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.

Syrian artists like Marwan Barakat remind us of the cultural and social wealth that Syrians have to offer to the world, and inspire us to express ourselves and our talents, and to pursue our dreams, leaving a lasting legacy for us and for Syria.

Get to know the Toronto-based Syrian award-winning musician, voice actor, and composer Layal Watfeh

Syria is home to a diverse and rich mosaic of cultures, and among them are the Circassians, an ethnic group from the Northern Caucasus region. Circassians have a tragic history of genocide and displacement, a history which led many of them to Syria. Despite this, they have a reputation for their regal demeanor owing to their pride in their unique heritage of resistance and deep relationship with their homeland. This is a brief look into their story in Syria.

These remarkable Syrians in Europe embody resilience, creativity, and activism. Let's celebrate their contributions and recognize the richness that diversity brings to our shared European tapestry.

Armenian identity is greatly impacted by a deep wound. Today, we celebrate their presence, perseverance and legacy in Syria, and we also acknowledge that many Armenians have become refugees once more, fleeing and leaving behind traces of an identity that has become an inseparable part of Syria. Here, we briefly relay their story as emblems of resilience and cultural preservation that we, as Syrians, need. Due to past experiences, Armenians hold onto their culture and language firmly. In the diaspora, some formed quite exclusive social milieus. Despite this, Armenians in Syria were renowned for the extent of their assimilation as well as their fondness for the country and identification with it, unlike Armenian communities in other, primarily Arab, nations. Several reports about Armenian Syrians returning to Armenia as a result of the war in Syria, spoke about the extent of their struggle to blend into their homeland, as well as their efforts to preserve their ways of life (primarily) from Aleppo.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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