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.

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.

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.

New York City is known for its diversity and multiculturalism, but few people know about the history of one of its earliest and most influential immigrant groups: the Syrians. In this article, you will learn about the origins, achievements, and challenges of Little Syria, the neighborhood that was once home to thousands of Syrians and other Arabs in Manhattan. You will also discover how Little Syria was erased from the city’s landscape by urban development, and how its descendants are preserving its memory and heritage today. Join us as we explore the fascinating story of Little Syria, the first home of Syrians in the Western world.

A teapot whistles over the (diesel oil) fireplace that swallows it in its cave, spreading a warmth like that of our family; the same family that is going to nestle

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.

Qudsia Haj Hussein was a pioneer of women’s education in the city of Deir ez-Zor, Syria. She overcame many obstacles and challenges to pursue her own education and to provide opportunities for other girls in her community. She was one of the first Syrian women to graduate from middle school and high school, and she became a teacher and a principal of girls’ schools in Deir ez-Zor. She was a role model and a leader who influenced the social and cultural transformation of her city. In this article, you will learn about her remarkable life story and her legacy for future generations of Syrian women.

“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