This article is an objective look into the history of this fact and its repercussions today, not a call for senseless pride. It is commonly known that medical terminology is derived from classical languages, such as Latin and Greek, and cannot be taught in different languages. If you ever wanted to study medicine and are one of the people who speak your native language better than English, then the sentence "Oh no! How are you going to survive Medicine in English?!", is not strange to you. Some report Arabic as the world's most difficult language to learn, which was not an obstacle for Syria. A surprise for the world is that Syria is the first and only country to teach medicine in Arabic since 1919 and to this day! Countries like Egypt, Sudan, Iraq, Tunis, Libya, and Lebanon have taught Medicine in Arabic for a period of time but switched to English/French due to colonization.

“Here’s a fruit-bowl for you to enjoy while you study” This is my parents’ way of support on a stressful exam night. Even though I’m generally not a fan of

The term “gypsy” has been used throughout history in a pejorative way and is recognized by many members of the community and researchers to be a derogatory term (particularly in Europe) where they are known as the Roma people. Some members of the community in Syria use the Arabic equivalent of the term “غجر Ghajar” however “Dom” the equivalent of “Roma” is also used. As one of the ethnic groups that are most vulnerable to discrimination and persecution around the world, this community is considered a prominent ambiguous, diverse, and unrecognized group in Syria. They are known for practicing various professions, such as playing musical instruments, fortune telling, singing, and others; who are gypsies?

The story behind Al Hakawati (The Storyteller) has a long and rich history. It is an art form that has been present across numerous cultures, but which evolved differently in relation to the local context’s ideals and beliefs. In Syria, Damascus particularly, the tradition of The Storyteller is considered one of the most remarkable folk arts and a valuable intangible heritage amongst the Damascene people.

Silk represents an essential part of Syrian culture. Several Syrian proverbs and family names came to be due to the prevalence of silk in the lives of Syrian people. The silk industry in Damascus was in huge demand for centuries. Thanks to its convenient geographical location, Damascus was the epicenter of trade routes from the Mediterranean to the Gulf. Foreign merchants from across the world would pay a visit to the region specifically for these magically handwoven textiles. In the Arab Gulf countries for example, particularly the UAE, Syrians have gained a reputation for textile and silk manufacturing.

Did you know that Syrian Americans have been in the US since 1880? In this article, you will discover their rich and diverse history, culture, and contributions to various fields in America.

Nizar Qabbani is a revolutionary and iconic figure in Syrian history. Despite his controversial works, he earned the love and respect not only of Syrians, but the entire SWANA region. Challenging many traditional views and practices of Syrian society, he obtained his status by being his authentic self and writing personal, touching bodies of work that spoke to many.

A remarkable story of how the author's great grandfather, Azar Al Aji, escaped from Turkish annexation and founded a prosperous village in Syria’s Valley of the Christians. The author also reflects on how the village’s history of resilience and generosity can inspire a hopeful future for Syria amid the ongoing war. This is an article that tells the story of how one man’s courage and kindness changed the lives of many.

Today, Akitu is mainly celebrated by the Assyrian/Aramaean identifying community, Chaldeans (Catholic Assyrians), and all Syrian and Iraqi Christians following the Syriac Orthodox & Catholic churches. It is also significant to many Alawites & Ismailis in the country (altogether, these communities form between 20-30% of Syria). Our ancestors across the region recognized the importance of celebrating life, renewal, and our fertile lands. Syria today seems to be the antithesis of that, many of our people are desperate for a life worth celebrating, but we remember the many Syrians both in and out of the country who are doing their part in a strive for a better Syria. Akitu Brikho (Syriac for Blessed Akitu) to every one of those Syrians whose love for our land, history, and belief in our people in spite of everything, never withers away.

This post is simply a response to the ridiculous remarks being made by reporters and western media about Syrians in the context of the invasion of Ukraine; we advise you to look into it. Please don’t take the post out of context- no racism or superiority/nationalist sentiment is intended, unlike the reporters whose comments sadly reflect the general ideas people in the west have about us.

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

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.