Syria is a relatively populous Western Asian country on the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the nations that are considered to have once formed the cradle of civilization. The official language is Arabic, but Kurdish is also widely spoken in some regions, and Kurds are a significant community that make up nearly 15% of the population. The terrain includes a bit of a mix of dry plateaus and rivers, but overall the climate is hot and arid. Native animal species include falcons, big lizards, and striped hyenas. Mainstays of the economy include agriculture, industry, and services. Recent years have really hit tourism hard, among other sectors, and many governments warn their citizens to stay away from war-torn Syria. Do be careful if you go. Those who appreciate archaeology must visit Palmyra, which was an extremely important city in ancient times. The site was inhabited in Palaeolithic and Neolithic eras, and its main avenue or Colonnade is especially impressive. Explore a modern urban environment with touches of the past at Aleppo’s souq, a fascinating, labyrinthine market.

Rice and wheat (in forms such as flatbread or bulgur grain) are common starchy staples. Typical vegetables include cucumber, eggplant, and tomatoes. Lamb and beef are popular, but not all Syrians can afford to eat meat frequently. Kebabs with Aleppo pepper seasoning are one pretty common meaty dish. Variations include kebabs with pomegranate molasses and cherries, or kebab kamayeh with truffles and nuts. Try fatteh, which is a great use for old pita bread. The Damascene version submerges stiff bread in clarified sheep butter along with roasted almonds and flavorings such as parsley. It does sound fatty in an appealing way! You eat figs or other fruit along with some tea, possibly made with mint or hibiscus, for a pleasant post-meal experience.