Debate series: Syrian Culture in Times of Conflict

Throughout the course of a year, Firma Alexandra Sandels and Sharq.org produced and moderated a series of 13 live debates on Syria on how the conflict has impacted the country, its people and culture, engaging 45 panelists and hundreds of participants.

The series, Syrian Culture in Times of Conflict, were hosted in both Beirut and Stockholm between 2014 and 2015 with support from the Swedish Institute.

All the discussions were recorded and can be accessed at SyrianCulture.Sharq.Org in the original language in which the debate was held (either English or Arabic) or with English or Arabic subtitling.

Debate topics:

• Religious extremism within Syrian society: How deep and permanent is the impact?

• Women’s empowerment: How permanent are the recent gains made by Syrian women?

• Can the Syrian diaspora play a role in rebuilding Syrian society?

• Freedom of Expression: How freely can we speak now?

• How does migration affect the outlook and future of Syrian youth?

• Funding culture in times of distress – why support arts & culture when relief efforts are under-funded?

• Preserving musical heritage: Does Syria need its past to build a creative future?

• Preserving artistic identity – How do Western genres influence Syrian voices?

• Can cultural initiatives help heal fractured societies?

• The role of Syrian cultural actors – Do Syrian artists have a duty to reflect the conflict in their works?

• Rebuilding Aleppo – lessons from Beirut and Bosnia

• Patronage & funding for Syrian arts and culture

• Keeping Syrian culture alive in times of conflict