Azza Abdel Hak

In a small hotel in the Old City of Damascus, you wake up to the voice of Fairuz drifting through the window and the scent of Damascene jasmine filling the air. Before you lies an authentic Syrian breakfast: small, colorful plates of cheese, labneh, olives, jam, olive oil, thyme, hummus, and falafel, accompanied by fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, lemon slices, warm loaves of bread, and a glass of red tea with a mint leaf floating on top. Everything is elegantly arranged around a small pool with a fountain, where a ginger cat drinks peacefully.

Here, in the narrow alleys of Old Damascus, the stone-paved streets seem to invite you to remove your shoes and walk barefoot. Wooden mashrabiyas adorn the ancient houses; from one of them, the smiling face of a beautiful little girl peeks out, clutching her small doll tightly to her chest. The little shops scattered throughout tell their own stories: goldsmiths, rose perfumes, colorful spices, Eastern sweets, and exquisite mosaic furniture. Children play football in the alleys, a carrier pigeon soars above the Umayyad Mosque, and passersby feed the cats.

You will notice in the faces of the locals-especially the older generations-the marks of difficult years and war. Yet you will also catch a generous, shy smile in every corner. A smile that says: “Ahlan wa sahlan” – Welcome, dear guest.

You may hear the call to prayer ringing loudly on Fridays and the sound of church bells on Sundays in the Bab Touma area, adjacent to the Umayyad Mosque quarter – all in exceptional harmony, inviting everyone to prayer and gratitude to God.

This beautiful Damascene scene has been engraved in my heart since childhood and my youth. It has only grown more beautiful after the Syrian revolution and liberation. I am a daughter of beloved Damascus, yet this is but a small part of a far greater and more magnificent painting that adorns every Syrian city with its own unique geographic, human, cultural, and historical character.

Travel north to Aleppo, with its towering citadel and ancient souks. Despite the clear traces of war, its people remain generous with their smiles, their food is as delicious as ever, and they are now rebuilding their city stone by stone with remarkable determination.

In Hama, you will be mesmerized by the giant wooden water wheels (norias) that have turned for centuries on the Orontes River, irrigating the surrounding lands – silent witnesses to all that this city has endured. If you wander through the old city, you will truly enjoy the view of the citadel while listening to the constant, soothing sound of the norias, which the locals have grown so accustomed to that it has become an inseparable part of their daily life – a life that refuses to stop or surrender.

Homs, the beating heart of Syria and the revolution, beautifully blends the old and the new with its ancient ruins, vibrant markets, and authentic, mouth-watering cuisine. You will feel the warmth of daily life, the generosity of its people, and the cheerfulness in their faces and hearts despite all the hardships.

Palmyra (Tadmor)… a desert jewel in the heart of the steppe. Its towering Roman columns will dazzle you under the morning sun or during a breathtaking sunset.

Latakia and Tartous… with their beautiful Mediterranean coastline where the sea meets the mountains. Take a boat to Arwad Island; the sea breeze and the taste of fresh fish will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa… the heart of Syria on the Euphrates, in the Syrian Jazira region. The Euphrates River embraces both cities, offering beautiful nature, lush greenery, fresh water, and the exceptional generosity of their people despite the difficulties these sister cities have faced.

This is how your journey through Syria begins. It is a land you never forget, and everyone who visits longs to return again and again.

Syria’s nature is rich and diverse, making it an attractive tourist destination all year round. The country enjoys four distinct seasons with generally moderate weather – rarely extreme in heat or cold – allowing visitors to enjoy tourism at any time of the year.

Rivers, springs, and wells flow with fresh water, while greenery covers vast areas of fertile plains, mountains, and hills. The Mediterranean coast offers calm beaches and crystal-clear waters. The Euphrates and Orontes rivers run through fertile lands, and the coastal, Qalamoun, and eastern mountains rise to provide stunning natural scenery. The inland plains stretch wide and well-irrigated, filled with crops, greenery, and herds of cattle and sheep. This diversity – sea, river, mountain, and plain – grants the visitor a complete range of tourism experiences: from relaxing on the coast to exploring mountainous nature or enjoying lush rural landscapes.

To my people in Syria, both inside the country and abroad:

Tourists who visited Syria in the past year – including presidents, members of the U.S. Congress, United Nations officials, and representatives of international organizations – always say that the most beautiful part of their journey was not only the monuments and places, but your smiles, your generosity, and the way you welcomed them as if they were family. They love sitting with you, tasting your home-cooked meals, and listening to your stories. This Syrian warmth is undoubtedly our greatest secret.

To make their experience even more memorable, here are some simple, practical steps we can work on together:

•  Continue strengthening community awareness and focusing on all that is humanly shared among the country’s residents and with visitors from around the world – to establish lasting security, prevent the spread of weapons, and build the essential social foundation for successful tourism in Syria.

•  Maintain cleanliness of streets and neighborhoods, especially in tourist areas and old markets. Cleanliness is the visitor’s first impression.

•  Promote Syria through social media and in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism by creating dedicated pages with authentic photos and short videos that reflect daily beauty, growing safety, and harmony among all sects, communities, and religions. Provide tourist guides and continue upgrading hotels, restaurants, and public services.

•  Improve walking and running trails in cities and mountains, and develop safe spaces for activities such as horseback riding, cycling, cable cars, mountain climbing, eco-adventures, and swimming. Continue afforestation efforts and the protection of wildlife and birds, while learning from the most successful countries in these fields.

•  Revive festivals and cultural events in iconic locations such as Aleppo Citadel, Palmyra, the squares of Homs, Hama, and Old Damascus, as well as Umayyad Square, the Opera House, and Al-Faihaa Hall.

•  Enhance medical care in tourist areas with clinics, quick health consultations, and well-equipped pharmacies.

•  Develop reliable internet access and coverage in hotels and archaeological and natural tourist sites.

•  Improve transportation and aviation: establish regular schedules connecting airports and buses (Damascus, Aleppo, Latakia), and provide clean taxis and trustworthy guides.

Syrian expatriates also have a very important role to play:

We can contribute by promoting Syria in our countries of residence, investing our expertise and savings in small and medium-sized tourism projects, and introducing new ideas to improve services.

In the coming phase, tourism represents a major opportunity to rebuild our economy and create jobs for our youth. Every tourist who visits helps a Syrian family directly.

There are certainly challenges, but we can overcome them together, gradually, step by step. Improvement has already begun noticeably. We can rise above these challenges with our love for this country and our faith in its ability to return more beautiful than ever.

Syria is not merely a tourist destination… it is truly a profound human experience. When you return home, you will not only carry souvenir photos and a decorated mosaic box filled with Damascene baklava and sweet Homs cheese – you will also carry in your heart a small piece of the warmth of Sham, the scent of jasmine, the fragrance of the coast and the Euphrates, and the authenticity of its places, along with a kind, unforgettable Syrian smile that gently invites you to come back again.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Syria Welcomes 23 Precious Artifacts Back Home in Historic Return

Rare cultural repatriation marks new chapter in Syria-France relations

Damascus, 7 July 2026 – In a rare historic moment, 23 invaluable Syrian artifacts returned to Damascus on Monday after nearly 15 years abroad. The pieces were transported aboard French President Emmanuel Macron’s plane during his recent visit to the Syrian capital.

The collection – which includes Roman bronze statues, colorful Umayyad mosaics, and Byzantine and Islamic artifacts – was originally loaned to the Arab World Institute in Paris for an exhibition on Syrian civilization shortly before the outbreak of the war. What was intended as a temporary loan became an unintended 15-year exile due to the conflict.

Their return is not merely a diplomatic procedure, but a powerful symbol of the resilience of Syrian heritage and its ability to reclaim its place on native soil – as if the collective memory is slowly rebuilding itself piece by piece.

A Landmark in Bilateral Cooperation

The repatriation came as part of a broader package of bilateral agreements covering economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation. However, the artifacts took center stage as a tangible sign of a shared commitment to protecting humanity’s common heritage.

The 23 pieces were loaned between 2010 and 2011 for the Paris exhibition and were originally scheduled to return in 2014. The outbreak of the Syrian civil war prevented their return, leaving them safely stored in France for more than 15 years.

The collection spans an extraordinary timeline, from the 9th millennium BCE to the Abbasid era (14th-15th centuries CE). Highlights include:

•  A fragment from the frieze of the ancient city of Palmyra

•  Funerary reliefs from Palmyra (2nd–3rd century CE) depicting human figures and daily life scenes

•  Roman bronze statues

•  Byzantine and Islamic artifacts

•  A colorful mosaic panel that once adorned the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus

•  Rare sculptures from the ancient sites of Mari and Palmyra

The artifacts were officially handed over to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Some pieces were immediately displayed at the National Museum of Damascus, where Ayman al-Nabou, Deputy Director-General of Antiquities and Museums, personally oversaw the unpacking in front of the media.

A New Era After Assad

The return occurs following the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024 and amid improving security conditions. France has become the first country to actively cooperate in the campaign to recover Syrian artifacts held abroad.

Syrians across the country received the news with joy and warmth. After years of destruction, there is a genuine and widespread desire among Syrians to rebuild cultural and human bridges with the world. Living in peace and security has become the universal aspiration – no one wants a return to war.

Syria, which has cradled civilizations throughout history, is once again opening its arms to dialogue and exchange between peoples.

Cultural Tourism and National Identity

This rich Syrian heritage has always been – and will remain – the heart of cultural tourism in the country. Every artifact that returns home is not only a symbol of identity but also an invitation to visitors to witness a civilization that has lasted thousands of years, while contributing to a sustainable economic revival that restores Syria’s historic splendor.

Beyond the physical return of objects, this event represents a symbolic step toward rebuilding a unified Syrian identity that embraces all its diversity after years of devastation that damaged many archaeological sites. Syrian officials view it as the first step toward recovering thousands of looted artifacts scattered worldwide. For France, it strengthens cultural exchange and supports Syria’s stability and renaissance.

Broader Cooperation

President Macron’s visit extended far beyond the cultural sphere. It included important economic agreements, such as support for restructuring the Central Bank of Syria, partnerships with major French companies including CMA CGM and TotalEnergies, and promises of scientific and educational cooperation – notably the reopening of the French Institute for the Near East and French-language schools.

The return of these 23 artifacts is not just the closing of an old chapter; it is the beginning of a future-oriented partnership that combines the preservation of memory with concrete development efforts.

In a country striving to rise from the ashes of long years of conflict, every returning piece brings back a fragment of the nation’s soul to its rightful place.

Nizar Qabbani, the beloved Damascene poet, wrote:

“Here are my roots… Here is my heart… Here is my language…

How can I explain? Is there any explanation in love?”

Thank you, France, for safeguarding these treasures through the difficult years until they could finally return to their people.

In a nation torn apart by war, where deep divisions have widened between its people, their ideas, sects, and beliefs, the first sprouts of democracy are now emerging.

Can Syria – a country that carries within its body all the diversity of the East along with many of its wounds – cultivate the most beautiful form of governance that expresses this diversity instead of destroying it? A country that emerged from years of blood, oppression, and fragmentation is not only seeking to restore governance, but to create a new democratic model suited to its reality, at an appropriate pace, and to teach the world how differences and divergences can transform from mines of hatred and tools for opportunists into beautiful, colorful pillars of construction, inlaid with the stones of a vibrant mosaic.

A Vision of Shared Protection

Imagine for a moment: In a village in the Aleppo countryside, an Alawite sheikh sits beside a Sunni imam, a Christian priest, a Kurdish female engineer, a Druze young man who returned from Germany, and a former opposition figure from Damascus. They are not debating who should rule, but how to protect one another so that no new dictator can ever rule them through fear again. This moment is not a romantic dream – it is the real challenge facing the nation at this critical stage.

Designing a Democracy Rooted in Syrian Realities

How do we create a democracy unique to the new Syria – one whose goals spring from the core values of the Syrian revolution? We must benefit from the experiences of other nations while avoiding distorted copies built on unfair foundations.

I do not hide my optimism. Syria possesses what many transitional experiences after revolutions have lacked: a profound diversity that makes any form of long-term dictatorship virtually impossible.

The repression practiced by the former regime proved the failure of imposing a single sectarian identity on a country that contains every color of the human spectrum.

Today, after everything has been destroyed, we have a rare opportunity: to thoughtfully build a democracy on solid foundations for a sustainable life. Its pillars should not rely on blind trust, but on a balance of interests, mutual guarantees protected by law, customs, and ethics – where diversity itself becomes the guarantee of long-term stability.

No Victor, No Vanquished

The first steps of democracy cannot begin with a total victory of one side over another. True victory, if achieved, belongs to the entire homeland and all its loyal sons and daughters. There are no real winners and losers here.

Talking about balance and guarantees does not mean marginalizing Syria’s Sunni majority, which paid the highest price during more than fifty years of oppression, exclusion, and destruction. On the contrary, we want an inclusive nation and a government that protects the rights of all its children. We do not want to marginalize anyone, nor will we accept anyone’s marginalization.

In a true and fair democracy, the Sunni majority will not be marginalized – quite the opposite. Free and fair elections will finally do justice to this majority after decades of falsified numbers and rigged votes. However, real democracy does not mean “the dictatorship of the majority.” It means genuine representation of the majority without turning minorities into second-class citizens.

We fully recognize that Sunnis in Syria suffered the harshest tyranny and that their blood flowed most heavily on the altars of the former regime. Precisely for this reason, we do not want to reproduce injustice in a new form. We want democracy to be a guarantee for preserving rights and listening to all voices.

In this one homeland, there is no room for sub-identities and affiliations that exclude and divide. Every Syrian must rise above their religious or sectarian identity and carry, first and foremost, their unifying Syrian national identity.

Extremism Is the Common Enemy

We all recognize that extremism in all its forms – religious, political, or sectarian – is a shared enemy of all Syrians. Everyone has tasted its bitterness. Extremism does not build a nation; it burns it. Therefore, any genuine democratic project must decisively end all forms of extremism and exclusion.

Positive Signs and Serious Challenges

Despite positive indicators in recent times – efforts to protect minorities, clear willingness to represent diversity within authority, acceptance of the other, and flexibility in opening participation to all – reality forces us to acknowledge the difficulty of the task.

The repressive policies of the fallen regime, accumulated outdated ideas, widespread injustice, and the generational transmission of sectarianism from grandfather to father to son to child have made uprooting sectarian and discriminatory thinking a practical challenge. Changing ideas formed over decades cannot be achieved through good intentions or a new constitution alone.

Democracy is not built by laws alone, but fundamentally by a new human being. The weakest form of faith is for each of us to begin with ourselves, our families, and our children – focusing on belonging to the nation first, along with forgiveness and brotherhood. Awareness is a cornerstone in building the new Syrian democracy.

We must focus strongly on childhood and youth, because the future ultimately belongs to them. New educational curricula, community awareness programs, and cultural and media initiatives are essential to rebuild lost trust.

The child who grows up seeing his classmate as a “Syrian” rather than a “sectarian” is the one who will build the tomorrow we dream of.

Which Democratic System Suits Syria Today?

No single democratic model is perfect. Each is shaped by its historical, cultural, and social context.

•  United States: Presidential system with strict separation of powers.

•  United Kingdom: Parliamentary system with high flexibility.

•  Germany: Parliamentary system emphasizing consensus and federalism.

•  France: Hybrid semi-presidential system offering a balance between strong executive stability and parliamentary accountability.

A Semi-Presidential System for Syria?

For a country with Syria’s ethnic and sectarian diversity, a carefully tailored semi-presidential system(inspired by the French model) appears most suitable. It would feature:

•  A strong president who safeguards national unity.

•  A parliament that ensures accountability and broad participation.

•  Strong constitutional guarantees: real separation of powers, judicial independence, explicit protection of minority rights, and clear transitional time limits.

The new Syrian constitution should include proportional representation in parliament, direct presidential elections with a runoff round, an independent Supreme Judicial Council, and permanent parliamentary committees for minority rights. It must explicitly ban sectarian speech and incitement to hatred, while fostering a deep ethical and cultural rejection of these phenomena through education, media, and national initiatives.

Why Federalism Is Not Suitable Now

Although some see federalism as a possible solution for national reconciliation, it currently appears unfeasible for intertwined political, security, social, and economic reasons. The country lacks minimum security stability and inter-component trust. Without genuine reconciliation and transitional justice, federalism could turn regions into fragile sectarian mini-states and encourage separation rather than unity – especially given the unequal distribution of oil and economic resources.

Syria also suffers from weak institutions, widespread poverty, and destroyed infrastructure. Successful federalism (as in Germany or Canada) requires strong institutions and fair resource management – conditions not yet present.

External interventions further complicate the matter. Therefore, administrative decentralization should only be considered after achieving tangible progress in building a unified national army, a consensual constitution, sectarian reconciliation, and economic recovery.

Main Challenges Facing Syria’s Democratic Transition

•  Deep sectarian and ethnic divisions

•  Armed factions and militias

•  Devastated economy and massive reconstruction needs

•  Regional threats

•  Lack of democratic experience after decades of dictatorship

•  Security threats, terrorism, and the risk of chaos amid poverty

Democracy in Syria is neither impossible nor distant, but it requires a well-planned transition that combines strong executive authority for stability with broad participation for legitimacy.

A semi-presidential system with conditional future decentralization and strong unifying central authority during the transitional period may be the most appropriate model – alongside comprehensive national dialogue, independent institutions, and robust protection for minorities.

I see the new Syria as a truly beautiful mosaic painting – despite its painful past and current challenges. It undoubtedly deserves a democratic system that reflects its diversity and secures a shared future for all its sons and daughters.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

After more than a decade of devastating war that left millions of martyrs, wounded, and displaced, Syria now stands at a historic opportunity to rebuild itself. Yet a major challenge remains: the insufficient participation of women and youth in leadership positions across politics, administration, and the economy. Women make up nearly half the population, while youth under 35 constitute the largest demographic group. Their marginalization must end. Their inclusion is not optional – it is a national duty essential for achieving lasting internal peace, preventing future conflicts, and building a strong Syria respected by the international community.

The Syrian Woman: A Powerful Force

The Syrian woman deserves the highest recognition. She is the mother of the martyr who endured pain and patience, the sister who lost a loved one, the daughter raised on love for the homeland, and the female martyr who sacrificed her life for Syria.

Throughout the years of war, women proved their indispensable role in humanitarian efforts – caring for the sick, educating children, and distributing food and medicine. However, their capabilities extend far beyond support roles. Women are fully capable of participating in political decision-making and managing economic projects that drive national prosperity.

It is not enough to simply “open the door” for women. Clear quotas – at least 30% – must be reserved for them in parliament, government, local councils, and all administrative positions. Their participation is a duty, not merely an optional right.

Youth and Childhood: The Foundation of the Future

Syria’s youth represent the nation’s hope. If given genuine opportunities for constructive work, they will stay far from unemployment, crime, and destructive ideologies. They need targeted projects in modern agriculture, e-commerce, reconstruction, and education. Without their active involvement, this demographic could shift from a force for building to a source of problems. Their inclusion is essential to sustain the rebuilding process and present a positive image of Syria to the world.

Special focus must also be placed on childhood. Children are the beginning of the new generation. By nurturing them properly from an early age – through quality education, healthcare, and sound national values — Syria can secure a brighter future. Childhood forms the foundation that produces strong youth and capable women leaders tomorrow.

Syria for All

A successful nation cannot be built unless all citizens participate, regardless of religion, sect, beliefs, appearance, or clothing. The focus must be solely on Syrian national identity, setting aside all divisive elements. Syria’s diversity – Arabs, Kurds, Assyrians, Muslims, Christians, Druze, Alawites, and others – becomes a great strength when harnessed for national development. The new Syria must belong to everyone, with no one excluded.

Lessons from Successful Countries

Rwanda: Following the horrific 1994 genocide, the country allocated a large proportion of parliamentary seats to women (over 60%) and invested heavily in early childhood education. Today, Rwanda stands among Africa’s strongest performers in economic growth and stability.

United States: Increased female representation in Congress has contributed to better legislation on health and education. Programs supporting early childhood care and youth training have produced successful leaders.

These examples demonstrate that empowering women and youth, along with investing in childhood, accelerates reconstruction and strengthens stability.

What Must Be Done Now?

•  Reserve clear quotas (at least 30%) for women in all leadership positions.

•  Launch specialized training programs for women – especially mothers, sisters, and daughters of martyrs – and for young people.

•  Support comprehensive education and healthcare for children from the earliest ages to build a strong, aware generation.

•  Fund small-scale projects for women and youth in agriculture, trade, and entrepreneurship.

•  Organize national dialogues that include all segments of society under the unifying banner “We are Syrians.”

•  Enact laws that protect participation and punish discrimination.

In conclusion, the inclusion of women and youth, and the care of childhood, are non-negotiable national duties that cannot be delayed. The mothers, daughters, and female martyrs of Syria deserve to be true partners in decision-making, not merely symbols of sacrifice. Youth and children deserve the chance to build their future correctly.

By focusing on a single Syrian identity and ensuring the full participation of all citizens without discrimination, Syria can emerge stronger and more beautiful than before. True renaissance begins when the energy of every son and daughter of the homeland is utilized and when a complete generation – from children to youth – is built. The new Syria belongs to everyone, led by men and women, youth and elders together. This is the right path to lasting peace and a bright future.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​