The Culture of Syrian Refugees in Germany:Ā The culture of Syria is closely related to those of its nearby countries, such as Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan. The major aspects of Syrian Society and culture include: customs, religion, language, literature, art, costume, music of the land and its inhabitants.
Cuisine
Favorite Syrian foods include: bread, meat, cheese, rice, sauces, soups and desserts. Herbs and spices play a very important role in Syrian food. Accompanying every mouth-watering dish there are choices of beverages including: coffee, tea, orange juice, lemonade, and many more.
Languages Spoken in Syria
The languages that are most spoken in Syria are of course Arabic, and some French. Arabic has many dialects, but the dialect spoken in Syria comes from the subgroup of Levantine Arabic. Modern Standard Arabic is used throughout the Arab world and will also be understood in Syria.
Religions
The major religions practiced in Syria are of course Islam, both Sunni and Shiāa. The Sunni Muslims are the predominant Muslims living in Syria.
Syria has a range of religions and sects. The individual’s affiliation to their religion and sect is usually determined at birth, and the process of individual-to-person transmission or from one religion to another is rare. According to statistical analysis dating back to 2006, the proportion of Muslims of all denominations is estimated to be 90% of the total population, although the proportion of Muslim communities may be even greater and is still growing.
According to statistics, 69% of the population of Syria are Sunni Muslims, 2% of the population of Syria are Shi’a Muslims and Ismailis, 16% of the population of Syria are Alawites, 10% of the population of Syria are Christians, and 3% of Syria’s population are Druze.
Syrian Culture and Customs
Syrian customs and conventions are closely related to those of its neighboring countries of Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine and other countries of the Arab world. Syrian culture contains a rich array of contrasts from western culture, and is both unique and impressive. Syrian people are well known for being incredibly hospitable, you may be invited to have tea or coffee with someone you have just met. Syrians trust people very quickly, they enjoy meeting with people from all over the world and spending time with them. They are raised on the philosophy of taking care of their guests, whoever they are, and to make them feel comfortable as if they had known them for a long time or are part of the family.
Syrians are eager to show other people, especially Germans, their culture and to engage with them in many different family and cultural activities. Not only do they wish to show them the Syrian culture but also, they are equally very keen to learn of other peoplesā cultures. This especially applies to other refugees from all over the world, as they are eager to learn about their daily habits and how they spend their time.
Syrian culture is based on not only helping family members and neighbors, but also passersby, whoever that person may be. A Syrian will automatically offer any possible help that they can. Moreover, and despite their differing views, Christians and Muslims used to live alongside one another before the war occurred, which lends a harmony to the entire area of Syria. This harmony imbued Syria with a special beauty. Visiting Germany is an exceptional opportunity for you to meet local people as well as refugees, and to observe and live through their daily life, and even to learn Arabic. Most importantly, it is an opportunity to significantly and positively influence the lives of many people in Germany who are in need to any kind of help.
It is incredibly easy to engage in the Arabic culture since Arabs are friendly people who are eager to meet and learn from other people. Finally, we encourage you to arrive with an open mind, to be eager to learn, and to be motivated for engagement in German-Arabic culture. We are sure you will have a wonderful and unforgettable stay in Germany.
