate.

Louris Maher was a pioneer of Syrian medicine and feminism. She not only became the first Syrian woman doctor in 1936, but also published books, founded a baby food factory, and defied the oppressive norms of her time. Her story is an inspiration for all Syrians who aspire for a better and more equal future.

Syria’s material culture is rich and diverse, but it is also endangered by the threats of war, globalization, and colonization. R’s Culture is a project that aims to support Syrian artists, craftworkers, and culture by providing authentically-made Syrian goods to people abroad. By buying these products, you are not only getting high-quality and unique items, but also helping to preserve and spread Syria’s heritage and culture.

How does one capture the essence of a city that has been ravaged by war, yet still holds a glimmer of hope and resilience? Issa Touma, a Syrian photographer and cinematographer, has dedicated his life and art to answering this question. Through his films, photographs, and initiatives, he reveals the stories of Aleppo and its people, from the horrors of the conflict to the joys of everyday life.

Challenging society for the sake of women and a better Syria.

Happy International Women’s Day. Today we celebrate Syrian women. Dima Al Chaar is one Syrian woman that shared her story with us. A pioneer in the food industry, and we all know how much we love our food as Syrians, the chef seeks to revitalize the industry in Syria.