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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.

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4 years ago
Damascus Faces of Wanabqa

The Untitled Book Society

The Untitled Book Society, founded in Damascus, invites its members from different professions and interests to a world filled with books and poetry. Fun activities, special guests, and inspiring stories accompany them on their journey of sharing the power of reading books.
4 years ago
Culture and Heritage Diversity Ethnicity History

AKITU : 6772 Years of Civilization

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.
4 years ago
Social Issues Society

Our Syrian Mothers are not Happy

Syrian mothers face many challenges and inequalities, both in their home country and abroad. They often lack education, empowerment, and independence. They are isolated, dependent, and marginalized. How can we celebrate Mother’s Day when this is their reality? How can we support and empower Syrian women and mothers?
4 years ago
History

Apollodorus: The Greatest Architect in the Ancient World from Damascus to Rome

"The Syrian Orontes (river) has long been discharging into the Tiber (of Italy), carrying with it its language and morals and slanting strings, complete with piper, not to speak of its native timbrels." -Juvenal, an ancient Roman poet.
5 years ago
Faces of Wanabqa Talents of Wanabqa

19 Syrian Women to Remember on Women’s Day

Today, we remember all the Syrian women in our lives who have not only had to endure years of war and its consequences, but a society that has also actively hindered her progress. We remember Syrian women who have excelled abroad despite hardship, who preserve our culture and heritage, and who contributed to society through liberation, progress, medicine, arts, and culture; the Syrian women that have made our lives worth living for.
5 years ago
Culture and Heritage Social Issues Society

Uncivilized: Syria & its People in just 9 Points

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.
5 years ago
Social Issues Society

Teaching Foreign Languages in Syria

According to the English Language Proficiency Index, Syria is listed in the very low proficiency category. Amongst all Arabic speaking countries in this (low proficiency) category, Syria fares the best, sitting at 89/112, and surpassing Yemen, Libya, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Sudan, and Jordan. However, Syria is far behind Lebanon (34th) & Tunisia (52nd). English, French, and Russian are taught in Syria. Despite that, on an educational and societal level, Syria lacks proficiency in foreign languages. Why is that? Here is a look at the history of teaching foreign languages in Syria.
5 years ago
Faces of Wanabqa Talents of Wanabqa

Kinda Ghannoum

Kinda Ghannoum, a Syrian-Polish graphic designer, spearheads a nonprofit documentary project alongside friends Sally and Hala, aiming to revive and celebrate Syria's overlooked graphic design legacy through initiatives like the Syrian Design Archive, Syrian Media Archive, and more.
5 years ago
Culture and Heritage Damascus Faces of Wanabqa Talents of Wanabqa

Yervant Stepanian

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

History of the Syrian Pound

The Lira is Syria’s official currency. It has evolved numerous times with the changes that Syria and the region in general went through from the late Ottoman era, to the French Mandate, to foreign interventions through to independence, and its usage began in 1948.
5 years ago
Aleppo Mental Health Society

The Prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Syrian Society

Another epidemic in Syria is the immense rise of undiagnosed Generalized Anxiety Disorder, a disorder whose severity is unfortunately underestimated and impacting our people on both personal and collective levels as a result of daily lived realities during the war and until today.
5 years ago
Queer Issues Society

The Lives of Queer People in Syria

In an attempt to "eradicate" them, our society is largely silent about its queer population. Behind this facade of silence are many heartbreaking stories and lived realities of queer people who have been ignored and left to live in hell due to laws in Syria that not only criminalize their personal endeavors, but their whole existence; laws that fail to criminalize violence instigated by surrounding hostile environments. It is time for everyone to understand that a Queer person's feelings are never ever by choice... how insane would it be for one to "choose" a life of continuous struggle. The Syrian Society for Assisting the LGBTQ+ Community is an unlicensed association due to the country's policies and oppressive society. Their objectives include: - helping individuals in the  community, especially those whose lives are threatened by their surroundings - providing psychological support for those facing emotional distress - offering online awareness sessions for those struggling with self-acceptance and societal differences regarding sexual orientation - and assisting with relocation through the United Nations or Kandil organization in neighboring countries. For urgent contact: syrasslgbt@gmail.com. Instagram page: syrasslgbt.
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