Skip to content
Home » Culture

Culture

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

                            President al-Sharaa met with a delegation from the Kurdish National Council (KNC) in the People’s Palace, Damascus, February 3, 2026. (L24:Social Media)
                            President al-Sharaa met with a delegation from the Kurdish National Council (KNC) in the People’s Palace, Damascus, February 3, 2026. (L24:Social Media)

                            President opens dialogue with Kurdish political leaders following ceasefire with SDF

                              3 February 2026.  President al-Sharaa met with KNC leaders on implementing recent agreements to integrate Kurdish people into the state. He affirmed that constitutional guarantees are in place to protect Kurdish rights and reinforce equal citizenship, while preserving cultural and social traditions.Read more at:  LEVANT24