Syria Local Customs

 
by Robin020
 
  •   Local Customs
    by Robin020
  •   Local Customs
    by Robin020
  •   Local Customs
    by Robin020
  •   Local Customs
    by Robin020
  •   Local Customs
    by Robin020
 

Most Viewed Local Customs in Syria

1.

mosques   Aleppo

mosques, Aleppo

 15 Reviews  Muslims are very welcoming to foreigners wishing to see their mosques - but some tourists are cring-making when they gawk and take photos right under the noses of people praying - it is so rude! If... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

No stops for mini buses

by Robin020

Be aware that there no stops for minibus (van) except the main or start point,you can stop it by rasing your hand,or giving a sign that you want to stop it and when you are on board you can also ask the driver wherever you want.No ticket required You pay cash ONLY when you are on board.Bear in mind the front board of the bus is ONLY writen in arabic you need to askdriver or any body on board if it pass through your wanted location They are friendly and wil guide you to your wanted destination,make sure you have local currency to pay.

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Some Syrian Mezze (starters ) or for breakfast

by Robin020

MAGDOUS IngredientsEggplantsSweet red pepper pasteCrushed walnutsOlive oilSaltSliced garlic (optional)The stuffingMix together the sweet red pepper paste with the crushed walnuts and the garlic.MOUHAMMARA Ingredients100 gr. bread crumbs50 gr. sweet red pepper paste10 gr. crushed dried hot red pepper20 gr. cumin40 gr. concentrated pomegranate syrup100 ml. olive oil100 gr. crushed walnut150 ml. water20 ml. lemon juice15 gr. sugarSaltVEGETABLES OMELET (EJJEH) Ingredients1 bunch of parsley7 eggs1 teaspoon of flour1 onion2 cloves of garlic1 teaspoon of dried mint1 teaspoon of dried sweet red pepper1 pinch of cinnamon200 ml. olive oilVegetable oilEGGPLANT FATTOUCHE Ingredients1 kg. eggplant2 tomatoes1 onion1 bunch of parsleyLemon juiceOlive oilVegetable oilArabic breadSaltMOUTABBAL Ingredients500 gr. eggplant1 green pepper1/2 bunch of chopped parsley4 branches of green mint150 gr. sesame...

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Coffee & Tea

by PierreZA

Drinking coffee and tea is very much part of everyday life in Syria.Tea is served in small glass cups, and is often quite sweet. A cup of tea is offered many times when you visiting shops etc.Coffee is similar to what you find in Turkey. Strong and is is drunk without milk. You will be asked how (sweet) you take your coffee before it is made. Sugar is added when brewing the coffee and not added afterwards. Let the coffee rest for a while so that the 'mud' can settle at the bottom. You will usually get a glass of water with your coffee.

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Barbers

by PierreZA

Like in most Islamic countries, barbers can be found all over the place. I never bother to take my own shaving kit when visiting the Middle East etc, as it is such a treat to sit down for a shave. It is very cheap and you should not be concerned about safety/health, as a new blade is always used for every new client.

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Relaxing in a Hammam

by PierreZA

Visiting a hammam is most probably something you should try to do while in Syria. There are several to choose from in most cities, especially Aleppo and Damascus. Syria does have some beautiful hammams. It is authentic, clean and not expensive.They usually have a price list at the entrance, where you can see exactly what it will cost you, including admission, soap, wash, shampoo, massage, drinks etc.You can take your own soap and shampoo if you wish to do so.There are different ‘rooms or areas’ which vary in temperature. Some steam rooms can be VERY hot.Average price for the full ‘menu’ could be between 400 – 600 SYP. It is generally expected to leave a tip for the guys helping around with the towels, tea etc.Hammam Nureddine (Damascus) is located at Souk el-Bzouriyeh, close to Khan Assad Pasha – go here for a good experience. It is clean and service is good.There are separate times for...

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Nargileh - Everywhere

by PierreZA

Smoking nargileh must be one of the favourite passtimes in Syria. It is not only popular with men, but you will see many women smoking these water pipes in restaurants.It seems that the most popular time is from late afternoon, into the evening.There are also many shops selling these pipes, which can make a great gift for someone at home.

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Toilet Paper

by MadKiwiBeast

Please never throw your toilet paper in any toilet, whether its a squatter or a sitter, its blocks up the system. The water is the cleaner option anyway, but I find a combination is the best, wash and dry!

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Dress Conservatively...

by atufft

VT member Bavavia traveled with little guide support in Syria, and so her advice will probably agree with mine. Basically, both men and women should generally expect to wear long pants on the street. Short sleeve shirts are OK, but avoid any T-shirts with American/European logos as one doesn't want to invite political or religious complications. Syrian men dress more or less like Europe/USA, so these things are not difficult for a man to conform to. A woman may have a slightly more difficult time, particularly if she is used to dressing in sensual attire. Women can wear long pants, but should consider wearing blouses with long sleeves much of the time. Short dresses and short pants are not advisable for women. My wife found it convenient to wear a scarf on her hair, as that is the custom for most women on the street. Girls over about age twelve should conform to the standards of adult...

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Definately be open to meeting Syrians

by Clara_Louise

The hospitality and friendliness puts the UK to shame. Every day you take tea with several people, all of whom approach you in the street. Tea is served without milk in tiny ornate glasses, typically in a 50:50 sugar:tea ratio. People are so proud of their beautiful country that they welcome visitors from overseas lavishly. Politics is not readily discussed but they are pretty apparant- posters of the elected President adorn the wall in every house and shop and the markets are chock-a-block with Hezbollah flags, posters, t-shirts.... Regular graffiti suggests the imminent downfall of Israel and the US, but the American tourists are welcomed profusely to the country and offered lashings of tea, fascinated questioning about their family and constant cries of 'Welcome to Syria!'.

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Sometimes it is good to be a woman.

by RblWthACoz

It is very common for women to cut to the front of a line ahead of men, especially if they are older. On numerous instances, old women just walked to the front of a line and passed everyone by that was waiting while I was in line.

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Questions and Answers

Chatistatistor profile photo

Q:  Was planning for an overland trip with our own cars from Cairo to Istanbul passing by jordan and syria via the old classical... 

stevemt profile photo

A: Syria is not somewhere I would be going near right now, really not safe at all. Most governments have strongly advised all their citizens to get out of Syria as soon as... 

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