How did Syria get its name?

It is believed the name Syria comes from the Ancient Greek, Seirios, meaning, “sun-bright, glowing, blazing, and shining.”  In Latin “Sirius” was used to indicate people from Syria and also for the brightest star in the night sky.  Officially today, it is known as the Syrian Arab Republic.

Where is Syria located?

Syria is a middle eastern country and part of southwestern Asia.  It lies on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea.  Its area includes territory in the Golan Heights, which has been occupied by Israel since 1967.  Its neighbors are Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan, Israel and Lebanon to the south and west. The capital city is Damascus. 

A brief history of Syria

Syria is thought to be one of the original and oldest civilizations on earth and  believed to be part of the Fertile Crescent, where the earliest people practiced cattle breeding and agriculture.  Archeologists have uncovered skulls and bones of Neanderthals that date back roughly 700,000 years.  Historically, the name Syria, referred to a much wider region than its borders of today. It was known as al-Sham in Arabic, which included: Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine and much of Turkey and of course modern day Syria.  

Ebla, a city is Syria, is one of the oldest settlements to be excavated and dates back to around 3000 BC.  Throughout ancient times, Syria was occupied and ruled by several empires, including the Egyptians, Hittites, Sumerians, Mitanni, Assyrians, Babylonian, Canaanites, Phoenicians, Arameans, Amorites, Persians, Greeks and Romans.

Ancient Syria was a region often referred to in the bible.  Probably the most well-known account is when the apostle Paul cited “The Road to Damascus,” where his visions led to his conversion to Christianity.  When the Roman Empire fell, Syria became part of the Byzantine Empire.  In 637 A.D., Muslim armies defeated the empire and took control of Syria.  Damascus became the capital of the Islamic world. Then, around 750 A.D., it was replaced by Baghdad, in Iraq.

In 1516 the Ottoman Empire conquered Syria and remained in power for just shy of 400 years.  During World War I, the French and British agreed to divide the Ottoman Empire into zones.  In 1918, British and Arab forces took Damascus and Aleppo.  The French took control of modern-day Syria and Lebanon in 1920, ending the Ottomans’ rule.

After World War II, Syria officially became independent, in 1946.  Unfortunately, the years following, she suffered instability and repeated coups.  For a brief time, in 1958, Syria joined with Egypt and became the United Arab Republic, but that was short lived, ending in 1961.

It was 1963 when the Arab Socialist Baath Party seized power in a coup known as the Baath Revolution.  Syria lost its territory known as Golan Heights, during the Six Day War with Israel in 1967, a conflict which remains over the area to this day.

In 1970, Hafez al-Assad overthrew the de-facto leader of Syria and remained in power as President until his death in 2000.  Many hostilities and conflicts erupted throughout the years with Lebanon and Israel.  When Hafez died in 2000, his son Bashar became president, after amending the constitution.  He was only 34 at the time, not 40, as was required.  There was hope that Bashar would grant more freedom and be less oppressive than his father.  However, human rights groups have reported that Bashar has regularly tortured, imprisoned and killed political adversaries throughout his tenure.

In March of 2011, a group of teens and children were arrested and tortured for writing anti-government graffiti that was inspired by the Arab Spring Rebellion.  Protests erupted and became widespread and are considered to be the beginning of Syria’s horrific civil war, which remains ongoing today. 

The Civil war in Syria is complicated with many moving parts.  Assad began fighting the rebels, ISIS joined the fight against the regime, the United States backed the rebels to some degree, however, that in turn put them on the same side as ISIS.  Russia was involved as well and was supposed to ensure that Syria no longer had chemical weapons, which were used on their own people.  The numbers are not certain, but hundreds of thousands of Syrians are dead and millions have been displaced or are refugees in neighboring countries and Europe.  Syria remains a humanitarian disaster in a civil war today.

Syrian Culture

Syria, with such a long cultural history, is a traditional society.  Family, religion, education, self-discipline and respect are the characteristics they cherish.  The majority of Syria is Sunni Muslim, about 74%, with 13% being Shi’a.  Christians make up about ten per cent, with the remaining being Druze, Jews and atheists.  Syria has a history of religious tolerance with cities featuring Jewish synagogues, Christian churches and some of the world’s oldest and most sacred mosques.

The majority of Syrians are ethnically Arabs, and the official language is Arabic.  Kurds and Armenians make up the balance, as do their respective languages.  French and English are taught in schools.  The literacy rate in Syria was 81%, prior to the conflict.

Syria, being part of antiquity, has many historical treasures and entire ancient cities are part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  There has been much anguish during this most recent civil war as many of these treasures have been damaged or destroyed.  Diaspora women are taking the lead to try to preserve as much as possible of this most important part of their heritage.

In peaceful times, Syria is known for its festivals, like the Silk Road Festival, which harkens back to the days when Syria was an important trade route between the East and the West.  Both Muslim and Christian holidays are recognized.  Dance, music, literature, poetry and architecture all have important roots and history in Syria.  One of the most popular dances in Syria is the Dabkeh;  a folk dance performed at weddings and other joyous occasions.  Another popular dance is the Arada, a dance performed with swords.

Syrian Cuisine

Syrian cuisine, like its culture, has a rich and ancient history.  Many of the dishes are shared with its neighbors.  Having gone through various conquests by the Arabs, Persians and Ottoman Turks, the traditional food in Syria is similar to other cuisines like the Levant, Lebanese and Middle-Eastern cuisines.  It is, however, known for some important spices like, the Aleppo pepper, which is indigenous there.  

Kibbeh Bil Sanieh is considered to be the national dish and is made with bulgur and lamb.  Stuffed vegetables, with meat, nuts and rice, come in all kinds of forms, from grape leaves to peppers.  Kebabs or grilled meats, are also a popular Syrian dish.  Nuts, like walnuts, pine nuts and pistachios are used in many of their dips and sweet treats.  Eggplant, zucchini, cabbage, tomatoes and cucumbers are popular vegetables.  Many of their dishes are served with a yogurt dip.

Syria is also known for appetizers called mezze.  These small dishes are served with Arabic bread before the main course and then followed by coffee and sweet treats.  Fruits, like pomegranate, and citrus, are also very popular.

So let’s enjoy a Syrian meal:

The Menu

 First Course

Muhammara (Hot Pepper Dip)

Served with Syrian Flat Bread  

Main Course

 Kibbeh Bil Sanieh (Baked Lamb and Bulger Pie)

Dessert

H’risseh (Semolina Nut Cake)

We set the scene with the colors of the flag; red, black white and green.  We decorated with pomegranate and citrus, as well as cotton and wheat, as they are important crops to Syria.  Olives were placed to represent the most ancient agricultural product in Syria.  Jasmine, which is the national flower, was placed. (Damascus, the capital city, is also known as the “City of Jasmine.”)

We began with a popular mezze dish, called muhammara.  A spicy red pepper dip was made with Aleppo pepper, walnuts, lemon juice and my favorite, pomegranate molasses.  This complex dip is spectacular and we savored it on freshly made Syrian pita bread.

For the main course, we loved the national dish called, Kibbeh Bil Sanieh.  This is a true comfort dish, somewhat similar to a meatloaf but with a much more delicious flavor.  We thoroughly enjoyed this lamb dish alongside a simple yogurt sauce. 

For dessert, we devoured the regional dessert made famous in the small town of Nabak, not far from Damascus on the way to Aleppo, that is known for its h’risseh.  The name for this delicious semolina nut cake might be a bit confusing, as it also describes a Lebanese savory dish.  However, in Syria there is no mistaking the name.  We enjoyed every bite of this sweet, nut covered cake alongside a cup of coffee which, would be traditional there.

As we say goodbye to Syria I do so with a prayer that this nation will end its bloody civil war and somehow find its way to peace.  I am thrilled that my nephew has fallen in love with a beautiful Syrian woman named Rana, who will soon become part of my extended family.  I can’t wait to cook many more Syrian dishes with her.  

Until next time,

Be safe.

Darlene

How did Switzerland get its name?

The name Switzerland comes from one of its original provinces (known as cantons) called Schwyz.  The etymology of Schwyz is uncertain, but believed to be derived from a Germanic name.  The English adjective, Swiss, is derived from the French, Suisse, which has been used since the 16^th century. The Swiss call their country Schweizerisch. 

Where is Switzerland located?

This small, mountainous country famous for the Alps, is located in Central Europe.  It is a landlocked country that lies between France and Italy and is also bordered by Austria, Germany and Liechtenstein.  The majority of the population lives in the plateau, between the high Alps, which includes the famous Matterhorn in the south, and the Jura mountains, in the north.  It is beautiful; a home to some 7000 lakes that are so clear, you can see all the way to the bottom.  The largest is Lake Geneva, which is shared with France, where it is known as Lac Leman.

A Brief History of Switzerland

Switzerland originally was inhabited by Celtic tribes.  In the first century BC, Rome conquered the land, and it was a Roman province for 500 years.  In 1291, the families of Unterwalden, Uri and Schwyz formed a union of the three cantons and became an independent country.  It is one of the oldest nations in Europe.  It became formally independent of the Holy Roman Empire in 1499. Napoleon invaded the country in 1797, however he was defeated.  The Congress of Vienna gave Switzerland the status of permanent armed, neutrality in 1815.

The constitution was adopted in 1848 and took many of its principles from the US Constitution.  It does not allow for troops to be sent to serve in foreign wars. They have remained neutral in conflicts around the world, including both major world wars.  Military service is compulsory for Swiss men, aged 18 and over.  Switzerland is one of the most armed civilian nations but has one of the lowest crime rates.  Once they finish their service, all of them are supposed to take their assault rifles or pistols home, however without any ammunition.  The country is made up of 26 cantons, which form the confederation.  Independence Day is celebrated on August 1^st, when the Swiss Confederation was founded back in 1291.

Switzerland has not fought an international war since 1815.  They joined the United Nations in 2002 and has its second largest headquarters is in Geneva. They pursue an active foreign policy and are frequently involved in peace-building missions around the world.  Switzerland is also the birthplace of the Red Cross; one of the world’s oldest and best known humanitarian organizations.  

They are not part of the European Union, maintaining their own currency, the Swiss franc.  They are part of the Schengen Area, as one of the 26 participating countries.  Switzerland has the highest nominal wealth per adult, ranks eighth highest for GDP, and has been considered a tax haven.

Swiss Culture

Switzerland is home to about 8-½ million people. They are highly educated and considered very smart.  They have a large immigrant population.  It is a diverse and multilingual country with four national languages including German, French, Italian and Romansh.  Each canton has its unique cultural features and many dialects. 

The Swiss Alps have played a major role in creating the history and cultural diversity of Switzerland. Nowadays, all mountain areas have a strong skiing and mountaineering culture and are associated with folk arts like the alphorn and yodeling.  Embroidery and wood carving are also important traditions.  The Swiss chalet is also an important architectural heritage.

Switzerland ranks second highest in the world after Japan for life expectancy.  Perhaps it is the clean, mountain air and a society that loves nature and enjoys high quality health care.  Switzerland ranks top in the world in many categories, like having the highest salary and job security, low unemployment rate, and two of the most livable cities, being Zurich and Geneva.  It is not cheap to live in Switzerland.  In fact, Zurich is listed as the world’s third most expensive city to live in.  They are considered one of the smartest countries, especially in math and science, and it is where Albert Einstein developed his famous formula, e=mc².  They also have produced numerous Nobel Laureates, most coming from science.  Switzerland is probably most renowned for its banks and watches.

Swiss Cuisine

Switzerland was historically a country of farmers, so traditional dishes tend to be plain and made from simple ingredients.  Many Swiss favorites are variations and combinations of potatoes, meat and cheese with different types of sauces. 

One of the most well-known dishes is, cheese fondue.  Especially when made with melted cheese, like gruyere and emmentaler.  Along with a touch of wine and dried bread cubes served in a traditional pot called a caquelon, it is beloved.  Another favorite is the cow’s milk cheese, called raclette.  It is cooked by heating the cheese and scraping off the melted part and serving with potatoes, onions, gherkins and cured meats.  The national dish is considered to be rosti.  It was originally served for breakfast in the canton of Bern.  It is made from grated and cooked potatoes, similar to hash browns, or on a fritter but today, is served plain or with add-ons.

Muesli, is a Swiss invention from the early 1900s. It is a breakfast dish of rolled oats with dried or fresh fruits, nuts and seeds.  It is typically served with milk or yogurt and is now found all over the world.

Of course, the Swiss are also known for chocolate and are likely the best chocolate experts in the world.  Lindt and Cailler are world-famous.  The Swiss make about 180,000 tons of chocolate each year, and about 11 kilos are consumed per person, each year.  Despite this, they have the lowest obesity rate in all of Europe.

Switzerland has a unique position to incorporate the best culinary traditions of its neighbors; namely: France, Italy and Germany, as well its own national and regional specialties, making it a culinary delight.

So let’s enjoy a Swiss meal:

The Menu

 First Course

Raclette (Melted Cheese with Potatoes, Cured Meats and Pickles)

Main Course

    Zurcher Geschnetzeltes (Zurich style Veal in Cream Sauce)

Served with:

Swiss Rosti (Fried Potato Fritter)

Dessert

Engadiner Nusstorte (Walnut Pie)

We set the scene with the colors of the flag; red and white.  We decorated with a raclette grill, a picture of the famous Matterhorn, a Swiss army knife, a Swiss radio watch, a tube of Toblerone chocolate, a cow figurine and some Swiss cheese.

Our first course was the delicious raclette; melted cheese.  I bought a raclette grill, and I am in love.  Who wouldn’t be, with things covered in melted, delicious cheese?  It is a popular way to throw a dinner party these days and there are all sorts of fun raclette grills you can buy to cook for a crowd.  If you haven’t ever tried this, I would highly recommend it.

Our main course was a typical Swiss dish; the Zurich style, veal in cream sauce.  It was divine!  Tender pieces of veal were smothered in a hearty, cream sauce.  It was served with what is considered to be the national dish of Switzerland, rosti!  This is a crispy and delicious potato fritter which added a lovely texture to the meal.  Rosti could be enjoyed with any meal of the day.

For dessert, the walnut pie called, Engadiner Nusstorte, was the epitome of a pie.  Although the crust was a bit tricky to work with, it is a simple recipe that is well worth the effort.  

We enjoyed our meal with a bottle of Swiss wine; one of Switzerland’s best-kept secrets.  They have been growing grapes in the region since Roman times.  The Swiss love their wine and actually don’t export too much of it.  One of their most famous wine growing areas is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site which dates back to the 12^th century, when monks planted the Dezaley vineyard in terraces on the slopes next to Lake Geneva.  When you enjoy your Swiss wine, you can say “Cheers” with “Sante’, Proscht” or “Salute,” depending on the language of the area.  Just make sure you look the person in the eye when you clink your glasses.

After dinner, we sat down to enjoy the movie Heidi, based on the famous children’s book’s written by Swiss author, Johanna Spyri, back in 1881. Heidi is a lovely story, sure to warm the heart.

Until next time,

Warmest regards,

Darlene