What distinguishes Syrians?

Below are extracts from interviews that appeared in ‘Beloved Syria’, Second Edition, 2017

How do you recognise that someone is Syrian? 

Definitely, Syrians are famous for their good treatment and nice welcome for guests or even for strangers. Syrians are collaborative people; they love to help others and defend them if they are their friends. They are characterised as being loyal and generous. They are well known for their sociability and openness toward other religions and sects.

Muhannad, 25, Masters student, Damascus and Idlib, 2017 (Translated by Raneem Abdulazeez)

What has united Syrians, and what can unite them again?

Syrians are united by their love for one home, one land and one country. It is their everlasting love for Syria.

Muhannad, 25, Masters student, Damascus and Idlib, 2017 (Translated by Raneem Abdulazeez)

How do you recognise that someone is Syrian? Are there any common characteristics?

Syrians are distinguished for being kind to everyone, even to strangers. For example, a Syrian would rush to give a helping hand to a blind person to cross the street. Another instance, a Syrian would immediately help a blind person carrying heavy things into his/her house. A Syrian will stop any man trying to annoy a girl in the street. Syrian people hate injustice and are ready to help others even if they are strangers. Syrians are generous and they love being unique and successful in their work and in anything they do. Wherever they go, they prove they are cultured and distinguished people.

Joumana, 43, journalist, living in Damascus, 2017 (Translated by Norma Medawar)

Can you tell readers about something that has touched your heart and given you hope?

Despite all the sadness and hardships brought to us by the war, I feel that there is still hope whenever I look at a flower; at a tree; at a kid laughing; at my son or my daughter. I believe we can make life beautiful one again. Everyone must fight in their own special way to defend their country in a war that aims to destroy the people and their history.

Joumana, 43, journalist, living in Damascus, 2017 (Translated by Norma Medawar)

What distinguishes Syrians?

Syrians are distinguished by their rich accents. Their clothes tend to be colourful, reflecting the joyful Syrian spirit. They like delicious food and a variety of dishes. They have a sensitive ear for beautiful voices. They are sensitive, humane and ready to take part in humanitarian efforts and kind deeds.

Kafah, 44, engineer, Homs, 2017 (Translated by Raneem Abdulazeez)

What has united Syrians and what can unite them again?

Syrians are united by their love for their homeland and their love for life. They all seek living in people and want a safe and secure life, and then they will be able to rebuild their country. Syrians will not let anyone occupy their country; they hate injustice, and slavery. Unfortunately, the war is hindering Syria’s progress toward achieving the development they want for their country. However, Syrians are resisting all types of extermination applied against them in this war.

Joumana, 43, journalist, living in Damascus, 2017 (Translated by Norma Medawar)

Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and Christmas are national public holidays in Syria. What joyful memories do you have of these festivals? 

I feel I had a rich life when I remember these holidays. They were joyfully welcomed. They were full of love and loud laughter. They meant a lot to the kids; I used to see them walking around with colourful new clothes and gifts…. in the streets, the sound of Eid wishes came from all directions. I remember how scrumptious the sweets made by my grandmother and aunt were.

I loved how I used to be busy welcoming cousins, relatives and friends. I miss how easygoing I was, spending long hours with friends during those holidays.

Raneem, 33, interpreter, Damascus, 2017

Images taken from Syrian TV