In an op-ed by Zedoun Alzoubi and Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj, published in Arabic in Fan W Nas Magazine on May 6, 2024, the discussion of Syrian identity in the realm of music and language is brought to the forefront. It poses significant questions about the cultural representation and recognition of Syria, especially through its dialect and music.

Titled "When will we sing in Syrian?!", the op-ed addresses the pervasive use of the Egyptian dialect in popular music, despite Syria's rich array of local talents and dialects. The authors notes how iconic artists have predominantly sung in Egyptian, overshadowing Syria's own linguistic nuances in the musical landscape.

The piece strikes at the core of a larger cultural and political issue: the lack of a distinct Syrian identity in broader Arab and global contexts. It highlights that even the Syrian national anthem lacks the word “Syria,” and the cuisine is often referred to as Levantine or Aleppian, rather than Syrian, underscoring a reluctance to claim a unified national culture.

The op-ed delves deeper into the historical context, explaining how post-Ottoman and French colonial influences fragmented the Syrian identity, promoting an Arab identity over a uniquely Syrian one. The formation of the United Arab Republic with Egypt is cited as an example of Syria’s overshadowed sovereignty and diluted national identity.

The authors use the metaphor of a building with a missing first floor to describe Syria's national identity—rich in local and regional heritage but lacking a cohesive national layer. They argue that this lack of a well-defined Syrian heritage has left the nation without a clear identity, making it difficult for its people to embrace and celebrate a shared cultural narrative.

Moreover, the authors criticize the notion that certain dialects are not suited for music, calling out the cultural elitism that elevates some Arabic dialects over others. They question why Syrian dialects are not celebrated in the same way, advocating for a more inclusive approach to national identity that recognizes and values Syria’s diverse cultural mosaic.

The op-ed ends with a call to acknowledge and celebrate Syrian culture in its own right, not as a subset of Arab identity but as a sovereign entity with its own rich traditions, languages, and history. The authors’ words urge readers to reconsider what it means to be Syrian and to embrace a Syrian identity that is not only Arab but uniquely and proudly Syrian.

The authors reflections provide a critical perspective on the challenges of defining and promoting a Syrian national identity in a complex socio-political landscape. It is a call to Syrians and the world alike to recognize and celebrate the unique cultural heritage of Syria, paving the way for a richer, more inclusive understanding of what it means to be Syrian in today's world.

Watch a video about the op-ed on Facebook >