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Social Profile
Food & Drink: There are numerous restaurants in Damascus and Aleppo serving a variety of Oriental and European dishes. National dishes are kubbeh (minced semolina and meat formed in balls and stuffed with minced meat, onion and nuts), yabrak (vine leaves stuffed with rice and minced meat), ouzi (pastry stuffed with rice and minced meat) and a variety of vegetables cooked with meat and tomato sauce, usually presented on separate plates and eaten by mixing it with cooked rice. Among these vegetables are okra, French beans and malukhiyya. Table service is the norm and a meal is paid for afterwards.
There are bars serving a wide range of alcoholic drinks. Alcohol is permitted but restrictions are imposed during Ramadan when it is illegal to drink in public from dawn to dusk, even for non-Muslims.
Shopping: Souks (markets) are the best places for shopping, notably those in Aleppo. Local handicrafts in Syria are numerous and precious, including mother-of-pearl items (such as backgammon boards), olive-wood carvings, weaving and embroidery, leather goods and gold and silver jewellery. Shopping hours: Sat-Thurs 0930-1400 and 1630-2100 (summer); Sat-Thurs 0930-1400 and 1600-2000 (winter).
Special Events: The following is a selection of the major festivals and other special events celebrated in Syria in 2003:
Apr Flower Show, Latakia. May International Flower Festival, Damascus; Desert Festival, Palmyra. Jun Syrian Theatre Festival, held in a different province each year. Jul Cotton Festival, Aleppo. Aug Friendship Festival, Latakia. Aug-Sep International Fair, Damascus. Sep Vine Festival, Swaida. Oct Festival of Folklore and Music, Bosra. Oct/Nov Film and Theatre Festival, Damascus.
Social Conventions: The Syrians take as much pride in their modern amenities as in their unique heritage and in the tradition of exquisite craftsmanship, and both should be appreciated. Visitors will enjoy the hospitality that is a deep-rooted Arab tradition and sharing the pleasures of an attractive Oriental way of life. It is customary to shake hands on meeting and on departure. A visitor will be treated with great courtesy and will frequently be offered refreshment, usually coffee. As a guest in someone’s home or, more usually, in a restaurant, visitors should respect Arab customs and traditions. A souvenir from the visitor’s home or company is well received. Conservative casual wear is suitable. Beachwear or shorts should not be worn away from the beach or poolside. Smoking follows Western habits and in most cases it is obvious where not to smoke. Smoking is prohibited in public from dawn to dusk during Ramadan. Photography: No attempt should be made to photograph anything remotely connected with the armed forces or in the vicinity of defence installations, which even includes radio transmission aerials. It is wise to take a good look at what will be appearing in the background before pointing the camera. Tipping: Often expected, especially in more expensive establishments; ten per cent is generally acceptable.
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