Damascus Local Customs

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It is by way of being a platitude to say that politics in Syria are a bit complicated. I visited the country in January 2011, two months before the outbreak of the unrest that would, eventually, lead to civil war. Then, there was a tense sort of calm that prevailed in the city: there were no protests, and the presence of danger was not immediate, but no one discussed anything too controversial lest they be overheard by the secret police. Today, the country lumbers on as all sides in the conflict trade allegations of war crimes and unholy alliances. While there are probably some topics that are newly permissible amongst the parts of the country under FSA control, there are still taboos. Talk of Israel as anything other than the eternal occupier and enemy is likely the norm. And discussing the benefits of alliances is always a tricky issue, as Syria is at the nexus of a number of regional webs of influence. As always, the best course of action to follow when in a tricky situation is to avoid entering into the fray.

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After the civil war that erupted in Iraq following the US invasion, the fact that there are two major sects in Islam – Sunni and Shia – is fairly well known throughout the English-speaking world. The schism stems, initially, from a dispute over the inheritance of the leadership of the Muslim umma, or community of believers. Sunnis opted for a restriction to the ashab, or companions of the Prophet, while Shia preferred to have a hereditary passage of the title. In the end, the Sunni candidate, Abu Bakr, was elected the leader following Muhammad’s death, but the Shia candidate, Ali, the Prophet’s son-in-law, did have his turn as leader as well. A variety of other differences arose over the ensuing centuries, leaving a massive cleavage in the community of believers. All this to say that what started as, essentially, a political dispute has given rise to a theological and cultural divide that is gradually shaping the course of 21st century history. The schism has produced a wealth of off-shoots and unique blends of ethnic and religious traditions, the diversity of which is on full display in Damascus. Here, pilgrims from across the Shiite world (but particularly Lebanon, Iran, Iraq and Azerbaijan) flock to visit the shrine at the Tomb of Sayyida Ruqqiya, amid a city that boasts Druze, Alawi (a Shiite sub-sect) and Sunni communities, not to mention a dizzying array of Christian groups. Damascus has an important role to play in the power battles between Sunni and Shia before they became tinged with racial and ethnic tones (the majority of Arabs are Sunni, the majority of Persians are Shi’a). The city provides ample opportunities for engaged visitors to understand a bit better what drove and continues to drive this particular antagonism that is rending the social fabric of the Middle East.

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This is how i looked like upon entering the Mosque. Everything is covered from head to feet. The neck, wrist and legs must not be seen so with the hair. The blouse must not be tight fitting or the pants too. They should be loose that the body figure can not be noticed by the others. Shoes must be removed when you enter. You can go bare footen or with socks. It is not respectful if sitting on a chair while praying because in mosques everbody knee-down while praying. So it is advisable to sit down on the matt or on the ground where carpets are spread all over. If you don´t have something to cover your casual tight dress you can borrow from the entrance of the Mosque.

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I encountered twice pleasant conversations with the people of Syria. They are approachable, friendly and very good conversationalists. First I talked with fellow young students wearing uniforms. They were not shy. They were friendly, polite and self disciplined. We talked about their school system and the rest about school. Second I met a middle aged man who mentioned about his educational achievements. He spoke fluent English and friendly and preserve at that. He offered us Tea as symbol of friendship and respect to tourists like us. He said we are again welcome if we happened to come back to Damascus City.

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Cham City Center



The perfect place to relax with your family and friends ,Cham City Center . It has plenty to offer you- a choice of over 100 superb shops, restaurants, fast food outlets, a children’s entertainment center, Health and Fitness Gym, and Business Center.



Located in the heart of Damascus, in one of the most beautiful and quiet residential region . in general ,you can reach Cham City Center from anywhere in Damascus in less than 20 minutes driving.



Previously we were limited to small outlets, but now the city boasts the impressive Cham City Center mall, an international standard, family oriented retail and leisure facilities, established in 2006.



Cham City Center is the most prestigious in the country so far It covers an area of over 80.000 sq .m. it comprises of 6 levels of retail ,dining ,entertainment outlets ,health club and more than 400 covered car park areas.



Cham city center has more than 100 prestigious stores including the most famous local and International brands, where you have also a wide choices of restaurants , fast food and cafes.



Cham City Center health club include a gym containing the latest model equipments , indoor swimming pool and spa . When you decide to runaway from your daily routines, you will not find any better place than Cham City Center.

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Information on the visa) visa)

First - General instructions for tourists visiting the country Syrian:

Must be on the incoming Arab and foreign to be in possession of the following:

1. A passport valid for a period of not less than one month after the expiry of the visa to be issued by a state recognized by Syria, and he does not have an Israeli visa, and not to be the name of the holder on the list of those barred from entering Syria.
2. Entry visa or transit visa issued by the Syrian embassy or consulate in the country of origin of foreign or place of residence, visas are granted entry or transit by the Centers for immigration and passports at the border to nationals of foreign countries where there is no diplomatic representation in Syria and foreigners with permanent residence provided they show their residency cards.
3. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic missions and exit visas for diplomatic and courtesy and task.
4. Visa: It is of two types

- Six months: valid for one or multiple trips can be an exception granted for one year.

- Three months: valid for one time only.
5. Transit visa: They are two

- Three months valid for a single trip.

- Three months valid for multiple entries.
6. May include entry or transit visa foreign wife and minor children to be the names and ages in the space provided.
7. A foreigner who wants to stay in Syria for more than fifteen days from the date of his entry, see the Department of Immigration and Passport Department or its branches in the governorates to apply for a residence permit
8. Permission to stay directly to both the Arabs and foreigners born in Syria, and wives of Syrian nationals
9. In case of loss or damage to the residence card holder to review the Department of Immigration and Passport Department in Damascus branches in the governorates, within three days from the date of loss or damage to give them a new card instead
10. Permission is not granted a license to reside and work on those wishes to work in the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic to obtain permission from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor.
11. On every Arab or foreigner over fifteen years of age and was recorded on a card and a parent to get a new card similar to an independent and parents in terms of type, duration, date, and the remaining fees regardless of whether a passport of its own.
12. Not entitled to the Arabs and foreigners who have special or ordinary residencies absence abroad for more than six months.
13. Not entitled to the Arabs and foreigners who have temporary residencies and an exit visa to return the country to stay outside for more than three months.

Lebanese citizens should review the police station within six days from the date of entry into Syria to obtain an ID card to facilitate their stay and movement in Syria.

Secondly - facilities and exemptions offered to tourists arrivals:
1. Allows for Arab nationals to enter the Syrian Arab Republic and traffic which is the requirement to obtain an entry visa or transit is sufficient by registering assets "in the records of arrivals and departures after Touchih passports or travel documents or tickets Lebanese nationals who enter under the ID card or output is in the hearts of certified assets under the seal of entry or leave.
2. "Foreigners coming to the tourism of the categories is listed under the books issued by the offices and travel agencies from the country coming from individuals or groups and overprinted seals these offices and under the passport mass stuck on it are granted or passport for each individual of them, on the condition that properly licensed tourist offices in diameter and depart on the responsibility and grant visas to those for free.
3. Citizens of all Arab states, Gulf Emirates and Sultanates from entry and transit visas, residence permits and exit visas.
4. Are exempted from duties:
¨ Foreign and Arab students officially registered in one of the recognized universities.
¨ clergy.
¨ experts and Arab and foreign contractors.
¨ journalists and correspondents of news agencies.
¨ Non diplomat workers in the political and consular organizations foreign and Arabic.
¨ The parents of the member of diplomatic or consular mission accredited in the country and his children and wife, brothers and sisters and his followers of governesses and servants.
¨ Palestinian refugees and their minor children.
¨ Foreigners and Arabs whom the director of the Department of Immigration and Passports Department exempt them for special considerations: courtesy, or lack of physical ability.

5. Exemption of Syrian Arab citizens overseas foreign passport holders to obtain a residence and ask those who have not registered them up in the records of civil and subjected to an exit visa when they want to leave Bjoisathm foreign month after the entry after presenting the approval of recruitment for those who are of military age and identity card for those who exceed fifteen and assigning them to pay, scheduled to leave on departure like Syrian citizens and allows them to enter foreign Bjoisathm if the entry is stamped with features of the Syrian Arab missions abroad, and given the features needed by the Centers for free from the border.

Facilities offered to investors:

1. Raising the price of neighboring countries, translated in the bank to the equivalent of almost foreign markets.
2. Increase the amount to be replaced from the remaining foreign currency with travelers when they leave the country and through / / 15 days.
3. Exemption coming to the diameter of the push / 100 / USD and that the bank on the drawer taken from all comers.
4. The bank is working on the completion of the credit cards.

Customs Facilities:

1. A foreigner to enter the gifts and personal effects and tools for travelers and intended for personal use without any customs duties.
2. Allows car owners residing permanently abroad and coming to Syria with the intention of temporary residence and enter their cars nicknames registered lawfully in the country of exile under a power of attorney by using the driving tourist outside the country of registration of customs duties according to the following:

· Fees due for the car under a temporary entry card for a period of / 15 / day of $ / 1685 / l. Q is switched equivalent amount of / 40 / USD or equivalent in other foreign currencies + / / 30 dollars for the obligatory insurance of car to be paid to the escrow company Syria.
· Duties of the book granted to cars registered in the Arab countries / 5035 / l. Q switch is equivalent / 117 / USD or the equivalent in other currencies accepted + / 30 / dollar insurance company pay for mandatory insurance.
· Allows for a wife or a family member or adult to bring a car to drive it in the Syrian Arab Republic provided they meet the conditions of residence outside the country.

Health Regulations:

1. Travelers coming from places infected by yellow fever when entering a vaccination certificate against this disease.
2. Those wishing to stay in Syria for a period exceeding one year, free certificate of AIDS (AIDS).
3. The tourist who brings a pet to accompany his health certificate in English authenticated in his country but for cats and dogs must be accompanied by a certificate of vaccination against rabies.

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MAGDOUS

Ingredients

Eggplants
Sweet red pepper paste
Crushed walnuts
Olive oil
Salt
Sliced garlic (optional)

The stuffing
Mix together the sweet red pepper paste with the crushed walnuts and the garlic.

MOUHAMMARA

Ingredients
100 gr. bread crumbs
50 gr. sweet red pepper paste
10 gr. crushed dried hot red pepper
20 gr. cumin
40 gr. concentrated pomegranate syrup
100 ml. olive oil
100 gr. crushed walnut
150 ml. water
20 ml. lemon juice
15 gr. sugar
Salt

VEGETABLES OMELET (EJJEH)

Ingredients
1 bunch of parsley
7 eggs
1 teaspoon of flour
1 onion
2 cloves of garlic
1 teaspoon of dried mint
1 teaspoon of dried sweet red pepper
1 pinch of cinnamon
200 ml. olive oil
Vegetable oil

EGGPLANT FATTOUCHE

Ingredients
1 kg. eggplant
2 tomatoes
1 onion
1 bunch of parsley
Lemon juice
Olive oil
Vegetable oil
Arabic bread
Salt

MOUTABBAL

Ingredients
500 gr. eggplant
1 green pepper
1/2 bunch of chopped parsley
4 branches of green mint
150 gr. sesame oil
1/2 glass of lemon juice
25 gr. concentrated pomegranate syrup
30 ml. olive oil
1 tomato
1 clove of garlic if desired
some grains of pomegranate
Salt

BABA GHANOUGE

Ingredients
1 kg. eggplant (about 5 big pieces)
Olive oil
Garlic (optional)
Lemon juice
Concentrated pomegranate syrup
Chopped parsley
Pomegranate grains
Salt
OLIVE SALAD

Ingredients
250 gr. green olives
60 gr. concentrated pomegranate syrup
40 ml. olive oil
2 green onions
1 peeled tomato
1/2 bunch of parsley
Grains of one pomegranate for decoration
Salt
Branch of thyme for decoration

FATTOUCHE

Ingredients
500 gr. tomato
500 gr. cucumber
100 gr. onion
75 gr. green mint
75 gr. purslane
1 bunch of parsley
1 lettuce
2 cloves of garlic
50 gr. of black olives
1 lemon juice
3 teaspoons of vinegar
1 teaspoon of sumac
125 ml. olive oil
Vegetable oil
Bread cut into triangles as desired
Salt

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In Damascus It is normal to hear car and taxi drivers use the car horn to push the other drivers in front to move further,even there is no traffic,
So my tip is to make sure you have earplugs if your hotel is near high road to be able to sleep the drivers use horn 24/7 they do not care if people are sleep at night.