How did the earthquake affect Syria’s dams and rivers?
Questions remain about the impact on Syria’s waterways from the February 6 earthquake, which affected several dams and led to localized flooding.
16
02, 2023
30
01, 2023
Northeastern Syria marks two years of legal paralysis as de facto authorities struggle to issue new land registry
In northeastern Syria, the lack of an accurate land registry prompted de facto authorities to suspend most ongoing court cases regarding property rights. Two years later, legal paralysis prevails.
9
12, 2022
Clan conflicts in Syria: Seeds of revenge grow under the ashes amid attempts to renew customary law
Years of war and shifts in the balance of power in Syria have left a deep mark on Syria’s clans, contributing to more frequent conflicts, complicating traditional authorities’ reconciliation efforts and laying the groundwork for future acts of revenge.
30
11, 2022
Turkish strikes on energy infrastructure disrupt essential services, fuel pollution in northeastern Syria
Recent Turkish airstrikes and shelling damaged oil fields and power plants in SDF-held northeastern Syria, threatening a prolonged energy crisis and exacerbating widespread environmental pollution in the area.
25
11, 2022
Days of airstrikes and rumblings of a long-threatened Turkish offensive in northern Syria after Istanbul bombing
Ground shelling continued on Friday after days of heavy Turkish airstrikes on territory held by Kurdish forces in Syria and Iraq, while Turkish President Erdoğan renewed his vow to launch a long-threatened ground operation in northern Syria
28
10, 2022
Seeds of Syria: How a birthplace of agriculture lost troves of its native crops, and why we should all worry
Home to the wild ancestors of our most important crops, Syria once hosted one of the world’s biggest seed banks and grew several native varieties of wheat. But this collapsed during the war, and Syrians are now struggling to find good-quality seeds. How did the country lose its seed treasure, and with it, a wealth of genetic resources for humanity?
3
10, 2022
‘Daughter of Kurds’: Meet the social media queen fighting to preserve rural cultural heritage in northeastern Syria (Photos)
From her small village in northeastern Syria, Keça Kurda tries to preserve Kurdish cultural heritage and to pass it on to younger generations through social media.
28
09, 2022
The dying bees of Syria
Beekeeping is an ancient tradition in Syria, where native bees used to produce world-famous honey. But decades of intensive farming, economic hardship and environmental degradation have shattered the delicate relationships that once united bees and humans.
15
09, 2022
‘For sale due to travel’: Syrians sell homes, land and cars to cover migration costs
In SDF-held northeastern Syria, residents are selling and mortgaging their land and houses as a last resort to finance costly, and potentially deadly, journeys to Europe.
3
09, 2022
Turkey hunts SDF forces in ‘indirect war’ ahead of anticipated military operation
Recent months have seen a marked escalation in Turkish strikes against the SDF and allied groups. Syria Direct tracked the killing of 24 military personnel—commanders and personnel—from July 1 to August 20.