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?

Part 7 of the series about Syria’s religious makeup: the Alawites. 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. With a history of about 1,000 years in Syria, the Alawite community is a prominent component of the Syrian social fabric. Centralised in western Syria, today Alawites form the 2nd largest religious community forming < 18% of the country (3rd before 2011 - < 12%), today surpassing Syrian Christians & preceding Syrian Sunni Muslims. Understanding the history of the Alawites allows us to understand their presence in Syria today. While most Syrian Alawites identify as Muslim, some view themselves as distinctively Alawite due to the unique characteristics of this secretive sect.

Syrian wheat holds a special place in the country's history, economy and culture. We explore the reasons for this and the ways in which strengthening the production of Syrian wheat can make a difference in current environmental issues seen across the world.

Let's debunk myths and end the fear once and for all, a woman's dignity is her honesty, and there's no evidence to prove virginity, just like there isn't for the other gender (men). Here are four shocking things I heard and experienced as a Syrian woman: The 1st shock: Once, an anxious girl asked me how she could make sure she's still a "virgin". She was studying in another city and sharing a dorm room with other girls. She'd never had any sexual experiences, but she would have strange thoughts that her roommates sedated her and tore her hymen. The 2nd shock: I met a guy about a year ago, who claims that he's very open-minded and has attended several sexual education courses, so according to him, he's very aware of sexual health. Turns out he believes premarital screenings can determine a woman's virginity (a total myth). The 3rd shock: I came across a girl's post in a private- only women- Facebook group. She was freaking out because while walking on a street she had to jump over a hole in the ground. When she got home, she saw a couple drops of blood and wondered: "Am I bleeding because my hymen tore? Does that mean l am not a virgin anymore? Please, reassure me!" The 4th shock: In one of the gender-based violence workshops I used to run, I was shocked when a young man simply intervened with: "A woman who was raped is no longer suitable for marriage. She's not a virgin anymore." To my surprise, the majority of the group agreed with him.

With suitcases full of their precious belongings as well as dreams of a better life, over 100 Syrian/Levantine passengers boarded the Titanic. Most of them had all their life savings with them, and one lady even brought yogurt-starter so she could make her Levantine recipes once her family arrived on the new continent. In the 1997 movie “Titanic”, there was a brief glimpse of an Arabic speaking family and the word “Yalla!”, meaning “come on” or “hurry”, was heard, as an ode to the Levantine passengers, the vast majority of whom were Christians.

The first Syrian businesswoman! Matilde Chelhot was a visionary leader who used her wealth and influence to create a major educational institution that offered vocational training to the poor and needy. She was also a humanitarian who worked with the Red Crescent and donated everything she owned for the benefit of the working class. In this article, you will discover the amazing life and legacy of Matilde Chelhot, who left behind a fragrant memory of good deeds, altruism, achievement, and inspiration.

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.

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. Despite making up big portions of the demographic makeup of bordering Lebanon & Iraq, Syria’s Shia have long been a religious minority making them the 6th largest group before the war but likely the 4th today. Syria is home to some of the community’s most sacred sites. Because of this, Syria is a hotspot for religious tourism/pilgrimage for the Shia community worldwide, similar to Christians who visit some of the faith’s most ancient and splendid sites in our country.

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.

Syrian Kickboxing & Muay Thai champion Azza Attoura is a figure who is not too well known despite her incredible achievements and honorable influence, especially on our women throughout the years of war.

Louay Kayyali was a famous Syrian painter who faced rejection and depression for showing the reality of war and poverty in his country. His controversial exhibition “For the Sake of Cause” in 1967 was a turning point in his life and career. In this article, we explore his life and work, and why he painted the truth, even when it hurt.

This post isn’t about inclusivity and is only sharing about the experiences of the many Syrians that are “white passing” both abroad and in Syria. Likewise, the post sheds light on issues of colourism/prejudice within the Syrian community. Oftentimes abroad, light skinned/“white passing”/“European looking” Syrians are faced by racist or frustratingly ignorant comments because they look “too white to be Syrian!”.