Following World War I, France acquired a mandate over the northern portion of the former Ottoman Empire province of Syria. The French administered the area as Syria until granting it independence in 1946. The new country lacked political stability and experienced a series of military coups. Syria united with Egypt in February 1958 to form the United Arab Republic. In September 1961, the two entities separated, and the Syrian Arab Republic was reestablished. In the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Syria lost the Golan Heights region to Israel. During the 1990s, Syria and Israel held occasional, albeit unsuccessful, peace talks over its return. In November 1970, Hafiz al-ASAD, a member of the socialist Ba'th Party and the minority Alawi sect, seized power in a bloodless coup and brought political stability to the country. Following the death of President Hafiz al-ASAD, his son, Bashar al-ASAD, was approved as president by popular referendum in July 2000. Syrian troops - stationed in Lebanon since 1976 in an ostensible peacekeeping role - were withdrawn in April 2005. During the July-August 2006 conflict between Israel and Hizballah, Syria placed its military forces on alert but did not intervene directly on behalf of its ally Hizballah.
Fascinating Facts
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The capital city of Damascus is the oldest city that has been continuously lived in.
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It is believed that the name “Syria” comes from the word “Assyria,” which is derived from the Akkadian “Ashur,” which means “prince.”
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Syria is approximately 1 ½ times the size of the state of Pennsylvania.
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There are roads in Syria that are over 4,000 years old.
Religion and Ethnic Groups
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Arab 50%, Alawite 15%, Kurd 10%, Levantine 10%, other 15% (including Druze, Ismaili, Imami, Nusairi, Assyrian, Turkoman, and Armenian)
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Muslim 87% (official religion; 74% Sunni and 13% Alawi, Ismaili, and Shia), Christian 10% (including Orthodox, Uniate, and Nestorian), Druze 3%
Greetings
- Greetings include a handshake (right hand only) and, among same-sex friends, may include a hug or a kiss on the cheek. Expect greetings to be long and include questions related to the person’s health.
- To show a sign of affection when greeting someone, place your right hand over your heart.
- If you are a man greeting a woman, you should only shake her hand if she offers her hand first. Otherwise, please your right hand on your chest and say “hello.”
- Stand when a person older than you enters a room and offer your seat if there aren’t any. If you are a man, you should also stand when a woman enters the room.
General Social Etiquette
- Except during events where an entire family is involved, men and women will socialize separately.
- Talking loudly (and with your hands) and standing close are common in social interactions.
- Physical contact in public is between close friends of the same sex, and may include hugging, kissing on the cheek, and hand holding.
- Men do not swear within earshot of women.
- Unannounced visits to friends are common. If someone visits you, you’re expected to be hospitable and focus on your guests.
- You should not direct the soles of your feet at another person.
- Honor is very important in Syrian culture. Because of this, Syrians will try to give praise to each other often. If given an opportunity, offer praise freely.
- Do not ask about the current conflict. This should not be discussed unless the person you are speaking with brings it up.
Eating
- Lunch is the largest meal of the day and usually isn’t served until 2:00 p.m. or later.
- If you are eating out, the bill will not be split. Men typically will pay for the women and the men will go back and forth, each insisting they will pay the bill. But, the men will usually concede to oldest and/or wealthiest person in the group.
- Alcohol and pork products will not be consumed by secular Muslims.
- Only eat with your right hand.
- If someone approaches you while you’re eating, you should stop, greet the person, and offer some of your food to them. The person will turn your offer down, even if hungry.
Getting Around
Buses and taxis are available, both within cities and for traveling from one city to another. When traveling to another city, expect to come across military checkpoints. At these checkpoints you will need your passport and any other documentation you have.
Many roads and routes may be closed due to safety concerns related to the conflict. Before traveling to another location, ask for current information on routes and safety. You should have a back-up plan(s) in place before traveling, and it is suggested that you ask for security help.
Key Phrases
Hello: As-salām 'alaykum
Good morning: SabaaH alkhayr
Good evening: Masaa' alkhayr
Goodnight: TuSbiH äalaa khayr
Goodbye (male/female): tosbeho ‘ala khair/tosbeheena ‘ala khair
Please: Min faDlik
Excuse me: Aläafw
Thank you: Shukran
You’re welcome: äafwan
What’s your name?: Maa ismuk?
My name is…: Ismii…
Do you speak English?: Hal tataHaddath al'ingiliiziyya?
Can you speak more slowly?: hal yumkinuk attaHadduth bibuT'?
I don’t understand: Anaa laa afham
I understand perfectly: Anaa afham tamaaman
Where is the bathroom?: Ayn al-ḥammām?
How are you?: Kayfa Haluk?
I’m fine, thank you: Anaa bikhayr shukran
I’m sorry: Arjuu almaädhira
Yes/No: Naäam/Iaa