Syria National Day

Syria National Day

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  1. 1920French mandate begins after the short-lived Arab Kingdom
  2. 1946Last French troops leave Syria on Evacuation Day
  3. 2011Uprising begins and develops into devastating civil war

The story behind the day

17 April marks Evacuation Day in Syria, commemorating the departure of the last French troops in 1946. The date is Syria's national day because it represents the end of the French mandate and the achievement of full independence.

The day became a major state holiday, but modern Syrian identity has been profoundly reshaped by coups, Baath Party rule, the Assad family and the civil war that began in 2011. Any national celebration now carries the weight of displacement and contested legitimacy.

Today official observance depends on territory and politics, with state ceremonies, flags and speeches in government-held areas, while many Syrians experience the date through exile, memory and loss. Visitors must read the holiday through both heritage and conflict.

Across Syrian culture, national belonging is also carried by food, music, Arabic poetry, Damascene craft, Aleppo memory, family hospitality and diaspora gatherings far from home.

  1. 202617 April 2026 · Friday
  2. 202717 April 2027 · Saturday
  3. 202817 April 2028 · Monday
The Syrian flag
Syria flag

Syria's official flag has red, white and black horizontal bands with two green stars, using Pan-Arab colours. The stars originally represented Syria and Egypt in the United Arab Republic. Because of the civil war, different political groups have also used different Syrian flags.

Syrian food is Levantine, generous and city-proud, with Aleppo and Damascus known for mezze, kebabs, grains, pistachios, sweets and coffee.

What to eat

KibbehBulgur and minced meat shaped raw, baked or fried.
FattehLayered bread, chickpeas, yoghurt, tahini and nuts.
MahshiVegetables stuffed with rice, herbs and meat.
ShawarmaSpiced meat roasted on a vertical spit and wrapped in bread.
MuhammaraAleppo pepper and walnut dip with olive oil and pomegranate molasses.
BaklavaLayered pastry with pistachios or walnuts and syrup.

What to drink

Arabic coffeeCardamom coffee served for guests and formal visits.
JallabDate and grape molasses drink with nuts and ice.
AyranSalted yoghurt drink served with grilled food.
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Syria culture

Syrian culture is one of the Levant's great urban traditions, shaped by Damascus, Aleppo, Arabic music, Islamic architecture, Christian communities, craft and a vast diaspora.

Damascus old cityThe ancient capital holds mosques, churches, markets and courtyard houses.
Aleppo musicClassical song traditions and muwashshah are central to Syrian heritage.
Umayyad MosqueThe Damascus mosque is one of the most important Islamic monuments.
Diaspora gatheringsSyrians abroad preserve food, music and national memory through community events.