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Al-Nawfara cafe
Al-Nawfara cafe

Damascus : a city tired from outside, alive from within

    By Zeina Yagan After landing at Damascus International Airport, and while being transferred to the airport building, I could not hold back my tears. Am I really in Damascus? From the very first glance, I felt a deep sadness. The airport simply does not suit you, Damascus. You deserve a better one. And yet, amid this feeling of heaviness, there was warmth. The people working inside the airport were highly professional, generous, and smiling. They were doing their best to leave a warm first impression on Syrians coming back home. In that moment, longing prevailed over everything else. Read More …

    Italian musicians join the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra in a concert at the Damascus Opera House. (SANA)
    Italian musicians join the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra in a concert at the Damascus Opera House. (SANA)

    Italian and Syrian musicians perform in Damascus concert marking Italy’s National Day

      3 June 2026.  The event, titled “Italian Breezes,” brought together Italian artists and the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra in a program blending Italian classical works and Syrian musical traditions, concluding with Arab Symphonic Dances by Syrian composer Nouri Al-Rahiban.Read more at: SANA

      Students gather in Damascus to celebrate the national qualifiers of the Arab Reading Challenge, sponsored by the UAE. (SANA)
      Students gather in Damascus to celebrate the national qualifiers of the Arab Reading Challenge, sponsored by the UAE. (SANA)

      Syria celebrates national winners of Arab Reading Challenge

        12 May 2026.  Syria honored its top Arab Reading Challenge participants, chosen from 1.3 million students at 6,000 schools to represent Syria in the final challenge along with students from 60 nations. The program highlights the value of reading for personal growth and preserving the Arabic language.Read more at:  SANAWatch video at:  SANA or YOUTUBE

        Weaving the Past into the Present through Syria’s Textiles

          The urgency of restoring Syria’s textile industry goes beyond economic revival; it is about preserving irreplaceable connections to the nation’s cultural soul and ensuring that the knowledge, stories, and social practices embedded in textile creation continue to exist for future generations.

          People gather at opening of exhibition featuring young artists, Damascus, April 15, 2026. (SANA)
          People gather at opening of exhibition featuring young artists, Damascus, April 15, 2026. (SANA)

          New exhibit spotlights artwork of emerging artists drawing from personal experience

            16 April 2026.  The “Athar” (“Trace”) exhibition in Damascus brings together 47 works of 16 young artists, presenting realistic paintings that explore personal experiences, local characters, Damascus neighborhoods, Arab identity, plus symbolic expressions of human experience and inner strength.Read more at:  SANA

            Dr Zaher Sahloul

            About the Kurds by Dr Zaher Sahloul

              The decree issued by President Ahmed al-Sharaa is a historic decree, similar in importance to the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin. The Proclamation has the potential to end discrimination against the brave and dignified Kurdish people, who represent an essential component of the Syrian fabric. Read More at: Dr Zaher Sahloul…

              A long awaited homecoming concert of Syrian singer, Khater Dawa, took place in Homs. (SANA)
              A long awaited homecoming concert of Syrian singer, Khater Dawa, took place in Homs. (SANA)

              Syrian returns home after nearly two decades to “Sing for Those Who are gone”

                27 March 2026.  Khater Dawa described his concert as a tribute to those who “have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice for Syria.” He said, “I left Syria in 2008, but Syria never left me,” adding that his music reflects experiences and aspirations connected with the Syrian Revolution.Read more at:  SANASee video at: YOUTUBE

                President Ahmad al-Sharaa and First Lady, Latifa al-Droubi, host reception for Syrian women on Eid al-Fitr and Mother’s Day, March 21, 2026. (SANA)
                President Ahmad al-Sharaa and First Lady, Latifa al-Droubi, host reception for Syrian women on Eid al-Fitr and Mother’s Day, March 21, 2026. (SANA)

                President al-Sharaa celebrates role of mothers in building families, communities, and the nation

                  21 March 2026.  At a gathering at the People’s Palace, the President honored Syrian women for their immense sacrifices while standing as pillars of the nation and partners in Syria’s renaissance. In an open dialogue, he sought their perspectives on rebuilding the country’s social and economic fabric.Read more at:  SANA

                  A jubilant Kurdish community gathers in celebration of Nowruz, Kurdish New Year, lighting the torch of freedom. (Radio Free Syria)
                  A jubilant Kurdish community gathers in celebration of Nowruz, Kurdish New Year, lighting the torch of freedom. (Radio Free Syria)

                  Kurdish New Year, Nowruz (New Day), to be observed as national public holiday for first time in history

                    15 March 2026.  Kurds across Syria will celebrate Nowruz openly on March 21, 2026 as their long restricted heritage is honored by the Syrian state. “A free Syria has room for all its sons,” commented Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, pointing to the nation’s expanding pluralism.Read more at:  RADIO FREE SYRIA

                    The first post-liberation Damascus International Book Fair highlighted Syria’s literary legacy and renewed the nation’s cultural energy. (SANA)
                    The first post-liberation Damascus International Book Fair highlighted Syria’s literary legacy and renewed the nation’s cultural energy. (SANA)

                    Syria’s cultural resurgence was mirrored in 1.29 million visitors attending the Damascus book fair

                      20 February 2026.  “The fair reflects Syrians’ love for books and thirst for knowledge,” said the director. 500,000 books were sold and over 1,000 cultural events were held during the 10-day fair. The attendance reminded some of Syria’s traditional role in the Arab world as the “country of the alphabet.”Read more at:  SANA

                      Al Souriya TV launched its first broadcast on the first morning of Ramadan, introducing a family focused channel. (SANA)
                      Al Souriya TV launched its first broadcast on the first morning of Ramadan, introducing a family focused channel. (SANA)

                      New Syrian TV channel begins broadcasting under theme: “Syria Embraces All”

                        19 February 2026.  Al-Souriya TV describes itself as a family and community oriented channel designed to be a national platform that addresses social and economic issues, with audience participation. Offering a variety of programs, it seeks to become a vehicle for national unity.Read more at:  SANA

                        A Quiet Revolution

                          A quiet revolution is taking place in Syria today. Its source is an approach to national unity and peace rooted in inclusion, mutual dignity, and shared responsibility. This essay highlights a dramatic example of change in an area heavily conflicted for decades, where armed violence broke out last year several months after the new government came to power, and where police officers from groups once considered mortal enemies now serve side by side. Syria’s new leaders are modeling pathways to peace that speak to the challenges of human coexistence in a divided world.

                          “Ishraqat” (Radiance) Cultural and Arts Festival opens at Damascus Opera House. (SANA)
                          “Ishraqat” (Radiance) Cultural and Arts Festival opens at Damascus Opera House. (SANA)

                          Arts and culture festival opens under theme: “Guided by light, united by culture”

                            9 February 2026.  The “Ishraqat” (Radiance) Festival brings together artists and audiences in a program of art exhibitions, performances, and seminars, supporting the recovery of Syria’s richly diverse heritage and fostering shared national identity. The program was sponsored by government ministries in coordination with UNDP and with funding from Japan. Read more at:  SANA

                            Audience members and media officials gather in Damascus as Information Minister, Dr. Hamza al-Mustafa, announces the relaunch of Damascus Radio. (SANA)
                            Audience members and media officials gather in Damascus as Information Minister, Dr. Hamza al-Mustafa, announces the relaunch of Damascus Radio. (SANA)

                            Damascus Radio is relaunched, connecting Syrian communities at home and abroad as part of national media revival

                              5 February 2026.  Damascus Radio, marginalized under the old regime, has been revitalized with technical capacities that combine conventional broadcasting with online streaming, mobile applications and podcasts. It will enable interactive programming and allow Syrians worldwide to connect in real time.Read more at:  SANA

                              Visitors swarm the Damascus International Book Fair, reflecting Syria’s cultural resurgence. (L24)
                              Visitors swarm the Damascus International Book Fair, reflecting Syria’s cultural resurgence. (L24)

                              Damascus International Book fair revives intellectual life and world of culture

                                5 February 2026.  In his opening address to government ministers, prominent Syrian writers and intellectuals, and Arab political and intellectual figures, President al-Sharaa observed that humanity has long strived for truth, knowledge and the secrets of the world. The international cultural event offered knowledge on innumerable topics, including once-secret knowledge about Syria.Read more at: SANA