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

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.

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.

History of Syria and Lebanon Ancient History Islamic Caliphates French Mandate Independence Civil WarSyria 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.

• 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

Economy of Syria and LebanonThe 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.

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.

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.

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.

THANK YOUAdnan & Dilman