University of Zakho

1. Location of Syria and Lebanon
• Syria and Lebanon are located in the Middle
East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea.
• Syria: Between Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq, Jordan,
and Israel.
• Lebanon: Between Israel and Syria
• Capitals: Damascus, Beirut.
• Population: Syria 18 m, Lebanon 6 m
• Syria: 185,180 sq km
• Lebanon: 10,400 sq km

2. Flags of Syria and Lebanon
* Syrian Flag:
Three equal horizontal bands of red (top),
white, and black; two small, green, five-
pointed stars in a horizontal line centered in
the white band representing Syria and
Egypt; the band colors derive from the
Arab Liberation flag and represent
oppression (black), overcome through
bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a
bright future (white).
* Lebanese Flag:
Three horizontal bands consisting of red
(top), white (middle, double width), and
red (bottom) with a green cedar tree
centered in the white band; the red bands
symbolize bloodshed for liberation, the
white band denotes peace, the snow of the
mountains, and purity; the green cedar
tree is the symbol of Lebanon and
represents eternity, steadiness, happiness,
and prosperity.

3. Climate of Syria and Lebanon
• Lebanon and Syria have a moderate Mediterranean
climate.
• Syria: Mostly desert; hot, dry, sunny summers (June to
August) and mild, rainy winters (December to February)
along coast; cold weather with snow or sleet.
• Lebanon: Mediterranean; mild to cool, wet winters with
hot, dry summers; The mountains of Lebanon
experience heavy winter snows.

4. History of Syria and Lebanon
Ancient History Islamic Caliphates French Mandate Independence Civil War
Syria is the name given
to the region by the
Greeks & Romans and
derives from the
Babylonian word
“suri”. Lebanon first
appeared in recorded
history around 3000
BC.
Muslim Arabs conquered
the Levant in 635, which
then became parts of the
Umayyad Caliphate and
its capital was
Damascus. After that
they were part of the
Abbasid Caliphate.
Syria and Lebanon were
ruled by Ottomans for over
400 years, in a region known
as Greater Syria. Following
World War I, the area
became a part of the French
Mandate of Syria.
In 1943, Lebanon gained
independence, and in 1946
Syria was also granted
independence .
Both were from the League
of Nations mandate under
French administration.
The Lebanese Civil
War lasted fifteen
years, ending in
1990 with the
signing of the Taif
Agreement. The
civil war in Syria
started in 2011 and
continues to this
day.

5. • Syria
• Islam is the official religion of the country, with over 74% identifying as Sunni
Muslims. Other Islamic minorities include Alawite (13-15%) and Druze (3%).
10% of the population practice Christianity (ex. Orthodox or Catholic).
• Lebanon
• The country is most religiously diverse in the Middle East, comprising 18
recognized religious sects. The two main religions are Christianity and Islam.
Lebanon's population is estimated to be 54% Muslim (divided equally between
Shia and Sunni), 40.5% Christian (21% Maronite Catholic, 8% Greek Orthodox,
5% Greek Catholic, and 6.5% other), and 5.6% Druze, who consider themselves to
be Muslims.
Religion in Syria and Lebanon

6. Economy of Syria and Lebanon
The economies of Syria and Lebanon have many important factors.
• Both countries rely on agriculture, and tourism though Syria also relies on oil and gas fields.
• Syria's economy continues to deteriorate amid the ongoing conflict which began in 2011.
The economy shrank further in 2013 due to international sanctions, widespread
infrastructure damage, reduced domestic consumption and production, and sharply rising
inflation.
• Lebanon has a free-market economy and a strong laissez-faire commercial tradition. The
government does not restrict foreign investment; however, the investment climate suffers
from red tape, corruption, arbitrary licensing decisions, complex customs procedures, and
high taxes. Main growth sectors include banking and tourism.

7. Traditions and Celebrations
Lebanese celebrations:
Lebanon celebrates national and
both Christian and Muslim holidays.
• Christian: Lebanon is the only country in the
Middle East to celebrate Christmas as an
official holiday, the 25th of December. Most
people spend the morning visiting friends and
entertaining them in their turn. For the
Christmas meal, entire families often gather
together, usually at the home of the eldest
male relative.
• Muslim: Holidays that are celebrated include:
Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Birth of
the Prophet Muhammad, Ashura, and
Muharram.
Syrian Celebrations:
Syria celebrates national and Muslim holidays, while the
Christian minority celebrates their own.
• Christian: Syrian Christians celebrate Christmas and the
Catholic or Orthodox Easter. Only a few decorations appear
during Christmas time, and the lights of Christmas are
uncommon.
• Muslim:
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
Eid al-Fitr: The “breaking of the fast” at the end of Ramadan.
Eid al-Adha: Lasts four days and comes at the end of the
traditional season of pilgrimage to Mecca.
Muharram: The beginning of the first month in the Hijra (lunar)
calendar is the Muslim New Year.

8. Food and Traditions of Lebanon
• ‘Sahteyn' is a word you will often hear in a Lebanese home - loosely translated it means 'twice
your health' - a form of welcome to join a family and share delicious food. This is some of the
most exquisite food in the world.
In a Lebanese household, food is life and sharing it is one of the great joys of being alive. Even
for simple dinners at home, there are a variety of dishes on the table, the meal starting with small
portions known as mezza which centres around dips and salads.
• In every Lebanese wedding, they have to have a “Zaffeh”. Zaffeh is the act of taking the wife to
her husband. In many villages, a wedding continues for up to 3 days.
• The color of Lebanese food is 1001 reflecting the Lebanese landscapes.
• One of the famous Lebanese foods is the Kubba.

9. Food and Traditions of Syria
• Syrian cuisine includes dishes like kibbeh, kebab halabi, waraa ‘inab, hummus, mujaddara, shanklish, bastirma,
sujuk, baklava. Syrian food resembles Lebanese, Palestinian, Jordanian and Iraqi cuisine.
• Syrians often serve selections of appetizers, known as “meze", before the main course, and zaatar, minced beef,
and cheese manaakish as hors d’oeuvres. Arabic flat bread is always eaten together with “meze”.
• Syrians also make cookies called “”kaak”, to usually accompany their cheese. These are made of flour and other
ingredients, rolled out, shaped into rings and baked.
• The very popular string cheese jibbneh mashallale is made of curd cheese and is pulled and twisted together
• Importance is placed on family, religion, education and self-discipline and respect. The Syrian's taste for the
traditional arts is expressed in dances such as the al-Samah, the Dabkeh in all their variations and the sword dance.
Marriage ceremonies are occasions for the lively demonstration of folk customs.

10. THANK YOU
Adnan & Dilman