[custom_adv] Three exiled Syrian bands, playing three very different types of music, in three different countries. But one thing unites them all — a love for music, rather than politics or war, is their driving passion. [custom_adv] The couple joined tens of thousands of Syrians making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean to Greece during 2015. They almost drowned in the rough waters off Izmir before reaching Samos, 50km away. [custom_adv] That same year the Syrian authorities closed down a record store in nearby Hama. It was where the city’s metal-heads would hang out, but the officials put a stop to that by setting the CDs and merchandise alight in the street outside the shop. [custom_adv] The crackdown followed a scandal in Lebanon in 2006 when heavy metal fans were rounded up and thrown in prison after media scare stories accused them of worshipping the devil and sacrificing animals. [custom_adv] It was all nonsense, of course, but Syrian metal fans had seen it before: as far back as the late 1990s the authorities had launched regular crackdowns on the scene in Aleppo, Homs and Damascus, as did the authorities in Egypt and Lebanon. [custom_adv] Syria was ostensibly a secular country, but its population — whether Shia or Sunni — was for the most part devout and sceptical about the perceived vices that come with rock ‘n’ roll. It was a reaction to this conservatism that led Monzer to feel the pull of heavy metal. [custom_adv] For the first time ever in the history of the United States, we invite you to join on September 3rd for Syria Fest, a free family-friendly cultural festival showcasing the beauty of Syria and its people. [custom_adv] From the markets of Damascus, the music of Aleppo, the sweets of Hama, and more, Syria Fest will bring Syrian heritage, culture, and cuisine to the heart of our nation’s capital. The festival is organized by the Syrian Cultural House and volunteers. [custom_adv] Knowing that the festival will coincide with the celebration of Eid, one of the happiest times of year in Syria, the Fest’s “Syrian Eid” theme became a central organizing pillar for us. Our goal is to bring friends and family of different backgrounds together over delectable food, nostalgic musical and dance performances, and engaging games and rides for kids. [custom_adv] Due to its strategic location in the heart of the Middle East between Asia and Europe, Syria has contributed centuries of culture, art, and civilization to the world. Damascus and Aleppo are among the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world, older than Athens and Rome. [custom_adv] With its rich history, Syria is home to myriads of ethnic and religious groups, which guests will get to interact with throughout the Syria Fest’s Cultural Tent, kids’ activities, and dance performances.
