15 Interesting Facts About Syria

Introduction:

The country of Syria is considered the birthplace of civilization. Its deep historical roots, beautiful landscape, and vibrant culture make it a fascinating place to learn about, explore, and visit. When talking about Syria, it is generally marred in the recent conflicts and associated strife that has plagued the country. But there is far more to the country then what is typically portrayed in the media. Here are :

Fact 1: Syria Has One of the World’s Oldest Cities

Despite experiencing a tumultuous modern history, Syria is an incredibly ancient nation. Its early civilizations date back over 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest places in the world. The city of Damascus, located in the Southwestern region of Syria, is considered to be one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world.

Fact 2: Syria is Home to Numerous Historical Sites

In addition to Damascus, many other ancient sites are located throughout the country. The famed Euphrates River, which is featured in the bible, is located in Syria. Ruins from ancient Palmyra and numerous castles dating back to the Crusades can also be found scattered across the land.

Fact 3: Syria is Home to Many Different Ethnic Groups

The country of Syria is incredibly diverse. The population is comprised of many different ethnic groups, including Kurds, Armenians, Druze, Assyrians, Circassians, and Turkmen, among others. This diversity, however, has also been a source of strife.

Fact 4: Syria Was Part of the Ottoman Empire

From the 16th century onwards, Syria was a part of the Ottoman Empire, which was the ruling power in the Middle East for several hundred years. During this time, the territory saw many different rulers and cultures come and go, leaving behind a unique and varied culture.

Fact 5: Syria is a Mostly Muslim Country

The vast majority of the population in Syria is Sunni Muslim. At the same time, however, small populations of Christians, Alawites, Yazidis, and Druze are also present, providing the country with a unique multicultural identity.

Fact 6: Olive Trees are Everywhere in Syria

Olive trees have been grown in Syria since ancient times and are a primary crop in the country. Olive trees are incredibly hardy and can live for hundreds of years. They’re also incredibly plentiful in Syria, with an estimated 500 million olive trees spread across the land.

Fact 7: Arabic is Not Syria’s Only Language

While Arabic is the official language of Syria, other languages are also spoken, including Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, and Greek. This linguistic diversity adds to the cultural richness of the country.

Fact 8: Syria Has a Rich History of Music

Music has been an integral part of life in Syria for centuries. Traditional Syrian music, known as Muwashshah, is deeply rooted in the Arabic musical tradition and has a great influence on modern music. Traditional instruments, such as the oud, qanun, and nay, are used to create beautiful and intricate melodies.

Fact 9: Syria is Home to a Vibrant Art Scene

Syria has a rich tradition of visual arts. From Ottoman-era architecture to modern-day paintings, sculptures, and photography, Syrian artists have created a unique and vibrant art scene. Many of the country’s most famous artists began their careers in Syria before going onto make their mark on the global stage.

Fact 10: Syria is Home to a Major International Airport

The Damascus International Airport, located in Syria’s capital, is the country’s largest and most important aviation hub. It is one of the busiest airports in the Middle East and connects Syria to much of the world.

Fact 11: Syria Experiences Extreme Temperatures

Given its location in the desert, Syria experiences extreme temperatures. In the summer months, temperatures in the region can reach 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Conversely, in the winter months, temperatures often plummet below freezing.

Fact 12: Syria is Located at the Crossroads of Three Continents

Syria is strategically located at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa. This unique location has allowed the country to experience a great deal of cultural influence from all three regions. It is also a great place to explore the Middle Eastern region and all its cultural and historical hotspots.

Fact 13: Syria Has Several World Heritage Sites

Many of Syria’s famous historical sites and architectural gems are classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. This includes Palmyra, the Krak des Chevaliers, and the Crac des Moabites, among others.

Fact 14: Syria is Home to Several Ancient Religions

Syria is home to several ancient religions, such as Christianity, Druze, and Yazidi. These religions still have a strong presence in the country and many of their traditions are still practiced today.

Fact 15: Syria is Home to the Quality Produce

The Syrian cuisine is widely praised for its high quality produce. Syria’s arid climate and rich soil produce delicious fruits and vegetables, such as the famous Syrian watermelons and grape leaves. It is also a paradise for nuts, figs, and dates.

Conclusion

These are justp some of the interesting facts about Syria. From ancient civilizations to vibrant traditional culture, Syria is an incredibly diverse and fascinating country. It is a place where old meets new and a source of great pride to its people.