Travel in Damascus - Syria - Culture - WorldTravelGate.net®-

The Syrian population is estimated at some 16 million in the year 2000. The Majority are Arabs and the largest minorities are Armenians and Kurds. The majority are Muslims also (85%), and the rest (15%) are Christians. Syria is famous for its deep religious tolerance. The family is central to the Syrian society. Syrians place high priority on mutual support of family members and acting in the best interests of the family’s reputation. The father is usually the head of the family and the elderly are shown special respect in the society. Socializing with family and friends is the most common recreational activity.

Syrians welcome people with an outstretched hand saying “Mrahaba” (Hello). “Keefak” usually follows this? (How are you?) or “Keefek” for a woman. Depending on their relationship, men embrace each other and women exchange kisses on either cheek.

Most important Islamic holidays include Eid al-Fitr (a three-day-feast celebrating the end of Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (Held during the annual pilgrimage to Mecca). Armenians celebrate Christmas on 7th of January. Christians celebrate Easter on the first Sunday of April, or the second depending to the Oriental Calendar followed by Armenians and Orthodox Christians. It’s impolite to refuse a Syrian’s invitation for food or drink, although it’s considered good manners to refuse two offers for food from a person before accepting the third. In the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, people fast from sunrise till sunset.

Damascus University, the largest in Syria, dates back to the beginning of the last century. Today in its ninth decade, the University is still one of the most important centers of Arab culture in the Middle East.

The nucleus of this University was the Damascus School of Medicine, established in 1903 during the Ottoman era. In 1919, the Institute of law was founded and the two colleges were united in 1923 under the name of "The Syrian University"

After the Syrian independence in 1946, the University witnessed great improvements, with many faculties added. In 1958, during the Syria-Egypt Union, it was renamed as Damascus University.