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This 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 history
In the heart of the Old City, amid narrow alleys and historic neighborhoods, the public bath of Hammam Al-Bakri stands as one of Damascus’ oldest social and cultural landmarks. Dating back to 1069, its Hammam-style architecture is based on early Roman thermae, consisting of a series of rooms guiding the bathers through a sequential thermal journey from cold, to warm, to hot. Beyond hygiene, it functioned as a social hub where people met, exchanged news, and reinforced communal bonds. (Image: SANA, 4 January 2026)
On a narrow alley, in the historic heart of the Old City, stands the public bath of Hammam Al-Bakri, one of Damascus’ oldest landmarks. Dating back to 1069, its Hammam-style architecture is based on early Roman thermae, in which a sequence of rooms guides bathers through a thermal journey from cold, to warm, to hot. Beyond hygiene, it functioned as a social hub where people met, exchanged news, and reinforced communal bonds. (Image: SANA, 4 January 2026) Tags: Cultural history
Joumana 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, Damascus
The 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 history
Mine-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, Recovery
The 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, Diversity
Amid the vast Syrian desert, southwest of the city of Raqqa, rise the imposing ruins of Resafa Castle. It is one of the country’s most significant archaeological sites, a symbol of the country’s cultural richness and the interaction of faiths and civilizations that left their mark in the heart of the desert over centuries. Originally founded by the Assyrians in the 9th century BCE, (as mentioned in the Bible, 2 Kings 19:12) it later developed and flourished during the Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad periods, thanks to its strategic location along a major caravan route near the Euphrates River. The splendour of Resafa came to an end in the 13th century, when it was devastated during the Mongol invasions, leading to its gradual abandonment and its transformation into a silent relic of the past. (Image: SANA, 6 February 2026)
Nassan Palace (Qasr Nassan) is a historic 18th-century traditional Damascene villa located in the old city. Its intricately painted ceilings, detailed carved woodwork, arabesque mosaics, and sprawling central courtyard with distinctive octagonal fountain is typical of 18th century Ottoman architecture. While it is the second oldest surviving Damascene house, it is a living museum, still inhabited by the Naasan family. (Images: aymanalrifaai on Intsagram) Tags: Cultural history
Young woman in a camp filling a bucket during drought in Idlib, Syria. Photo by Ahmed Akasha (Pexels) Tags: Idlib, Refugees
Map of Middle eastern states. Image from mapsoftheworld.net Tags: Cultural history
Syria’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)
Syria’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 prior to general elections. This interim process is required since “reliable census data” is lacking after millions of people were displaced by 14-years of brutal civil war. 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, Transition 
First Lady Latifa al-Droubi visited the recently rehabilitated al-Ibda’a ("Creativity") School in Daraya, located in the Damascus countryside, on March 13, 2026. During the visit, she toured the classrooms, met with students and teachers to discuss academic challenges, and attended a cultural program presented by the pupils. The al-Ibda’a School was restored in 2025 through the efforts of the Merciful Hearts Association and local women from Damascus, allowing it to reopen and serve the local community. (Images: SANA, 13 March 2026)
First Lady Latifa al-Droubi visited the al-Ibda’a (“Creativity”) School in Daraya, located in the Damascus countryside, on March 13, 2026. She toured the classrooms, met with students and teachers to discuss academic challenges, and attended a cultural program presented by the pupils. The school was restored in 2025 through the efforts of the Merciful Hearts Association and local women from Damascus, allowing it to reopen and serve the local community. (Images: SANA, 13 March 2026) Tags: Education, Gender equality, Recovery
As 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
Syrians 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, Justice
Hasnaa Issa, is an inspirational journalist and activist who founded the Akhbarna Network for women journalists in Northern Syria after escaping the brutal Assad regime in 2018. She says, “If we don’t break the first barrier and speak up for our rights as women, no one will speak up for us.” 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, Recovery
Olive 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, 
Ibrahim 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, Recovery
For more than four decades, Syrian artist Ayman Bitar has dedicated his career to preserving one of the region’s oldest artistic traditions, creating religious icons for churches across Syria and abroad while helping keep Byzantine iconography alive for future generations. Bitar describes iconography as a way of communicating sacred stories in which every color, gesture and expression carry symbolic meaning. He uses natural earth pigments mixed with egg yolk, a traditional technique that has been employed for centuries. His works can be found in churches across Syria, Greece, Lebanon, Germany, Egypt and the United States. Today, he hopes to establish a specialized institute in Syria dedicated to teaching and preserving iconography, providing training for future generations and helping safeguard a tradition that forms part of the region’s cultural heritage. (Images: SANA, 9 June 2026)
For more than four decades, Syrian artist Ayman Bitar has been dedicated to preserving one of the region’s oldest artistic traditions, painting Byzantine religious icons for churches in Syria and abroad. Bitar describes iconography as a way of communicating sacred stories in which every color, gesture and expression carry symbolic meaning. He hopes to establish a specialized institute in Syria to teach and preserve iconography, safeguarding the region’s cultural heritage. (Images: SANA, 9 June 2026) Tags: Cultural history, Culture, Religion
Held 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)
While interviewing President al-Sharaa at the Concordia Summit, Petraeus remarked that his “…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 “…have now moved on to a state of dialogue.” Al-Sharaa affirmed it was an opportunity to start anew, and that “… people who have gone through war, know the importance of peace.” (Photo: Andres Kudacki/AP) Tags: Ahmad al-Sharaa, Cooperation, Leadership, Peace, UN, US
The 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, Damascus
Part 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)
Part 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. Many people here 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. Many festival attendees dress in fun, vibrant costumes. (Photo: Syria Scope Travel) Tags: Cultural history, Diversity 
As 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 met with like-minded women committed to fostering peace and equality in Syrian society. 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, Recovery
People 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, Refugees
Syria's newly formed People's Assembly convened for its inaugural session in Damascus on July 12, 2026, marking the country's first legislature since the fall of the Assad regime. This milestone is a significant institutional step for the “new Syria”, turning a temporary governance arrangement into a functioning legislative pillar of the emerging post-authoritarian state, and preparing for eventual permanent constitutional rule and elections. The 210-member transitional parliament, which will serve a 30-month term, elected constitutional law scholar and former judge Dr. Abdul Hamid al-Awak as Speaker. President Ahmad al-Sharaa addressed the legislators, emphasizing a new chapter focused on institutional independence and consolidation of the state. (Image: SANA, 12 July 2026)
Syria’s newly formed People’s Assembly convened for its inaugural session in Damascus on July 12, 2026, marking the country’s first legislature since the fall of the Assad regime. This milestone is a significant institutional step for the “new Syria”, turning a temporary governance arrangement into a functioning legislative pillar of the emerging post-authoritarian state, and preparing for eventual permanent constitutional rule and elections. (Image: SANA, 12 July 2026) Tags: Inclusiveness, Recovery
Ramadan 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, Religion
The historic al-Mansour Mosque, founded in 771 AD by the Abbasid caliph Abu Jaafar al-Mansour, stands at the center of Raqqa on the banks of the Euphrates River in northeast Syria, offering an example of Abbasid-era Mosque architecture. Covering an area of about 100 by 90 meters, there is a central courtyard surrounded by arcades constructed of brick coated with plaster. The 1.7-meter-thick exterior walls are reinforced with large three-quarter circular towers at each corner, as well as smaller semicircular towers along the façades. Their design closely resembles nearby defensive structures, including the historic walls of Raqqa. After damage was sustained during the war in 2017, a project known as the “Revival of Al-Mansour Mosque” was started to restore the minaret using original materials and to reopen the courtyard to worshippers. (Image: SANA, 5 February 2026)
Historic al-Mansour Mosque, founded in 771 AD by the Abbasid caliph Abu Jaafar al-Mansour, stands at the center of Raqqa on the Euphrates River in northeast Syria. Measuring about 100 by 90 meters, the central courtyard is surrounded by arcades constructed of brick coated with plaster. The 1.7-meter-thick exterior walls are reinforced with large three-quarter circular towers at each corner, as well as smaller semicircular towers along the façades. A restoration project is currently underway. (Image: SANA, 5 February 2026) Tags: Cultural history
Children in the classroom in Idlib, Syria. Photo by Ahmed Okacha (Pexels) Tags: Idlib, Human rights
Hours 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)
Hours 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… My happiness is for the people, my people…” posted midfielder Ammar Ramadan on Instagram. (Photo: Syria FA) Tags: Assad Regime, Freedom, Recovery 
Thobe 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 history
An 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 history
The 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)
The 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 delighted visitors, displaying a range of works such as paintings, handmade accessories, candles, paper quilling and food. (Photo: SANA) Tags: Hope, Recovery 
The Great Colonnade and the Arch of Triumph built in the 3rd century at Palmyra. Photo from Pixabay Tags: Cultural history
Since 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, Transition
The 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 rights
During 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, Refugees
Nassan Palace (Qasr Nassan) is a historic 18th-century traditional Damascene villa located near the Bab Sharqi (Eastern Gate) in the old city. Its intricately painted ceilings, detailed carved woodwork, arabesque mosaics, and a sprawling central courtyard with distinctive octagonal fountain is typical of 18th century Ottoman architecture. While it is the second oldest surviving Damascene house, it is a living museum, still inhabited by the Naasan family. (Images: aymanalrifaai on Intsagram)
Nassan Palace (Qasr Nassan) is a historic 18th-century traditional Damascene villa located in the old city. Its intricately painted ceilings, detailed carved woodwork, arabesque mosaics, and sprawling central courtyard with distinctive octagonal fountain is typical of 18th century Ottoman architecture. While it is the second oldest surviving Damascene house, it is a living museum, still inhabited by the Naasan family. (Images: aymanalrifaai on Intsagram) Tags: Cultural history
More than 4.5 million students returned to school for the second semester at the beginning of February 2026. Here we see the youngest ones happily working in their classrooms. (Images: SANA, 1 February 2026)
More than 4.5 million students returned to school for the second semester at the beginning of February 2026. Here we see the youngest ones happily working in their classrooms. (Images: SANA, 1 February 2026) Tags: Education, Recovery
Three girls wear colourful Syrian dress in a displaced peoples camp in Idlib, Syria. Photo by Ahmed Akasha (Pexels) Tags: Idlib, Refugees
The 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 history
Despite competition from more contemporary food offerings, “Al-Na’em” sweets in Damascus continue to maintain their special allure, forming an authentic part of Syrian Ramadan. These flatbreads, popularly known as “Ramadan Bread,” are a simple mixture of flour, water and oil, fried in boiling oil until they become golden and crispy, then garnished with grape molasses or dates, imparting an irresistibly sweet flavour. (Image: SANA, 28 February 2026)
Despite competition from more contemporary food offerings, “Al-Na’em” sweets in Damascus continue to maintain their special allure, forming an authentic part of Syrian Ramadan. These flatbreads, popularly known as “Ramadan Bread,” are a simple mixture of flour, water and oil, fried in boiling oil until they become golden and crispy, then garnished with grape molasses or dates, imparting an irresistibly sweet flavour. (Image: SANA, 28 February 2026) Tags: Cultural history, Religion
In January 2026, President Ahmad al-Sharaa announced the Kurdish New Year, Nowruz, to become a national public holiday for the first time in the country’s history, marking a significant shift from decades of restrictions on Kurdish cultural expression under the former Assad regime. Nowruz is celebrated annually on March 21, however, for decades under Baathist rule Kurdish identity and culture were subject to heavy restrictions. Kurdish language education was banned, Kurdish cultural expression was tightly controlled, and hundreds of thousands of Kurds were stripped of citizenship following a controversial census conducted in 1962 in Syria’s northeastern Hasakah province. While Syria’s Kurdish population had long marked the festival privately, it had never previously been recognized by the state as it is now. (Images: Radio Free Syria/Instagram)
In January 2026, President Ahmad al-Sharaa announced the Kurdish New Year, Nowruz, to become a national public holiday for the first time in the country’s history, marking an end to the restrictions suffered under the Assad regime. Kurdish language education was banned, cultural expression was tightly controlled, and hundreds of thousands of Kurds were stripped of citizenship. Nowruz is celebrated annually on March 21. (Images: Radio Free Syria/Instagram) Tags: Cultural history, Culture
“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, Hope
Aaqraba 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, Turkey
Jaabar Castle, sitting atop a rocky limestone plateau in the Euphrates River, is one of Syria’s most magnificent and symbolic fortresses. Surrounded by water after the construction of the Tabqa Dam in 1974, the fortress is protected by two defensive walls that enclose more than 35 towers, overlooking the ancient archaeological site of Siffin. For centuries, it served as a formidable stronghold and a major stop for caravans traveling between Raqqa and the ancient city of Bliss (Maskana). (Image: SANA, 24 January 2026)
Jaabar Castle, sitting atop a rocky limestone plateau in the Euphrates River, is one of Syria’s most magnificent fortresses. Surrounded by water after the construction of the Tabqa Dam in 1974, it served for centuries as a formidable stronghold and a major stop for caravans traveling between Raqqa and the ancient city of Bliss (Maskana). (Image: SANA, 24 January 2026) Tags: Cultural history
In the historic alleyways of the Damsacus Perfumers’ Market, Souq al-Attarine, the art of perfume crafting endures, continuing a nearly two-hundred-year tradition. Master perfumer Riad Al-Najar explains that the art of creating a perfume is a meticulous process of balancing three aromatic “notes”. Since liberation, Syria’s local market has seen a resurgence of the availability of raw materials, allowing perfumers to source essential oils from around the world once again. (Image: SANA, 24 January 2026)
In the historic alleyways of the Damsacus Perfumers’ Market, Souq al-Attarine, the art of perfume crafting endures, continuing a nearly two-hundred-year tradition. Since liberation, Syria’s local market has seen a resurgence of the availability of raw materials, allowing master perfumers like Riad Al-Najar, to source essential oils from around the world once again. (Image: SANA, 24 January 2026) Tags: Cultural history, Economy
Sayyida Zaynab Mosque, said to contain Zaynab’s tomb, is a place of pilgrimage for Twelver Shia Muslims. Photo by Nour Rizk (unsplash) Tags: Cultural history
Autumn fruits and vegetables in the traditional Syrian market. Photo by Rafiee (unsplash) Tags: Cultural history 
This 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 history
Qaitbay minaret, Umayyid Mosque, Damascus, Syria. Photo by Abd Sarakbi (unsplash) Tags: Cultural history
Market in Old Damascus selling spices, nuts and dried fruit. Photo by Mahmoud Sulaiman (unsplash) Tags: Cultural history
The 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, Religion
Hind 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)
Hind 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 grassroots projects in Syria and neighbouring countries to develop conflict resolution skills, as well as contributing to international round-table interfaith discussions with women from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. (Photo: Tanenbaum) Tags: Inclusiveness, Leadership, Peace, Religion
Historically 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 East
Kids in Aaqrabate, Idlib Governate, Syria. Photo by Samer Daboul (Pexels) Tags: Idlib, Hope
President Ahmed al-Sharaa held an audience with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, April 1, 2026, marking his first official visit to the United Kingdom. During the visit, which followed London's resumption of diplomatic ties with Damascus in 2025, King Charles expressed his solidarity with the Syrian people and their ongoing efforts to rebuild the country. The bilateral talks also touched on improving cooperation and broader Middle East stability. (Image: X/@SyPresidency)
President Ahmad al-Sharaa held an audience with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, April 1, 2026, marking his first official visit to the United Kingdom after resumption of diplomatic ties in 2025. King Charles expressed his solidarity with the Syrian people and their ongoing efforts to rebuild the country. The bilateral talks also touched on improving cooperation and broader Middle East stability. (Image: X/@SyPresidency) Tags: Cooperation, Europe
Syrian painter and art critic Abdul Qader Al Khalil was born in 1951 near Aleppo but moved to Spain in 1970, where he studied administration, fine arts and art criticism. His long career has included exhibiting in major cultural centers such as Spain, France, Italy, Belgium, Sweden, Mexico, Ecuador and the United Arab Emirates. In 2011, he returned to Aleppo with plans to establish a public museum and cultural center dedicated to Syrian and international art. However, those plans were disrupted after the escalation of the civil war, which led to the destruction of his home, studio and much of his collection, forcing him to leave Syria again in 2014. Now, Al Khalil hopes to rebuild his studio and contribute to the establishment of art museums across Syria to preserve cultural heritage for future generations. (Image: SANA, 8 June 2026)
Syrian painter and art critic Abdul Qader Al Khalil was born in 1951 near Aleppo but moved to Spain in 1970, where he studied administration, fine arts and art criticism. His long career has included exhibiting across Europe and the Middle east. Despite returning to Aleppo in 2011 to establish a public museum and cultural center, he was forced to leave again in 2014. Al Khalil now hopes to rebuild his Aleppo studio and support museums across Syria to preserve cultural heritage for future generations. (Image: SANA, 8 June 2026) Tags: Culture, Hope
A 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
Syrian refugee, Jin Dawod, built a global mental health lifeline for displaced communities, after her experience fleeing the Syrian civil war as a teenager. Despite finding refuge in Turkiye, she still carried the invisible weight of displacement — fear, uncertainty and isolation. During her second year studying computer engineering, she decided to build a solution: an online therapy platform connecting refugees with psychologists in their mother tongue. Enter Peace Therapist, a digital psychological support platform she founded in 2018 to provide accessible mental health care to refugees in four languages. Jin was the recipient of the 2024 Nansen Refugee Award for Europe, which acknowledges her dedication to healing trauma, fostering resilience, and building inner peace — essential steps toward creating a more peaceful world. “I wanted to make a solution that is accessible, anonymous and in the mother language for the people who are reaching out for help,” she said. (Image: Video still, Peace Therapist on YouTube, 17 October 2024)
Syrian refugee and recipient of the 2024 Nansen Refugee Award for Europe, Jin Dawod built a global mental health lifeline for displaced communities. Enter Peace Therapist, a digital psychological support platform she founded in 2018 to provide accessible mental health care to refugees in four languages. “I wanted to make a solution that is accessible, anonymous and in the mother language for the people who are reaching out for help,” she said. (Image: EUDiF, October 2024) Tags: Education, Hope, Recovery, Refugees
Young girls with face paint gathering for a photo in Idlib, Syria. Photo by Ahmed Akasha (Pexels) Tags: Idlib, Refugees
Dating 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, Religion
The 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, Damascus