20 October 2025. Syria’s Arabic Encyclopedia, a leading scientific, cultural and educational organization, is digitizing its archives to share Syria’s intellectual legacy with global researchers and future generations. It is also documenting the Syrian Revolution and launching an initiative for youth, “Little Encyclopedia.”Read more at: LEVANT24
14 October 2025. Japanese experts in urban planning visited Damascus to discuss an initiative for rebuilding two cities of major historical significance that were badly damaged in Syria’s civil war. The goal is to preserve their architectural heritage while improving urban life.Read more at: LEVANT24
30 September 2025. Expressing deep gratitude to the Syrian-American community for their warm welcome in New York, President al-Sharaa praised their “deep-rooted belonging to their homeland and firm belief in the duty to revive it.” He lauded their loyalty, values, and pride, stating, “You have proven that wherever Syrians reside, they remain loyal to their roots.” He said that Syria would never forget their “noble stance,” reflecting their authentic character and patriotism.Read more at: SANA
In these turbulent times, as the world appears to slip further into chaos, people are turning to end-times prophecies for guidance or for comfort. Such prophecies exist in several major world religions—Judaism, Christianity, Islam, the three Abrahamic religions—and some lesser-known ones such as Zoroastrianism. All of these ancient revelations predict the appearance of a messianic figure who will raise humanity from the depths of darkness and inaugurate a new era of light.
The Home that Was Our Country is a deeply insightful and engaging memoir that interweaves the textures of Syrian history, during the time of the author’s great-grandfather, with her personal experience of Syria in the years following the Arab Spring. Born in the US, she decided to move to Damascus in 2011 when hopes of freedom filled the air, to reclaim the apartment of her grandmother that was lost to the family during the first Assad regime.
21 August 2025. Syria’s Ministry of Culture and the Islamic World Culture Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization are preparing to launch Damascus as the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2027. The collaboration stresses the importance of safeguarding Syria’s cultural heritage as part of global human history. Plans focus on restoring archaeological sites, training experts, and boosting global cooperation.Read more at: SANA
20 August 2025. The “Gate of the Sun,” a two-day cultural festival in Damascus held under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, spotlighted art, poetry, and storytelling from Idlib during revolution. It featured 70 paintings by 18 artists created under siege and bombardment, presenting a visual record of the struggle for freedom and honoring martyrs and voices of resistance. Award-winning literature emphasized the power of the pen.Read more at: LEVANT24
In Syria, where the culture has traditionally revolved around sharing food, gracious hosting and generosity have always been highly valued. Meals are seen as occasions for familial and communal closeness. The content of the cuisine was historically influenced by Syria’s unique geography. Lying at the crossroads of trade in the ancient world, interactions with neighbouring countries—along with those as distant as China and Rome—continuously fed into what became the national cuisine.
9 July 2025. The International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH) launched a $5 million, two-year program to safeguard Syria’s cultural heritage. The initiative will restore archaeological sites, historical neighbourhoods, religious structures, museums, and monuments, and will train heritage experts. In partnership with Syria’s Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM), ALIPH plans to rehabilitate Palmyra, whose destruction was a key factor in founding ALIPH.Read more at: ENAB BALADI
To understand any nation, especially one whose origins date back many thousands of years, we need to know something about the forces that shaped it. A positive outcome of the long history of trade, turmoil, and constant population shifts is that ancient Aram/Syria became a true melting pot, laying the foundations for a pluralistic civilization. Syria is one of the most multicultural nations in the Middle East, if not the world.
3 July 2025. Syria unveiled its new national visual identity at the People’s Palace, introducing the Golden Eagle emblem, signifying sovereignty rooted in historical and revolutionary symbolism. President Ahmad al-Sharaa declared, “The identity we launch today represents an indivisible, united Syria,” describing his vision of the new government as “emerging from the people and serving them.” The emblem reflects unity, empowerment, and a redefined state-citizen relationship. Read more at: ENAB BALADI
10 June 2025. As residents return to rebuild after years of conflict, a 1,500-year-old Byzantine tomb, marked by Christian symbols and artifacts, was uncovered beneath a war-damaged home in Maarat al-Numan, northern Syria. The archaeological discovery highlights the rich and complex heritage of Idlib province. With over 800 sites, including an ancient city, it holds a third of Syria’s monuments.Read more at: FRANCE 24
