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.

Reality under AssadIt is widely perceived among Syrians that the Alawite community benefited from the Assad regime, largely because the Assad family traces its roots to an Alawite clan from

The truth is: most of us know nothing about each other, even though we are of one country, speak one dialect, and share the same food—and even the same sorrow. We don’t know how people from other regions grow up, nor which religions and sects represent them. Years of fear and isolation have planted distance between us and turned us into strangers to one another. In the end, ignorance became a form of protection, and estrangement the natural result of distance. Yet, this might be a new beginning—a chance to understand ourselves and one another. Despite the pain of conflict, it is not always the end. The sociologist Lewis Coser sees that conflict can be a chance to break down walls and face each other with honesty. When we ask the hard question about identity, belonging, injustice, and oppression, we begin to reopen the book of Syria, page by page. The new Syria should recognize all of its narratives and components, rather than a duplicated version of the past. True understanding is not a luxury but a necessity to proceed, and diversity is not a burden but the wealth that could build a homeland that embraces everyone.

Syria’s economy lies in ruins, and Turkey has stepped in—but is it to rebuild or to dominate? With Turkish goods flooding Syrian markets, local industries are struggling, and key resources are flowing north. Is this recovery or economic capture?

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.

The term “gypsy” has been used throughout history in a pejorative way and is recognized by many members of the Dom community and researchers to be a derogatory term, particularly in Europe where they are known as the Roma people. Some members of Syrian society use the Arabic equivalent of the term, which is “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 the Dom? So, what threat are we exactly facing? And what opportunity lies ahead? How can past mistakes be avoided? What is the most appropriate discourse style? This post seeks to address several issues that are directly related to ongoing social movement in Syria, in the hope of establishing a common ground on which everyone, as Syrians, can stand to engage in a meaningful discussion.

“Any event [no matter its nature] is simultaneously an opportunity and a threat,” said a Syrian professor a few years ago. To seize the opportunity presented by the events of December 8, we should first recognize the accompanying threat and understand its facets. And before we extensively engage in political discussions and jostle to impose our opinions with respect to the structure of the upcoming political regime, we must ponder and address the societal issues that, if ignored, will impede building our country, especially in the midst of the “creative chaos” that we now live in. So, what threat are we exactly facing? And what opportunity lies ahead? How can past mistakes be avoided? What is the most appropriate discourse style? This post seeks to address several issues that are directly related to ongoing social movement in Syria, in the hope of establishing a common ground on which everyone, as Syrians, can stand to engage in a meaningful discussion.

Information that we hope is spread far and wide, as we witness the wildfire spread of false and even dangerous ideas about secularism within Syrian society. Awareness is the most important step and even a weapon. With the rapid changes we witness as Syrians, we must work together to reject exclusionary speech and which may even foster and support eventual violence against a segment(s) of society through misinformation and lack of dialogue. We must work together to build safe spaces that foster dialogue and which altogether eliminate the concept of “majority/minority groups”, working together as Syrians equally with all our differences across social standing, religion, and ethnic backgrounds.

In the middle of all of these overwhelming feelings of hope, disappointment, uncertainty, and fear, I remember the voice of my father saying, “All people have the government they deserve.” I became furious every time he said this. In his statement, I saw blaming the victim and undeniable accusation towards people living under some kind of political regime, as if they have brought it to themselves! But now, I say it with him and see hope, promise, and recognition that the actions of individuals can determine the destiny of all. So, what threat are we exactly facing? And what opportunity lies ahead? How can past mistakes be avoided? What is the most appropriate discourse style? This post seeks to address several issues that are directly related to ongoing social movement in Syria, in the hope of establishing a common ground on which everyone, as Syrians, can stand to engage in a meaningful discussion.

The Baron Hotel has long been one of the most cherished sights in Aleppo. It is a window into the past and a gallery of the city's culture and history. Since its establishment a little over a century ago, it has mirrored the highs and lows of Aleppo. But sadly, this iconic hotel officially closed down earlier this year. In this post, we pay tribute to the incredible history of this Aleppan landmark.

Though 9 points or one post is far from enough to summarize the frustrations of 3.6 million Syrians, this post aims to shed light and debunk a few stereotypes they are dealing with. It is important to note that the intent is not to generalize all Turks but to shed light on the experiences and struggles many Syrians face in the country.

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.