Syria

Syria is an ancient region and modern state, officially known as the Syrian Arab Republic, in the Middle East. It borders Lebanon to the west, Israel to the southwest, Jordan to the south, Iraq to the east, and Turkey to the north. The border with Israel is disputed as Israel controls, and claims to have annexed, the Golan Heights. A border dispute with Turkey over Hatay Province has now been resolved. Historically, Syria (or Greater Syria) has often been taken to include the territories of Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, and parts of Jordan, but excluding the Jazira region in the north-east of modern Syria.

Culture

Ancient Syria's cultural and artistic achievements and contributions are many. Archaeologists have discovered extensive writings and evidence of a brilliant culture rivaling those of Mesopotamia and Egypt in and around the ancient city of Ebla. Later Syrian scholars and artists contributed to Hellenistic and Roman thought and culture. Zeno of Sidon founded the Epicurean school; Cicero was a pupil of Antiochus of Ascalon at Athens; and the writings of Posidonius of Apamea influenced Livy and Plutarch.

Related Topics:
Hellenistic - Roman - Zeno of Sidon - Epicurean - Cicero - Antiochus of Ascalon - Athens - Posidonius of Apamea - Livy - Plutarch

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Syrians have contributed to Arabic literature and music and have a proud tradition of oral and written poetry. Syrian writers, many of whom emigrated to Egypt, played a crucial role ion the nahda or Arab literary and cultural revival of the nineteenth century. Prominent contemporary Syrian writers include, among others, Adonis, Haidar Haidar, Ghada al-Samman, Nizar al-Qabbani and Zakaria Taimar.

Related Topics:
Arabic literature - Nahda - Adonis - Haidar Haidar - Ghada al-Samman - Nizar al-Qabbani - Zakaria Taimar

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Syria has a small but notable cinema industry, with production entirely in the hands of the state National Cinema Organisation, which employs film-makers as civil servants. Funding is only sufficient to produce approximately one feature film every year, and these are often then banned by the political censor, but have won prizes at international festivals. Notable directors include Omar Amirali, Usama Muhammad, and Abd al-Latif Abd al-Hamid. Syrian directors have also worked abroad, in Egypt and Europe.

Related Topics:
National Cinema Organisation - Omar Amirali - Usama Muhammad - Abd al-Latif Abd al-Hamid - Egypt - Europe

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There was a private sector presence in the Syrian cinema industry until the end of the 1970s, but private investment has since preferred the more lucrative television serial business. Syrian soap operas, in a variety of styles (all melodramatic, however), have considerable market penetration throughout the eastern Arab world.

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Although declining, Syria's world-famous handicraft industry still employs thousands.

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Holidays

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DateEnglish NameLocal NameRemarks

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January 1New Year's Day- 

Related Topics:
January 1 - New Year's Day

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March 8March 8 Revolution--

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March 21Mother's Day--

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April 17Independence Day-Celebrates independence from Vichy France

Related Topics:
April 17 - Vichy France

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--Catholic Easter-According to the Gregorian calendar

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--Orthodox Easter-According to the Julian calendar

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May 1Labor day--

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May 6Martyr's Day--

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December 25Christmas--

Related Topics:
December 25 - Christmas

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Dates following the lunar Islamic calendar

Related Topics:
Lunar - Islamic calendar

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Dhul Hijja 10Eid al-Adha--

Related Topics:
Dhul Hijja - Eid al-Adha

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Shawwal 1Eid al-Fitr--

Related Topics:
Shawwal - Eid al-Fitr

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Rabi`-ul-Awwal 12Mawlid-Muhammad's birthday

Related Topics:
Rabi`-ul-Awwal - Mawlid - Muhammad

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Fairs and festivals

• Music of Syria