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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
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.
5 years ago
Culture and Heritage History

The French Notre Dame’s Syrian Origins

A further testament to the cultural and historical significance of Syria. We explore some of the features of the Notre-Dame in Paris that surprisingly have origins in Syria. The information is based on the 2019 writings of Middle East researcher Diana Darke.
5 years ago
Diversity Religion

Syria’s Jews

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.
5 years ago
Diversity Religion

Syria’s Druze

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.
5 years ago
Faces of Wanabqa History

Louris Maher: Syria’s First Woman to Graduate from the Faculty of Medicine

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.
5 years ago
Faces of Wanabqa Talents of Wanabqa

Issa Touma

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.
5 years ago
Social Issues Society

Not So Happy Eid

“Happy Eid” messages have yet again bombarded my phone... Year after year, I look at the messages sent by family and friends whom I haven’t seen in years, and the irony of these two words leave me staring back at them wondering, we are not happy.
5 years ago
Social Issues Society

Why is the Diaspora so-Detached from their Homeland?

Syrians in the diaspora face a dilemma: how to keep their identity alive while adapting to a new environment. This article explores the struggles and joys of being Syrian in Canada, through the lens of personal stories and reflections.
5 years ago
Culture and Heritage History

The History of Maté in Syria

Maté is a serious love to many Syrians, especially those from Sweida, the Coast & the Qalamoun Mountains area. But how did this South American drink get into Syrian hands?
5 years ago
Social Issues Society

Happy Mother’s Day to Mama

“She knew everything all these years.” Mama and my Queer Identity- an anonymous submission from Aleppo.
6 years ago
Faces of Wanabqa Talents of Wanabqa

Chef Dima and her-Journey of Revitalizing the Food Industry in 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.
6 years ago
Faces of Wanabqa Talents of Wanabqa

From Syria to Project Runway

Born from adversity, inspired by architecture. Empowering women globally through unique designs. From Project Runway to the acclaimed 'The Fashion Group International Rising Star Award' in 2020, a testament to resilience and creativity.
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