Avoid talking about the Syrian political situation unless your counterpart initiates the conversation. It is a sensitive and painful topic; they may not wish to recall or think about it.
--NH
20
Never ask a man about his female family members.
--NH
10
Do not swear in presence of women.
--NH
10
Avoid telling dirty jokes. Such humour is not appreciated
--NH
00
Do not patronise or talk down to a Syrian for having poor English skills.
--NH
00
Civil marriage cannot be contracted inside Syria.
--NH
00
Do not take pictures of ANY kind of checkpoint, military office, or any soldier. This can get you into a lot of trouble.
--Isham
00
You must go for Bekdash ice cream in the Hamadiya market in the old city of Damascus! With Pistachios and 'Ushta (Custard Apple) on top.
--Isham
20
Lunch is eaten in the early afternoon at around 2:00 or 3:00pm. It is usually the largest meal of the day whilst dinner is eaten late and is a similar size to breakfast.
--NH
20
Instead of saying Shukran when people give you something, most people say Selimoon to mean Bless your hands.
--Isham
10
Formal suits are necessary for business.
--NH
10
If you are sitting on the food table and having a food plate next to you it's would be very nice of you to ask others if you would give them some of it.
--NH
10
We eat most of the food in bread and with a spoon.
--NH
10
If you are having some kind of wrap like shawarma eat it with your hands not using a fork.
--NH
10
If you are invited in ramadan it's very nice of you to start with water / dates just like the fasting people.
--NH
10
Must try Jazmaz (syrian shakshuka) features soft and creamy eggs cooked in a spicy chile and tomato sauce.
Top it with fresh herbs and chopped olives and serve it with warm bread.
--NH
00
Must try Kibbeh: it is a type of croquette. It features bulgur (a wheat grain common in the Middle East), your choice of ground meat, pine nuts, onion, garlic, and spices.
--NH
