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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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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
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
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.
5 years ago
Social Issues Society

Coeducation in Syria : as a Solution to Gender – Related Issues

Syria's segregated education system lacks discourse on the social impact. Studies show coeducation fosters equality, breaks stereotypes, and enhances understanding. Do walls truly ensure safety or hinder learning equality?
5 years ago
Faces of Wanabqa History Social Issues Society

Nazik Al Abid: Activism, Feminism, and Her Struggle for a Better Syria

The story of a revolutionary Damascene woman. Nazik Al Abid reminds us how damaging patriarchal oppressive customs hinder us from any progress, how feminism not only empowers women, but creates a just society. Her struggle for a better Syria, which largely was achieved at the time, did not come without the pointing fingers of insecure men and women who were too intimidated by her. We remember her legacy today with the current state of Syria as we have much to improve and many voices and issues that have been ignored.
5 years ago
Faces of Wanabqa History

Soraya Tarzi: The Forgotten Queen of Afghanistan

This article tells the story of Soraya Tarzi, the first Queen of Afghanistan and a pioneer of civil rights. She was born in Damascus to a progressive father and a Syrian mother. She married Prince Amanullah Khan, who became the King of Afghanistan in 1919. Together, they introduced many reforms to modernize Afghan society, such as education for girls, women’s rights, and separation of religion and state. However, they faced resistance from conservative forces and had to leave the country in 1929. Soraya died in exile in 1968, but her legacy lives on.
5 years ago
Queer Issues Society

Living in the Shadows to Protect My Family

Thank you for sharing your article with me. Here is an excerpt that I generated for it: A Syrian queer man shares his journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance in an unkind society. He challenges the stigma and discrimination that he and others like him face, and calls for recognition and respect of their humanity.
5 years ago
Culture and Heritage History

The History of Shawarma in Syria

How did a young Syrian man who moved to Istanbul in 1873 start a culinary revolution that would span continents and cultures? Discover the story of Siddeeq Khabbaz, the founder of the first Shawerma restaurant in Syria, and how his legacy lives on in every bite of this mouthwatering dish.
5 years ago
Culture and Heritage History

The French Notre Dame’s Syrian Origins

A further testament to the cultural and historical significance of Syria. We explore some of the features of the Notre-Dame in Paris that surprisingly have origins in Syria. The information is based on the 2019 writings of Middle East researcher Diana Darke.
5 years ago
Faces of Wanabqa History

Louris Maher: Syria’s First Woman to Graduate from the Faculty of Medicine

Louris Maher was a pioneer of Syrian medicine and feminism. She not only became the first Syrian woman doctor in 1936, but also published books, founded a baby food factory, and defied the oppressive norms of her time. Her story is an inspiration for all Syrians who aspire for a better and more equal future.
5 years ago
Diversity Ethnicity

Circassian Remembrance Day and-the Legacy of Syrian Circassians

Syria is home to a diverse and rich mosaic of cultures, among them the Circassians, an ethnic group from the Northern Caucasus region. The Circassians have a tragic history of genocide, displacement, and assimilation, but also a proud heritage of resistance, adaptation, and contribution. In this article, we explore the origins, history, and current situation of the Circassian community in Syria, and how they cope with the challenges of war, identity, and memory.
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