3.7: Northern Levant- Syria

Learning Objectives

In this section, you will be able to:

• Explore the Northern Levant countries: Syria, its famous cities, most famous historical places, and its traditional food and clothes.

The Levant

Welcome to your journey of learning Arabic! As you begin to explore this beautiful language, it's essential to learn about the rich cultural and historical contexts in which it is spoken. The Levant comprises four Arab countries: Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine. Today, let's take a closer look at two fascinating countries in the Northern Levant: Syria and Lebanon.

Figure.1: The Map of Levant Countries in the Middle East. (SpLoT, CC)

Introduction to Syria

Syria, known as "سوريا" in Arabic, is a country with a deep and diverse history. Located in the heart of the Middle East, Syria boasts a variety of landscapes, from the Mediterranean coast to the deserts in the east. Its capital, Damascus ("دمشق"), is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Here are a few critical points about Syria:

• History and Culture: Syria has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by various civilizations such as the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans. This mix of influences has created a vibrant cultural tapestry evident in its architecture, music, and art.
• Language: Arabic is the official language, and the Syrian dialect ("اللهجة السورية") is widely spoken. Understanding the Syrian dialect can provide a solid foundation for grasping Levantine Arabic, understood across much of the Arab world.
• Map of Syria:

Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Map of Syria. (Copyright; Rightmeow2, via source)

• Learn the names of the most important cities in Syria.

This table shows the major cities in Syria:

City Name	City Name in Arabic	Pronunciation	Image
Damascus	دمشق	Dimashq	Damascus; CC BY 4.0 by Vyacheslav Argenberg
Aleppo	حلب	Halab	Aleppo; CC BY 2.0
Homs	حمص	Hims	Homs; public domain
Hama	حماة	Hama	Hama; CC BY 4.0 by Vyacheslav Argenberg
Latakia	اللاذقيّة	Al Lathikiya	Latakia; CC BY-SA 3.0
Deir Ez Zour	دير الزور	Deir Ez Zour	Deir Ez Zour; CC BY-SA 4.0

 

 

 

Traditional Food

Cuisine: Syrian cuisine is renowned for its delicious and varied dishes, including classics like hummus, falafel, and kebabs. The use of fresh ingredients and a blend of spices make Syrian food a treat for the taste buds. The Levant countries are famous for their tasty dishes all over the world. Many dishes are found in common between all four Levantine countries with little to no difference in ingredients, but the names sometimes vary from one country to another. Most of the famous Syrian food:

• Mahshi: Vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and peppers stuffed with rice, minced meat, and spices, simmered in a tomato broth.
• Fatteh: A warm dish with layers of crispy pita, chickpeas, garlic-infused yogurt, and topped with pine nuts or meat, often served at breakfast or lunch.
• Tabbouleh: A light, fresh salad made from parsley, tomatoes, bulgur, and lemon juice, often served as part of mezze.
• Shawarma: Marinated chicken, beef, or lamb roasted on a vertical spit, sliced thin, and wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, and vegetables.
• Makdous: Baby eggplants stuffed with a mixture of walnuts, garlic, and chili peppers, preserved in olive oil for a tangy and savory flavor.
• Hummus and Baba Ghanouj: Traditional dips, with hummus made from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic, while baba ghanouj is made from roasted eggplant mixed with tahini and olive oil.
• Warak Inab: Grape leaves rolled and stuffed with a mixture of rice, ground meat, and spices, then simmered in a lemony broth. This dish is often part of mezze and is popular for its rich flavor.

• Oozi (or Quzi) is a traditional Syrian dish typically served during celebrations and special occasions. It consists of spiced rice mixed with ground meat, usually lamb or beef, peas, carrots, and roasted nuts. The dish can be prepared in two main ways:

  • Served as a rice platter with roasted lamb or chicken.
  • Wrapped in thin filo pastry or dough and baked until crispy.

Traditional Clothes

Syrian folklore clothing is a vibrant expression of the country's cultural heritage, showcasing the artistry and traditions passed down through generations. These garments are often adorned with intricate embroidery, featuring motifs and patterns that reflect the local history and identity of various Syrian regions.

• Women's folklore attire typically includes the "thobe," a long, ornate dress decorated with colorful threadwork and sometimes adorned with beads or sequins. Each region in Syria has its own distinctive embroidery style, making the garments unique and region-specific. Complementing the "thobe," women might wear a "hijab" or a decorative headscarf, and sometimes a "qabqab," which are traditional wooden clogs.
• Men's folklore clothing often consists of the "jalabiya," a long tunic, paired with a "shemagh" or "keffiyeh," a headscarf that provides protection from the sun and dust. Also, men wear the Shirwal which is pants and it is usually black made from cotton, linen, or polyester. It is baggy, wide at the crotch, with some elastic waist, and tight at the ankles. Men also wear a long-sleeved shirt called Qamis topped with a simple embroidered vest, usually known as Sidrieh. A fabric belt known as Shamlah is added around the waist to carry their small belonging inside it.

Figure \(\PageIndex{5}\): Syria; CC BY 2.0

Figure \(\PageIndex{6}\): Syria; Public Domain

Figure \(\PageIndex{7}\): Syria; CC BY 2.0

These traditional clothes are not just worn for everyday life; they are crucial in cultural ceremonies, weddings, and festivals, symbolizing pride in Syrian heritage and continuity of ancestral customs. Through these garments, the stories and values of the Syrian people are vividly brought to life, preserving their rich folklore and cultural identity. As modern influences blend with these traditional elements, Syrian clothing continues to evolve while preserving its unique identity.

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