Qaitbay minaret, Umayyid Mosque, Damascus, Syria. Photo by Abd Sarakbi (unsplash) Tags: Cultural historyIbrahim Al-Issa on his farm in Raqqa, is glad to be back home after a recent Japanese -funded UNDP project successfully restored irrigation canals. The canals supply water from the Euphrates River which has revitalised 63,000 hectares of agricultural land, enabling 21,000 families to regain their livelihoods. For Al-Issa, his land is intertwined with his identity. He says, “The land is like honour.” (UNDP, 9 July 2024) Tags: Cooperation, Economy, Reconstruction, RecoverySince December 2024, with the overthrow of the Assad regime, the role of the White Helmets has evolved from first response to rebuilding, often in areas where they had rescued communities after bombing raids. They have been removing rubble, opening roads, clearing landmines, and bringing dead bodies to identification centres. They are also providing psychological support where needed after decades of trauma. With Israeli strikes, plus renewed sectarian violence, their work as first responders continues. (Right Livelihood, 22 May 2025) Tags: Assad Regime, Humanitarian, Recovery, TransitionAaqraba is a small village in the Idlib Governate in Northwest Syria, which has an elevation of nearly 500 metres above sea level, near the Turkish border. (Samer Daboul, Pexels) Tags: Idlib, TurkeyPeople celebrate at Masnaa Border Crossing after Syrian rebels announced the fall of Bashar al-Assad on 8 December 2024. Photo by Amr Abdallah Dalshi/Reuters. Tags: Hope, Justice, RefugeesThe Citadel of Aleppo is a large medieval fortified palace built on top of a large hill that dominates the city. The occupation of this place dates to the third millennium BCE and has been occupied by many civilisations over time such as the Assyrians, Greeks, Armenians, Romans, Byzantines, Umayyads, Mamluks and Ottomans. The bulk of the construction was built during the 12th and 13th centuries. (Adobe Images) Tags: Cultural history, DiversityJoumana Mortada, 25-year-old Syrian artist, creates paintings based on her love of old Damascus. She loves to sit in her windowsill gazing out on the streets below, gathering inspiration from the scents, landscapes, old buildings and the sky especially. She says, “I always search out the light and chase it, that’s why it features so heavily in my works. The sunshine in the ancient town comes at you sparsely, there is a big contrast between shadows and light.” (The New Arab, 16 Nov 2023) Tags: Cultural history, DamascusThe White Helmets are a volunteer group of over 3,000 men and women helping Syrians affected by war. Photo by Sultan Kitaz/Reuters Tags: Humanitarian, Justice, Human rightsPart of the historically significant Wadi al-Nasara (Valley of the Christians) in Western Syria, the village of Marmarita transforms every August into a vibrant festival of culture and celebration. In this part of Syria many people are Greek Orthodox Christians, and the area contains historically significant sites including St George’s Monastery, the Krak de Chevaliers Castle and the shrine of The Lady of the Valley. Carnival events include traditional music and dancing, and it is attended by many people who dress in fun, vibrant costumes. (Photo: Syria Scope Travel) Tags: Cultural history, DiversityThe popular Jasmine plant in Syria’s capital Damascus which is often known as ‘city of Jasmine’, evoking nostalgia, pride and connection to home. Photo by Man Dy (Pexels) Tags: Cultural history, DamascusThe Citadel of Aleppo is a large medieval fortified palace and is one of the oldest and largest castles in the world. Photo by Dabbas (unsplash) Tags: Cultural historySayyida Zaynab Mosque, said to contain Zaynab’s tomb, is a place of pilgrimage for Twelver Shia Muslims. Photo by Nour Rizk (unsplash) Tags: Cultural historyThe creative talent of young people was recently celebrated on 6 October 2025 at Old Tartous Exhibition Hall. Hosted by Tartous City Council, the young artists shared their love of creative expression and delighted visitors, displaying a range of works such as paintings, handmade accessories, candles, paper quilling and food. (Photo: SANA) Tags: Hope, RecoveryMountain silhouette in Aaqrabate, Idlib Governate, Syria. Photo by Samer Daboul (Pexels) Tags: IdlibAs a journalist and feminist activist, and as an outspoken opponent of the Assad regime, Alaa fled Syria in 2012 out of fear of imprisonment. Upon her recent return, she travelled to several areas of the country to meet like-minded women who are committed to fostering peace and equality in Syrian society. She believes the role of women in rebuilding communities and advancing political participation is critical to the transformation of Syria’s future. On the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) website, she quotes Khawla Dunya, Syrian feminist political researcher, “If women make up half of society, why shouldn’t they be half of the solution?” (Alaa Al-Muhammad/WILPF website) Tags: Assad regime, Freedom, Leadership, RecoverySyrians gather in Al-Hurriya Square in the city of Daraa to celebrate the fall of Assad. Photo by Mahmoud Sulaiman (unsplash) Tags: Assad regime, Hope, JusticeMine-clearing is an important part of land rehabilitation In Northeast Syria, and here we see the important work of carrying out explosive ordnance risk education for people of all ages. The ITF mine action project, jointly funded by France and Slovenia, has made measurable progress in reducing mine contamination, having cleared over 1.5 million square metres of land. (ITF Enhancing Human Security Organisation, 15 Jan 2025) Tags: Cooperation, Education, Humanitarian, RecoverySyria’s Parliamentary elections were held on 5 October 2025 to elect 121 of the 210 members of the People’s Assembly of Syria, which will develop a new constitution so that general elections can be held. This interim process is required since “reliable census data” is lacking after millions of people were displaced by 14-years of brutal civil war. In launching the election process, President Ahmad al-Sharaa stated, “The task of rebuilding Syria is a collective task… all Syrians must contribute to rebuilding their country.” (Photo: Euronews) Tags: Democracy, Recovery, TransitionThe Umayyad or Great Mosque of Damascus is a prominent religious and historical building in Syria’s capital. The UNESCO heritage site was built in 715 AD and is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. Photo by T Foz (unsplash) Tags: Cultural history, DamascusThis region is in a coastal mountain range that runs parallel to the Mediterranean Sea which holds both ecological richness and deep cultural importance. It is composed of rolling hills and rugged mountain slopes, creating a natural fortress-like landscape of oak, pine, and Mediterranean scrub forests. Photo by Maher Q (unsplash) Tags: Cultural historyThis traditional style of ceramics is commonly known as Raqqa Ware, originally dating back to the 12th century when it was a mainstay of the Syrian economy. It is characterised by bold designs in blue or black underglaze with a bright turquoise glaze over the top, hence its distinctive appearance. (Adobe Images) Tags: Cultural historyThe 17 norias along the Orontes River in Hama are celebrated as an example of advanced water supply technology in medieval Muslim societies, supplying numerous gardens via aqueducts and channels. (Adobe Images) Tags: Cultural historyHistorically significant as a stop for trade caravans, Khan al-Shih is a fertile area on the route between Damascus and the southwest of Syria. ‘Khan’ means caravanserai, an inn with a central courtyard. ‘Al-Shih’ is the Arabic name for a local plant. Since 1948, it has been the site of a large Palestinian refugee camp. (Adobe Images) Tags: Cultural history, Refugees, Middle EastYoung girls with face paint gathering for a photo in Idlib, Syria. Photo by Ahmed Akasha (Pexels) Tags: Idlib, RefugeesHind Kabawat has been recognised as a global ‘Peacemaker in Action’ by Tanenbaum, a US-based organisation that promotes justice and builds respect for religious difference, reducing prejudice, hatred, and violence. She is a dedicated peacebuilder, continuing to lead projects in Syria and neighbouring countries that develop conflict resolution skills at a grassroots level, as well as contributing to round table interfaith discussions internationally with women from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. (Photo: Tanenbaum) Tags: Inclusiveness, Leadership, Peace, ReligionAutumn fruits and vegetables in the traditional Syrian market. Photo by Rafiee (unsplash) Tags: Cultural history Hasnaa Issa, is an inspirational journalist and activist who founded the Akhbarna Network for women journalists in Northern Syria after escaping from the brutality of the Assad regime in 2018. She feels it is important for women to report on their experiences and says, “If we don’t break the first barrier and speak up for our rights as women, no one will speak up for us.” After returning to her homeland in the Eastern Ghouta area around Damascus, she was shocked by the devastation she found there. Hasnaa is determined to harness the strength of Syrian women and amplify their voices globally to create a better future. Her interview is on the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) website. (YouTube still, WILPF, 28 April, 2025) Tags: Assad regime, Damascus, Freedom, Leadership, RecoveryKids in Aaqrabate, Idlib Governate, Syria. Photo by Samer Daboul (Pexels) Tags: Idlib, HopeThree girls wear colourful Syrian dress in a displaced peoples camp in Idlib, Syria. Photo by Ahmed Akasha (Pexels) Tags: Idlib, RefugeesOlive cultivation is an ancient farming practice in Tartous in Eastern Syria, located on the Mediterranean coast. Here, the climate and hilly terrain is ideal for olive production, where it has been a vital part of the culture and economy for centuries. (Adobe Images) Tags: Cultural history, Economy, The Great Colonnade and the Arch of Triumph built in the 3rd century at Palmyra. Photo from Pixabay Tags: Cultural historyDuring the civil war of the Assad regime, Idlib became home to nearly two million displaced Syrians, many of whom are still living in refugee camps near the Syria-Türkiye border. Many have yet to return home, due to mine-laden fields, destroyed villages, daily struggles to secure food, and high reconstruction costs preventing them from rebuilding. (Adobe Images) Tags: Assad Regime, Idlib, RefugeesThe Church of Saint Simeon is one of the oldest surviving church complexes, founded in 473 CE near modern-day Aleppo. It was constructed on the site of the pillar of Saint Simeon, a renowned stylite monk (390- 459) who was a Christian ascetic known for living on a small platform atop a pillar for 36 years from which he preached to pilgrims. (Adobe Images) Tags: Cultural history, ReligionThobe is the anglicised version of an Arabic word for “dress” or “garment” and is a long loose robe which provides protection from sun and heat as well as promoting modesty. There are styles for men and women, from simple white to elaborately embroidered. (Adobe Images) Tags: Cultural historyMarket in Old Damascus selling spices, nuts and dried fruit. Photo by Mahmoud Sulaiman (unsplash) Tags: Cultural historyDating from the 8th century, the mosque is richly decorated with mosaics. In line with the traditions of Islamic art, they are non-figurative, depicting a heavenly landscape of trees, rivers and elaborate palaces and pavilions with no people or animals present. (Adobe Images) Tags: Cultural history, Damascus, ReligionChildren in the classroom in Idlib, Syria. Photo by Ahmed Okacha (Pexels) Tags: Idlib, Human rightsAn aerial view taken in 2009 shows Palmyra’s impressive amphitheatre and 3,600-foot long colonnade before it was partially destroyed by Isis in May 2015. Photo by Christophe Charon / AFP/Getty Images on Los Angeles Times website 21 May, 2015 Tags: Cultural historyThe town of Ma’loula is built into a rock face on the side of a canyon, and is a significant site for its unique Christian history and living Aramaic language, considered the language of Jesus. The village contains numerous ancient churches, monasteries and caves. Photo by Wietse Jongsma (unsplash) Tags: Cultural historyAs one of the world’s oldest, continuously inhabited cities, Damascus is home to many ancient Souks (markets or bazaars). They are a testament to Syria being a crossroads of civilisation and walking through them is like a journey through its rich cultural history. (Adobe Images) Tags: Cultural history, Damascus, Diversity“Every moment, we dream of returning home.” Despite the Assad regime being ousted in late 2024, there are still over one million refugees living in camps in Idlib, and while many families still live in tents, some now live in concrete houses, much like the ones they left behind. (Ahmed Akacha, Pexels) Tags: Idlib, Refugees, HopeHours after Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad was deposed by a coalition of rebel forces, the Syrian Football Association announced on social media it was changing the national team’s logo, replacing the old red kit with a new one in the green favoured by independence movements, representing Syrian freedom. “My country, Syria, is being freed. Resistance to oppression is inevitable… My happiness is for the people, my people…” posted midfielder Ammar Ramadan on Instagram. (Photo: Syria FA) Tags: Assad Regime, Freedom, RecoveryYoung woman in a camp filling a bucket during drought in Idlib, Syria. Photo by Ahmed Akasha (Pexels) Tags: Idlib, RefugeesHeld alongside the annual UN General Assembly in New York, the Concordia Summit aims to develop solutions for global challenges. While interviewing him, Petraeus remarked that al-Sharaa’s “…trajectory from insurgent leader to head of state has been one of the most dramatic political transformations in recent Middle Eastern history”, further observing that “… we were once in a state of war and have now moved on to a state of dialogue.” Al-Sharaa affirmed that it was an opportunity to start anew, and that “… people who have gone through war, know the importance of peace.” More importantly, he reminded us that “… there is love and goodwill from the international community and from Syria”. (Photo: Andres Kudacki/AP) Tags: Ahmad al-Sharaa, Cooperation, Leadership, Peace, UN, USMap of Middle eastern states. Image from mapsoftheworld.net Tags: Cultural historyRamadan in Idlib, Syria, is a mix of resilience and hardship. While many displaced Syrians are spending the month in camps, away from their homes, they are also finding ways to celebrate and observe their traditions amidst ongoing challenges. (Noor Aldin Alwan, Pexels) Tags: Hope, Refugees, ReligionA traditional Syrian market in Damascus will always feature spice stalls where you can find spices such as black pepper, allspice, paprika, sumac, cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander, cumin, and cardamom. (Adobe Images) Tags: Cultural history, Damascus, Economy
