The family is the heart of Syrian social life. Frequent visits and exchanges of invitations for meals among family members are integral to daily living. Although formally arranged marriages are becoming less frequent, parents ordinarily wield decisive authority in approving or rejecting a match. Marriage to members of one’s religion are the norm; Muslim men may marry non-Muslim women, although the reverse is prohibited; interdenominational marriages among Christians are legal but require permission from both denominations. Neighbourly relations and friendships among members of different religions are common in Syrian cities.
A visible expression of Syria’s cultural eclecticism is demonstrated in its range of clothing styles: while some women choose the latest European fashions, others are completely veiled; older men in traditional black baggy trousers contrast with youths sporting Western styles.
Syrian Muslims observe the major religious holidays of Ramadan, ʿĪd al-Fiṭr (“Festival of Breaking Fast,” marking the end of Ramadan) and ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā (“Festival of the Sacrifice,” marking the culmination of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca). Syrian Christians freely celebrate the holidays of the Christian tradition, including Christmas and Easter.
Syrian cuisine makes use of a wide range of ingredients and styles of preparation; lemon, garlic, onions, and spices are often featured prominently. Kibbeh—ball-shaped or flat diamond-cut bulgur (cracked wheat) shells filled with ground beef or lamb, spices, and pine nuts—are enjoyed, oftentimes served with yogurt. Grapevine leaves are stuffed with spiced mixtures of lamb or beef and rice and simmered with lemon juice; variants also exist using cabbage leaves and a lemon-tomato broth. Meat pies and spinach pies are also enjoyed, and fruits, vegetables, and grains are staples in Syrian dishes. Flat bread, cheeses, salads, and olives are often a fixture of the mazzah (mezes), a spread of smaller dishes served together. Syrian pastries, some of which require substantial skill to prepare, are of a wide variety.
The arts
The artistic representation of animal or human life is proscribed by Islam, and until World War I public figurative art in Syria was restricted to geometric, vegetative, and animal designs as manifest in the arts of arabesque and calligraphy, which adorn most palaces and mosques. Following World War I, drawing was taught in the schools, and talented artists began to emerge. Sculpture is mainly confined to decorations hewn in white marble. Damascus is particularly famous for this type of sculpture, and beautiful examples of it can be seen in its palaces and public buildings.
Short-story writing and poetry have flourished, as in the widely read works of Nizār Qabbānī and ʿAlī Aḥmad Saʿīd (“Adonis”). The country’s leading playwright, Saʿdallah Wannus (1941–97) has an international reputation for his politically forthright productions. The National Theatre and other theatrical and folk-dance companies give regular performances. In the realm of popular television, theatre, and cinema, Durayd Lahham’s comic figure Ghawwar, a sort of “wise fool,” enjoys a popular following throughout the Arab world. Syrians produce and listen to styles of popular music shared by much of the Arab world. Renowned Syrian musical artists include singer and ʿūd-player Farid al-Atrash and his sister Amal, known as Asmahan, who was a popular singer and actor.
Cultural institutions
National folk traditions have been emphasized by the state, which has established a museum for national folk traditions in Damascus. The capital also contains the National Museum and separate museums for agriculture and military history. Archaeological museums are located in Aleppo and at major sites. There are numerous libraries throughout Syria; Al-Assad National Library, al-Ẓāhiriyyah, and the library associated with the University of Damascus are among the country’s most important.
The Ministry of Culture has established an Arab institute of music and has made available numerous courses in the figurative and applied arts, as well as centres for teaching the domestic arts. The Arabic Language Academy in Damascus, founded in 1919, is the oldest such academy in the Arab world.
A number of Syria’s archaeological and historic features have been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage sites; these include the ancient cities of Damascus, Aleppo, and Bostra, the site of Palmyra, and the Crusader-period fortresses of Krak des Chevaliers (“Castle of the Knights”) and Qalʿat Salāḥ al-Din (“Fortress of Saladin”).
Sports and recreation
Football (soccer) is the country’s most popular sport, and Syrians closely follow both Arab and European matches broadcast on national television. Weight lifting, judo, and karate are popular in the cities, and health clubs and gyms are becoming increasingly common in the capital. There are stadiums in Damascus, Aleppo, and Latakia, where occasional sporting events are held. The government-run Institute for Sports Education is in charge of organizing these sporting events, and the General Union of Sports, which is also funded by the government, promotes sports in rural areas to underprivileged children. Syria first competed in the 1948 Games in London and later won its first medal in men’s heavyweight freestyle wrestling at the 1984 Olympic Games.
In addition to sporting activities, other leisure activities include frequent family outings to favourite picnic spots by streams or to mountain resorts.
As a seasoned expert in Middle Eastern culture and societies, I can confidently provide insights into the rich tapestry of Syrian social life, cultural traditions, artistic expressions, and recreational activities outlined in the given article.
Syrian Social Life: The article emphasizes the centrality of family in Syrian social life, highlighting the importance of frequent family visits and shared meals. It touches on the evolving nature of marriage practices, where parental approval remains significant. The mention of interreligious relations and the diverse clothing styles reflects the cultural eclecticism within Syrian society.
Cultural Practices: Syrian Muslims and Christians celebrate their respective religious holidays, showcasing the coexistence of different faiths. The article delves into Syrian cuisine, describing dishes like Kibbeh, stuffed grapevine leaves, meat pies, and more. This culinary diversity underscores the influence of various ingredients and preparation styles, contributing to the country's rich gastronomic heritage.
Arts and Literature: The prohibition of figurative art by Islam until World War I is discussed, with a shift post-war leading to the emergence of talented artists. Damascus is highlighted for its white marble sculpture, and various forms of artistic expression, including short-story writing, poetry, and theatre, are mentioned. Renowned figures like Nizār Qabbānī and Saʿdallah Wannus contribute significantly to Syria's literary and artistic landscape.
Cultural Institutions: The article provides a glimpse into Syria's cultural institutions, such as the National Museum, archaeological museums in Aleppo, and the Arab institute of music. The importance of libraries, including Al-Assad National Library and the Arabic Language Academy in Damascus, reflects the country's commitment to preserving its cultural and intellectual heritage.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Syria's recognition of archaeological and historic sites by UNESCO as World Heritage sites, including Damascus, Aleppo, and Palmyra, underscores the country's rich historical legacy. The Crusader-period fortresses of Krak des Chevaliers and Qalʿat Salāḥ al-Din are also highlighted for their cultural significance.
Sports and Recreation: The article touches on Syria's sports culture, with football being the most popular sport. It provides information about other sports like weight lifting, judo, and karate. The government's role in organizing sporting events and promoting sports in rural areas, along with Syria's participation in the Olympic Games, reflects the country's commitment to sports and physical well-being.
In conclusion, the article paints a comprehensive picture of Syria's vibrant social, cultural, artistic, and recreational landscape, showcasing the intricate tapestry of traditions that define this Middle Eastern nation.
