Syrian businesses, including those in the tourism and wine industries, have struggled to adapt to the cultural flux that has followed the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime. A year on from the toppling of his government, entrepreneurs like Shadi Jarjour, owner of the Jarjour winery in Tartous, are navigating a new landscape where traditional symbols and practices are being reevaluated.
In response to the changing cultural climate, many businesses have shifted their focus towards more "rebellious" products. For example, Ali's old tourist shop on the boardwalk has replaced its pre-Assad merchandise with new items featuring revolutionary slogans and pictures of rebel fighters. This shift reflects a desire to distance themselves from the previous regime and tap into the country's newfound sense of freedom.
However, not all businesses have been able to adapt as easily. The wine industry, in particular, faces challenges due to a lack of clear laws governing the sale of alcohol in Syria. Jarjour's winery, one of the oldest in the world, is unable to sell its products despite producing high-quality wines. The uncertainty surrounding the country's new laws has left many entrepreneurs like Jarjour waiting for clarity.
In other areas, Syrians are embracing their newfound freedom by reviving old practices and cultural expressions that were previously suppressed under the Assad regime. For example, plays about the brutality of the past and revolutionary songs have become popular forms of entertainment. However, this newfound expression comes with a warning: authorities are learning to reign over the country, not just its provinces.
As Jarjour continues to navigate these changing waters, he remains optimistic about his winery's future. He hopes to expand the business into new markets within Syria and eventually export his products globally, creating a brand that represents his country on an international stage. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the country's laws, Jarjour is determined to make his vision a reality.
The story of Syrian businesses struggling to adapt to the post-Assad era serves as a microcosm for the larger cultural shift taking place in the country. As Syrians learn to interact with their new authorities and navigate the boundaries of expression, they are also forging a new identity that blends past traditions with modern sensibilities.
In response to the changing cultural climate, many businesses have shifted their focus towards more "rebellious" products. For example, Ali's old tourist shop on the boardwalk has replaced its pre-Assad merchandise with new items featuring revolutionary slogans and pictures of rebel fighters. This shift reflects a desire to distance themselves from the previous regime and tap into the country's newfound sense of freedom.
However, not all businesses have been able to adapt as easily. The wine industry, in particular, faces challenges due to a lack of clear laws governing the sale of alcohol in Syria. Jarjour's winery, one of the oldest in the world, is unable to sell its products despite producing high-quality wines. The uncertainty surrounding the country's new laws has left many entrepreneurs like Jarjour waiting for clarity.
In other areas, Syrians are embracing their newfound freedom by reviving old practices and cultural expressions that were previously suppressed under the Assad regime. For example, plays about the brutality of the past and revolutionary songs have become popular forms of entertainment. However, this newfound expression comes with a warning: authorities are learning to reign over the country, not just its provinces.
As Jarjour continues to navigate these changing waters, he remains optimistic about his winery's future. He hopes to expand the business into new markets within Syria and eventually export his products globally, creating a brand that represents his country on an international stage. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the country's laws, Jarjour is determined to make his vision a reality.
The story of Syrian businesses struggling to adapt to the post-Assad era serves as a microcosm for the larger cultural shift taking place in the country. As Syrians learn to interact with their new authorities and navigate the boundaries of expression, they are also forging a new identity that blends past traditions with modern sensibilities.
. But at the same time, I feel bad for these entrepreneurs who lost everything and are still figuring out what's going on. The wine industry is so lucky they have such a rich history, but Jarjour's winery sounds like its really struggling to get back on track 
. Im curious tho, how do you think the authorities will balance giving Syrians freedom with keeping them in check?
. but seriously, jarjour's winery is struggling because of lack of clear laws on alcohol sales 
. like, plays about past brutality? revolutionary songs? that's some powerful stuff 
. but at the same time, you can tell authorities are getting in on the action too, trying to control what's being expressed and consumed 
.
. he's all about spreading syrian culture globally and making his winery a thing 
. fingers crossed it works out for him!
idk how these businesses are even operating right now... like, where's the clarity on those booze laws? 
. I'm curious to see how this whole Syrian identity thing plays out though - it's gonna be a wild ride, for sure! 
It's crazy how fast things change, right? Like remember those tourist shops on the boardwalk with Assad merchandise? Now they've got rebellious slogans and rebel fighter pictures... it's wild 
! It's like they're reinventing themselves from scratch, and I am here for it 
! Those wine businesses are just dying to get their products out there, but the laws are all up in the air like a drama queen 
. Can't wait to see what the future holds for Jarjour's winery and Syria as a whole! Maybe we'll even get to try some of that famous Syrian wine soon 
.
alr 1 yr since Assad went down & ppl r stil figgering out how 2 b free 
on da other hand, theres a shift towards more "rebellious" products 
but at da end of da day, its all bout findin ur new voice & expressin urself in a world thats changin fast 
. And on top of that, some entrepreneurs are tryin' to cash in on their "rebellious" vibes by sellin' merch with revolutionary slogans – talk about a way to make some quick cash 
! But seriously, I'm worried about Jarjour and his winery, 'specially since it's one of the oldest in the world 
. It's like, what's gonna happen if they can't figure out these laws? 
. Can we please just focus on rebuildin' & growin' somethin' real instead of cashin' in on the "revolution" hype?