Syrians

Who Are the Syrians?

Syrians (Arabic: سوريون) are the majority inhabitants of Syria, originating from the Levant, with Arabic as their mother tongue. Their cultural and linguistic heritage is a blend of indigenous elements and foreign cultures that have ruled over the land for thousands of years.

A Rich Heritage

Imagine a tapestry woven through millennia—each thread representing a different culture that has influenced Syrian life. The national name ‘Syrian’ was used in antiquity to denote the inhabitants of the Levant, but it was revived in the 19th century among Arabic speakers and gained importance after the establishment of the Arab Kingdom of Syria in 1920.

From Ancient Times to Modern Day

The name Syria is derived from the Luwian term ‘Sura/i’ and was applied by Greeks to the Levant during the Seleucid Empire. Ancient writers referred to the ruler of the Seleucid Empire as the King of Syria or King of the Syrians. The Romans imposed the term ‘Syrian’ on Arameans of modern Levant, and Pompey created the province of Syria, which included modern-day Lebanon and Syria west of the Euphrates.

Descended from Ancient Semitic Peoples

Syrians are mainly descended from ancient Semitic-speaking peoples of the Near East. Their population has been influenced by various cultures throughout history. Before the Syrian Civil War, there was a significant Syrian diaspora, and six million refugees now live outside Syria, mostly in Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon.

Language and Identity

Ancient Syria was dominated by the Aramaeans, who assimilated earlier populations through their language. Christianity led to most inhabitants becoming Syrians (Aramaeans), while Islam and Arabic further assimilated them into a single ethnic group.

Genetic and Linguistic Connections

The urheimat of the Arab ethnos is unclear, but some scholars suggest that it may not be in the Arabian Peninsula as previously thought. The Arabs in Syria were assimilated into the Greco-Aramaean culture and produced texts written in Greek and Aramaic.

Linguistic Arabization

Linguistic Arabization began in the 7th century AD, with Arabic becoming the dominant language by the thirteenth century. Many Syrians retained their Aramaic identity, including the Eastern Syriac-speaking group, which kept the pre-Islamic Syrian identity throughout the ages.

Religious Diversity

Syria’s religious landscape is rich and diverse. Religious minorities include Alawites (12%), Christians (10%), Druze, Ismailis, Armenians, Assyrians, and Palestinians, who are mostly descendants of refugees from the 1948 Israeli-Arab War.

Beliefs and Outlooks

The Syrian people’s beliefs and outlooks reflect a mix of West and East, with conservative and liberal views often coexisting in the same community. Arabic is the official state language, but Western Neo-Aramaic is still spoken by some groups, while English and French are widely understood among Syrians.

Cuisine and Culture

Syrian cuisine is dominated by ingredients native to the region, including olive oil, garlic, and sesame oil. Traditional Syrian dishes include tabbouleh, labaneh, shanklish, wara’ ‘enab, makdous, kebab, Kibbeh, sfiha, moutabal, hummus, mana’eesh, bameh, and fattoush.

A Typical Syrian Breakfast

A typical Syrian breakfast consists of a meze platter with cheeses, meats, pickles, olives, and spreads, served with Arab-style tea or arak. This meal is not just about food; it’s an experience that brings families together in the warmth of their homes.

As we explore the rich tapestry of Syrian culture, it’s clear that the people of Syria are a vibrant and diverse community. From their ancient heritage to modern-day challenges, Syrians continue to thrive, preserving their unique identity while embracing change.

In conclusion, understanding who the Syrians are means recognizing their deep-rooted history, cultural richness, and resilience in the face of adversity. The Syrian people’s story is one of enduring strength and a commitment to their homeland, no matter where they may be.