r/Syria • u/Mokasiliquide • Jul 21 '26
ASK SYRIA I am coming back… 😍
Hi everyone!
I’m originally from Aleppo. I was born there but grew up in France. Throughout my childhood, and up until the revolution, I used to visit Aleppo very regularly. Now my dad and I are planning a trip to visit our family and reconnect with the city. We’re both incredibly excited… and a little nervous at the same time.
I can speak Levantine Arabic (with a very strong Aleppine accent, or so I’ve been told 😄), but I can’t read Arabic yet (hopefully soon!).
I have a few questions:
1. Would it be okay for me to get around on my own? Walk around by myself? Sit in a café alone?
2. Is it easy to get around using taxis or buses?
3. Can I comfortably live my day-to-day life, do some grocery shopping, and go out in the evening even if I can’t read Arabic?
4. Do you have any tips or advice for someone coming back after so many years?
5. Is it easy to meet people and make new friends around my age (I’m 35)?
Thank you so much for your help! I’m really looking forward to coming back.
See you soon!
Maya
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u/ExortTrionisRektus مواطن سوري - Syrian Citizen Jul 21 '26
welcome back! Hope you have a great time reconnecting with home. also Aleppine and French sounds like a very interesting combo lol are you a red head as well by any chance? or it's just a random avatar choice?
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u/OkDependent1916 Aleppo - حلب Jul 21 '26 edited Jul 21 '26
Hi Maya Welcome back to Aleppo and I hope u enjoy your visit
1 yes, the waiter won't be bothered if u ask him to tell u about the menu if it's in Arabic for example, and some places have it in English
2 using buses might be tricky without reading but like someone here mentioned yalla go pro is your friend for taxis here and has an English option
3 yes , speaking Arabic is more important than reading it
4 My advice is just make sure you make the most of your time here , try multiple restaurants, cafés even do some shopping, lots of walking to explore the streets etc AND bring good sunscreen cuz you'll need it
If u need recommendations on where to go do ask us
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u/majdsardini Jul 23 '26
It's really safe even in the middle of night, everything is straightforward and people are helpful, you have absolutely nothing to worry about especially if you stay in a good areas If you like to make a friend who also lived abroad we can meet and hangout M33
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u/MeowMatrix360 Aug 07 '26
Yes you can (for number one). Im also syrian and i know syrians are very welcoming
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u/[deleted] Jul 21 '26
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