Damascus Syria Travel Tips

Damascus Travel Etiquette:

While providing specific travel and cultural tips for Damascus is challenging given the current situation in Syria, here are some general travel and cultural etiquette tips that apply to many parts of the Middle East and will be helpful for future travel:

General Tips:

  • Greetings:

    • Handshake: A handshake is the standard greeting for men. It’s common for a light handshake followed by placing your right hand over your heart when meeting someone for the first time.** This shows respect and signifies a sincere greeting.
    • Eye Contact: Maintaining eye contact during conversations is important in many Middle Eastern cultures, including Syria, as it shows you are listening and engaged.

  • Dress Code: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. This means covering your shoulders and knees.

    • For Men: Long pants and shirts are the norm.
    • For Women:
      • Clothing should cover the body from shoulder to knees.
      • Loose-fitting clothing is preferred over anything tight or revealing.
      • A headscarf (hijab) is generally a good idea for women when entering religious sites, as a sign of respect and cultural sensitivity.

Clothing Etiquette for Visiting Mosques:

  • Covering Up:

    • Women: Must cover their hair, arms, and legs with loose-fitting clothing.
    • Men: Should wear shirts that cover their chest and avoid clothing with images or slogans that could be considered offensive in a religious context.

  • Dress Code for Mosques:

    • Clothing:
      • Women: May need to wear a long, loose dress or abaya, and a headscarf to cover their hair while entering a mosque.
      • Shoes: It’s customary to remove your shoes before entering a mosque. Some mosques may have a designated area for taking off shoes.

  • Dress Code Etiquette for Religious Sites in General:

    • Respectful attire: Cover your shoulders and knees, regardless of gender.
    • Photography: Be mindful of the cultural sensitivities surrounding photography. It’s often best to ask for permission before taking pictures of people or religious artifacts.
    • Noise Levels: Maintain quiet and respectful noise levels in and around religious sites.

  • Other Etiquette:

    • Respectful Behavior: Avoid loud talking, public displays of affection, and pointing at people or things.**
    • Shoes: Remove shoes before entering a mosque (or any other place of worship).

General Tips for Respecting Syrian Culture (in safer times):

  • Dress Modestly: As mentioned above, modesty is important. This means covering up your shoulders and knees in public spaces.

    • Bring a scarf: Even if you are not Muslim, it’s a sign of respect to cover your head when entering religious sites.**

  • Shoes:

    • Taking them off:

Remember that Syria is a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. While the tips above are important for understanding local customs, be sure to research current travel advisories before planning any trip to the region.

Other Tips:

  • Greetings:

    • Modesty: Respectful greetings like “Salam” (peace) or “As-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you) are appropriate for all situations.

  • Dress:

Religious Sites: Remember that many religious sites are sacred and visitors should dress respectfully.

  • Hospitality: Be prepared to accept the hospitality of Syrians, who are known for their warmth and generosity. It’s considered rude to refuse an offer of food or drink from a host.

  • Greetings:

  • Dining: It’s customary to eat with your right hand only.

    • Refusing food: If offered food, it’s polite to politely accept a small amount. Refusing too much can be seen as disrespectful.

    • Hospitality and Food:

      • Dress code: Dress conservatively for meals.

  • Hospitality:

    • Respectful attire:

  • Hospitality: Be aware of the importance of hospitality in Syrian culture. They may offer you food, drinks, or coffee. Accepting these gestures is important and considered polite.

  • Dining:

Important Note:

It’s crucial to remember that due to the ongoing conflict in Syria, travel to certain areas can be dangerous and tourism has been severely impacted.** It’s highly recommended to check with the local authorities and embassies for updated safety information and recommendations before traveling to Damascus or other cities.