Hanna Diyab, born in Aleppo in the late 17th century, was a Syrian storyteller whose imagination shaped some of the most famous tales in world literature—including Aladdin and Ali Baba. Yet for centuries, his name was erased from these stories. When Diyab recounted his tales to the French orientalist Antoine Galland in Paris, they were published as part of Les Mille et Une Nuits (One Thousand and One Nights)—but without crediting him. His life reflects a larger story: how the West often consumed and reshaped Eastern stories through an exoticizing lens, turning complex local narratives into simplified “Oriental fantasies”. Reclaiming Diyab’s story is not just about giving credit—it’s about re-centering voices, challenging orientalist storytelling, and understanding what it means when your story is told for you, rather than by you.

Once the guardian of Palmyra’s majestic ruins, Khaled Al-Asaad paid the ultimate price for refusing to betray the ancient city he loved. A towering figure in Syrian archaeology, Al-Asaad spent over 40 years unearthing Palmyra’s secrets, bringing global recognition to its history through his mastery of ancient languages and collaboration with international scholars. When ISIS overran the city in 2015, he hoped his presence might shield its soul. Instead, he was tortured and executed, a martyr to cultural memory. His story is a stark reminder that, in Syria, history itself has become a battleground. Amid ongoing looting and destruction, preserving heritage is no longer symbolic; it is survival.

Aleppo is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world, a testament to resilience. Time and again, it has been destroyed by war, invasions, and natural disasters—yet each time, it was rebuilt. From ancient trade routes to its role as a cultural and commercial hub, Aleppo has adapted and thrived. Even after devastation from the Mongols, Tamerlane, and powerful earthquakes, its people preserved their heritage while shaping a prosperous future. Today, and despite the toll of war and the 2023 earthquake, Aleppo stands once more at the threshold of renewal. It is not merely a city that survives—it is a symbol of endurance, hope, and the unwavering power of rebirth.

Dayfa Khatun ruled Aleppo (1236-1242) at a time of political upheaval, navigating complex power dynamics and preserving the city’s stability. As a Kurdish princess from the Ayyubid dynasty, she navigated the complex political landscape of the time, using diplomacy and strategic alliances to maintain the city’s independence while avoiding costly military conflicts. Her leadership was instrumental in ensuring Aleppo’s stability and prosperity. Dayfa Khatun also made significant contributions to the city's cultural and architectural development, commissioning important schools and fortifications. Her reign challenges the commonly held belief that medieval Islamic politics was exclusive to men and underscores the longstanding presence of Kurds in Syria, who have been an integral part of its history for centuries. Dayfa's legacy reminds us of the crucial contributions women played in shaping the history of their time, despite being largely overlooked in historical narratives.

Syrian dubbing wasn’t just a tool for dialogue, but an entire art that added a new soul for international works. Due to the professional acting, the fluent Arabic spoken, and the careful attention to lip syncing and cultural adaptation, Syrian dubbing became an identifying feature of the Arab entertainment industry. Its voices are still ingrained in the memories of generations, bearing witness to a golden age of creativity in vocal works.

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.

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?

Discover the majesty of Khan Asaad Pasha, the largest caravanserai in Old Damascus. Built in 1751 and declared a historical landmark in 1973, this architectural marvel has undergone significant reconstruction, holding centuries of history within its walls. Today, the Khan serves as a vibrant cultural center in Damascus. Visitors are invited to explore its historical significance, peruse traditional crafts, and revel in cultural performances. The Khan provides an immersive experience where visitors can deeply connect with the rich heritage of Damascus and Syria.

I have always wanted to do this: get in my car, call my friends, pick them up, and hit the road. “Where do you wanna go?” I want to ask,

Walking along its narrow, branching and ascending staircases, Al-Muhajireen is a unique Damascene neighborhood unlike any other. Its history stretches back to 1899 when Nazim Pasha, Damascus’ Ottoman governor at the time, decided to settle Muslims from the Greek island of Crete who immigrated as a result of sectarian violence on the island. Over time, the neighborhood developed into a blend of immigrants of various ethnic groups, mostly from the Balkans and Circassia (southwest Russia). Al-Muhajireen gained further importance after Nazim Pasha built Al-Muhajireen Palace, which later became the residence of Syria’s first elected president, Muhammad al Abid, who decided during his tenure in office (1932-1936) to build a tramway line that connected the center of Damascus to Al-Muhajireen. Overlooking the city of Damascus on Mount Qasioun, Al-Muhajireen is a mesmerizing neighborhood for locals.

Beauty lies in diversity. Syrians in particular are no strangers to beauty, thanks to an eclectic past that has birthed some of the world’s oldest metropolises. We take pride in the beauty of our people, a beauty that is diverse. However, this does not seem to be the case in today’s Syria, as women, and even men, are pressured into trying to achieve an unreachable level of perfection. In the meantime, plastic surgeons and aestheticians are making a fortune off of botched procedures.

Elon Musk who? Meet the Syrian dentist and genius of an entrepreneur Lojain Jibawi, who has impacted and inspired many.