8 lesser-known facts about Syria

Damascus stands as one of the oldest cities, and Syria holds the reign of the world's most powerful queens.

8 lesser-known facts about Syria

This war-torn land harbors astonishing truths, unbeknownst to many, according to Buzzfeed.

Damascus ranks among the most ancient cities in history

The capital of Syria was erected in the 3rd millennium BCE. Its age surpasses double that of London, Rome, or Istanbul's ancient counterparts.

Syria played a significant role in the ancient Roman Empire

Remnants of Roman-style streets still exist in present-day Syria. Looking back to the 1st century, the desert city of Palmyra in Syria stood out as one of the most vibrant cultural centers in the ancient world. The town of Bosra even served as the capital of the ancient Arab Roman Empire, boasting a colossal amphitheater with a capacity of up to 15,000 people. However, many valuable archaeological structures here have been destroyed by war.

The land of the most powerful queens

In the 3rd century, Zenobia, queen of the Palmyrene Empire, was known as the 'Warrior Queen'. She led military campaigns into Egypt, as well as various regions of Palestine, Turkey, Lebanon, and present-day Syria. 100 years later, Queen Mavia led a nomadic army in a rebellion for independence against Roman rule.

In modern times, Syria also stood as one of the early cradles of the women's rights movement, with figures like Naziq al-Abid (1898-1959) taking the spotlight. She established the first women's organization in Damascus and the Syrian Red Crescent Society.

Syria is the birthplace of modern glassblowing techniques

According to the list of the 100 greatest scientific inventions of all time, the breakthrough glassblowing method belongs to a Syrian innovator. Around 100 BCE, an anonymous artisan from Syria conceived an idea that would later revolutionize the glass industry worldwide.

He utilized a thin iron tube with a drop of molten glass at one end. By blowing into the other end of the tube, this artisan discovered the possibility of creating round glass vessels without the need for clay molds as before, which had been much more time-consuming and labor-intensive. Today, glassblowing remains preserved as a craft in Syria.

Syria is the birthplace of ice cream

It's astonishing to learn that the refreshing treat we enjoy daily traces its origins deep in Arab culture. From the sorbet, believed to have originated from the Arabic term 'charab,' to the popularization of the cinnamon-flavored ice cream, credited to a Syrian-American, few know of Syria's significant contributions to the world of frozen desserts. In Damascus, there's even a 130-year-old ice cream parlor named Bakdash, renowned for its crushed ice with fruit syrups and various delectable snacks.

Basketball was once the most popular sport in Syria

While Syrians may have fervently followed the 2010 World Cup, basketball used to reign as the dominant sport in the country. Syria boasted talented players, including Damond Williams, one of the most famous NBA players in the United States.

Syria once embraced many refugees with open arms

You might be surprised to learn that this country was once a safe haven for millions of refugees from across the Middle East. In the early 20th century, Armenians fled to Syria to escape persecution by the Ottoman army. Syria also welcomed over 400,000 Palestinian refugees and most recently, more than a million Iraqis in 2007. However, in the past four years, over three million Syrians have been forced to flee their homes, becoming refugees in Lebanon, Turkey, and beyond.

Many world-famous individuals have Syrian roots

American comedian Jerry Seinfeld's grandmother hailed from Aleppo, Syria. Steve Jobs' biological father was also Syrian. Other notable Americans with Syrian ancestry include actress Teri Hatcher from 'Desperate Housewives' and singer Paula Abdul.

Similarly to the United States, the Syrian diaspora has long settled in Brazil, Sweden, and the UK.

According to Truong Dang/Vnexpress

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide