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.

We have increasingly come across this intolerant phrase that’s thrown around carelessly as though it is an undeniable fact. What are the reasons for this and what is an example you have come across yourself?

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.

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.

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!”.

A remarkable story of how the author's great grandfather, Azar Al Aji, escaped from Turkish annexation and founded a prosperous village in Syria’s Valley of the Christians. The author also reflects on how the village’s history of resilience and generosity can inspire a hopeful future for Syria amid the ongoing war. This is an article that tells the story of how one man’s courage and kindness changed the lives of many.

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.

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?

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.