Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic is situated at the strategic location at the boundary-line of three continents – Africa, Europe and Asia. This strategic location ensured that all the great early civilizations passed through the region. Syria revels in its antiquity that the country was inhabited for tens of thousands years and shows the variations and cultural riches that the history has brought. The country preserves scores of relics documenting the rise and fall of different civilizations and continues to welcome such diversity.

The best time of year to go to Syria is spring when the weather is mild and wildflowers are in bloom.

The rains during winter clear the haze and swollen the rivers, so the wooden waterwheels in Hama are turning and fresh, clean water flows through the cities.

Autumn is the next-best choice because it is the time between the intense heat of summer and the cloud of winter. In summer, the coastal areas can get extremely humid, while the inland areas are very hot and dry.

Coastal Syria is a narrow plain with a range of coastal mountains against background and farther steppe area at the inland. In the east is the Syrian Desert and in the south is the Jebel Druze Range. The highest point in Syria is Mount Hermon, which is 2814 metres high and is situated on the Lebanese border.

People in Syria

Syria has a population of 19,3 million. Ethnic Syrians are of Semitic roots. Syria’s population comprise of 90% Muslims (74% Sunni and 16% other Muslim groups) and 10% Christian. There is also a tiny Syrian Jewish community. Most people live in the Euphrates River valley and along the coastal plain, a fertile strip between the coastal mountains and the desert.

Arabic is the official and most widely spoken language. Many educated Syrians also speak English or French, but English is the more widely understood. The Kurds, many of whom speak the banned Kurdish language, make up 9% of the population and live mostly in the northeast corner of Syria. Armenian and Turkic are spoken among the small Armenian and Turcoman populations.

History of Syria

Syria has one of the world’s longest recorded histories. More than twenty-five different civilizations and people passed through it and settled for shorter or longer time.

Syria was frequently invaded by different groups such as Semitic Babylonians, Hittites, Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantine, Arabs, Crusaders and Ottomans, because it lies in a strategic location at the crossroads of civilizations. In 333 BC the country became part of Alexander the Great’s Empire and the city of Antioch and three cities was founded at that time. Struggles between the Seleucids and the Ptolemies of Egypt followed till 64 BC when the country became a province of the Roman Empire. After the collapse of the Romans and the division of the empire in the 4th century Syria was by Byzantine province until 7th century when Arab Muslims became the new rulers. It was the great golden age in the history of the state.

The modern history starts after the World War II when in 1946 the country acquired independence and from 1960s Syria has a long political stability until now.

Culture of Syria

Syria has shared the same roots and culture with the neighbouring countries Lebanon and Jordan for many ages. The culture was influenced by the link with three continents Asia through Iraq and Iran, Europe through Turkey and Africa through Jordan and Egypt. This location made them a bridge for civilizations from East to West and reversed. They also commanded the caravan route Silk Road from China and Far East to Europe and from Africa and Arabia to Europe. This made the culture so diverse.

The Syrians are pride on their modern amenities as on their unique heritage and on the tradition of remarkable craftsmanship. For Syrians is typical the hospitality that is a deep-rooted Arab tradition and sharing the pleasures of an attractive Oriental way of life. Strong moral and ethical values are placed on family, religion, education and self discipline and respect.

Syria is a living folklore. The traditional arts continue undiminished. It is expressed in dances such as the famous al-Samah, the Dabkes in all their variations and the sword dance. Marriage ceremonies and the birth of children are occasions for the lively demonstration of folk customs.

What to do in Syria

Syria is cradle of civilizations and for visiting all historical sites you may spend one month or more. The country has thousands of year rich history thanks to its crossroads of cultures location. In addition to the vast collection of ancient relics from past civilizations Syria offers a current, colourful Islamic culture.

Syria is land of great diversity. It starts from the coast and continues to the mountains, steppe and desert. Landscapes are very attractive and you can explore the eastern deserts, green and rocky Mediterranean coast and much more.

Moreover you can try excellent food and enjoy the cheap travelling through the country.