Our Syrian culture around "starting your own business" aka Startup-ing

Have you ever wondered how Syrians' perception of "starting your own business" has changed? From the world of traditional markets and family shops to the dream of startups and digital platforms, Syrian business culture has undergone a radical transformation that was never anticipated.

Deep Roots: When Commerce Was "The Craft of Ancestors"

Traditional Foundations of Syrian Business

In pre-2011 Syria, the idea of "starting your own business" was primarily linked to family traditions and established social networks. Personal relationships played a central role in Syrian business culture, where Syrians preferred working with people they knew, and trust was the foundation of good business. This culture was rooted in the concept that credibility in business was more connected to personal qualities than financial capabilities.

Traditional markets like the Hamidiyeh Souq in Damascus represented a living model of this culture, where each market specialized in specific products - the Bzouriyeh Souq for spices and grains, the tailors' market for fabrics, and the gold market for jewelry. This family specialization was inherited from generation to generation, and family businesses constituted more than 65% of small and medium enterprises.

The Golden Era: Syria as a Commercial Hub

Historically, Syria was an important commercial center due to its strategic location on ancient trade routes, especially the Silk Road. This rich commercial heritage formed part of Syrian identity, where Syrian merchants were known for their negotiation skills and ability to build trade networks across the region.

Before the conflict, Syria witnessed signs of growth in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, with the establishment of the Syrian Young Entrepreneurs Association in 2001, followed by the creation of the Syrian Investment Agency in 2007. These steps indicated a gradual shift in perspective toward entrepreneurship as an alternative to the traditional search for employment.

The Radical Transformation: When Crisis Changed the Rules of the Game

From Survival to Innovation

The conflict that began in 2011 didn't just destroy the Syrian economy; it radically changed the concept of entrepreneurship. What was once a luxury or secondary choice became a necessity for survival. The gross domestic product contracted by 54% between 2010 and 2021, and more than 90% of Syrians came to live in poverty.

In this harsh context, a new culture around "starting projects" evolved - a culture driven by necessity and creativity simultaneously. Entrepreneurship was no longer just a personal ambition; it became a strategy for adapting to the new reality.

The Numbers Speak: A Shift in Perspective

One of the most striking cultural transformations appears in the stunning statistics: the percentage of Syrians who consider entrepreneurship "extremely important" rose from 26% in 2015 to 80.5% in 2024. This radical change in perspective reflects a deep transformation in Syrian culture regarding the concept of work and personal initiative.

The New Reality: Startup Culture in Times of Challenge

From Shop to App

Today, more than 200 startups operate inside Syria, despite enormous challenges. These companies reflect a cultural shift from the traditional model of commerce to innovative business models that rely on technology. Companies like Cashi in fintech, Quizat in e-learning, and Tajir.Store in e-commerce represent the new face of Syrian entrepreneurship.

A Change in Values and Priorities

The new culture of entrepreneurship in Syria differs radically from the traditional model. While business in the past revolved around family and local networks, today it focuses on solving societal problems and reaching broader markets. The new measures of success are no longer just material profit, but include social impact and contribution to reconstruction.

Women's Role: A Societal Transformation

One of the most prominent cultural transformations is the increasing role of women in entrepreneurship, where women constitute 35% of the entrepreneurship ecosystem. This change reflects a deeper social transformation in the view of women's role in the economy and society.

Cultural Challenges: Between Tradition and Modernity

Generational Conflict

The new culture of entrepreneurship faces challenges from traditional culture. The older generation, which grew up in an environment that valued government jobs and professional security, sometimes finds it difficult to understand the calculated risk required by entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, the younger generation, which faced a harsh economic reality, is more willing to accept the idea of "risking for opportunity".

Structural Challenges

Despite the shift in perspective, the new entrepreneurship culture faces structural challenges. Limited access to capital, weak infrastructure, and regulatory obstacles are all factors that affect the spread of this culture.

Future Prospects: Toward an Integrated Entrepreneurial Culture

Building the Ecosystem

Current efforts focus on building an integrated ecosystem for entrepreneurship. Initiatives like "Syria Hackathon," which attracted more than 5,000 participants in two weeks, reflect genuine passion for developing this culture. These events don't just create opportunities for innovation; they contribute to shaping a new culture around cooperation and initiative.

The Role of the Diaspora

The Syrian diaspora plays a central role in transferring modern entrepreneurship culture. Syrian entrepreneurs in Germany, Turkey, Canada, and other countries contribute to transferring expertise and knowledge to the Syrian interior. This cultural exchange accelerates the development of local entrepreneurial culture.

The Journey of Transformation Continues

Syrian culture around "starting projects" has undergone a radical transformation over the past decade. From a traditional culture that relied on family networks and inherited businesses, to a modern culture that focuses on innovation and problem-solving. This transformation is not just a change in work methods, but an evolution in life perspective and societal values.

Despite enormous challenges, this new culture carries great hope for Syria's future. Entrepreneurship is no longer just a means of making a living; it has become a tool for reconstruction and recovery. As one expert says: "Entrepreneurship is not waiting for recovery; entrepreneurship is recovery itself".