PROFILE: Writer lifts veil on Syrian life

By AYAKO KARINO / Asahi Shimbun News Service

Ammar Abdulhamid’s daring debut novel “Menstruation,” which examines the issues of sexuality and repression, has been banned in the author’s conservative Muslim homeland.

Syrian writer Ammar Abdulhamid has come a long way to publish his first novel, the provocatively titled “Menstruation.” It was only through his journey into various aspects of Islamic fundamentalism and his struggles to come to terms with his own identity and religious beliefs that he was able to write his daring debut, which explores in depth the contemporary issues of sexuality, self-awareness and repression within the conservative religious framework of Syria. Continue reading “PROFILE: Writer lifts veil on Syrian life” →

Manners and Customs of Modern Day Damascenes

Not sure where this article was eventually published, but it was written around 2002 as part of a travel guide of sorts.

To speak of the manners and customs of modern-day Damascenes is not an easy task, the people of Damascus are simply too varied to allow for making the necessary generalizations in this regard.

For in addition to the multiplicity of religions, sects and ethnic groups, and the multifarious levels of westernization prevalent everywhere, the Damascene stands as a staunch “rugged individualist” basking in, rather than hiding underneath, that amazing layer of traditions which he/she has to follow to keep the vestiges of a seven thousands years old culture going. Continue reading “Manners and Customs of Modern Day Damascenes” →

Syriarama: A brief history of the Syrian Film Industry

An article published in Impressions, the British Airways inflight magazine.

You never heard of Syrian cinema? Well, you don’t have to worry about that, for it doesn’t exactly mean that you are an ignoramus. You are simply out of touch with the goings-on of international film festivals, especially those of the former Eastern Block countries where Syrian films have won more than their fair share of awards throughout the years.

Cinema became known in Syria in 1908 when people in Damascus had the opportunity to watch some cartoons in some of the traditional coffeehouses. The show moved to Aleppo in 1912. Continue reading “Syriarama: A brief history of the Syrian Film Industry” →

Going underground

By Richard Woffenden

Ammar Abdulhamid’s debut novel creates an image of a Syrian underworld

Set in contemporary Damascus, Ammar Abdulhamid’s debut novel is going to upset people. Its title, Menstruation, leaves readers in no doubt that Abdulhamid is not about to pull any punches when it comes to taboo subjects. Clearly a reaction to repression in itself, the novel looks at the effect of conservative values on society, particularly the young. Continue reading “Going underground” →