Society
Al Muhajireen Neighbourhood : History & Heritage
Walking along its narrow, branching and ascending staircases, Al-Muhajireen is a unique Damascene neighborhood unlike any other. Its history stretches back to 1899 when Nazim Pasha, Damascus’ Ottoman governor at the time, decided to settle Muslims from the Greek island of Crete who immigrated as a result of sectarian violence on the island. Over time, the neighborhood developed into a blend of immigrants of various ethnic groups, mostly from the Balkans and Circassia (southwest Russia). Al-Muhajireen gained further importance after Nazim Pasha built Al-Muhajireen Palace, which later became the residence of Syria’s first elected president, Muhammad al Abid, who decided during his tenure in office (1932-1936) to build a tramway line that connected the center of Damascus to Al-Muhajireen. Overlooking the city of Damascus on Mount Qasioun, Al-Muhajireen is a mesmerizing neighborhood for locals.
The Art of Mockery
Known to be a prominent strength in the Syrian (and Arab) community, mockery is the act of diminishing a serious matter by making it appear feeble, trivial, or even insignificant….
Violence of the Currency Crisis
“I don’t know how Syrians are surviving.” People have been uttering this sentence for over two years. For over two years, the prices of goods and services have been growing,…
Goodbyes and Uncertain Reunions: What My Syrianness Has Given Me
I remember the exact layout of the room: my grandparents in one corner, my cousins, my aunts and uncles, and a person I had been around my whole life, but…
Plastic Surgery in Syria
Beauty lies in diversity. Syrians in particular are no strangers to beauty, thanks to an eclectic past that has birthed some of the world’s oldest metropolises. We take pride in the beauty of our people, a beauty that is diverse. However, this does not seem to be the case in today’s Syria, as women, and even men, are pressured into trying to achieve an unreachable level of perfection. In the meantime, plastic surgeons and aestheticians are making a fortune off of botched procedures.
Journalism in Syria
Throughout Syria’s history, the way in which we hear news has evolved significantly, and the media’s landscape has been marked by significant shifts in journalism. The journey began in 1876…
The Aleppine Diary
In Aleppo’s sorrowful veil, emotions banished, replaced by an eerie calm. Death’s grip on the city, a haunting presence. Once vibrant, now a desolate echo, mourned in silence, a tragic tale of uncherished life.
Al Khattabeen: The Degrading Influence on the Self Esteem of Young Female Adults
Exploring the complex traditions of Syrian weddings, the article delves into the role of ‘Khattabeen’ in arranging marriages, highlighting the cultural nuances and challenges faced by women in these traditional practices.
They Don’t Represent Us Syrians!
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 Real Value of Syrian Wheat
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.