People in Middle East

The Iranian coast along the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormoz is different than the country inland. Here the ancient Persian culture meets the Arabic world in a diverse and chaotic manner. The women's burkas are also more colourful here (well, not entirely black) and some even wear the region's traditional mask, as a state of fashion. A good place for seeing these oddly attractive masked women is the huge Thursday market in the pleasant town of Minab. People come from all around the region to sell, buy, and browse this big and messy market, where everything from the latest plastic gadget from Arabia to livestock and, well, masks are for sale.

Well aware that people hardly qualify as a place, we list them anyway for they make the country what it is. Many visitors' finest memory of Syria is the people, for they are extremely friendly and welcoming. You are constantly met with courtesy and curiosity, and of course endless invitations for tea. If you look a bit lost, strangers will take you by the hand and lead you to your destination. A shy "al-salaam alaykum" and a smile will open many doors and get you a lot closer to the soul of Syria than any visit to a ruin will.