Almond - Syria

Between 1974 and 1975, more than 1,800 ancient clay tablets were uncovered in Ebla, Syria. The tablets were written in the Sumerian conic script, an ancient language known as Eblaite, a reference to the location where the tablets were found. The tablets provide an insight to Ebla, an early Syrian kingdom.

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Prunus amygdalus - The almond tree is a deciduous tree classified in the same family of trees featuring plums, cherries, apricots, nectarines, and peaches. Depending on location, the almond tree can grow from 4 to 10 meters in height and begins yielding a mature crop 3 years after planting. The plant originated in the Eastern Mediterranean region and has a wide variety of uses. Almonds can be eaten whole, used in marzipan, made into almond butter or almond milk, and can be used in making amaretto, a sweet liqueur.

Syrian Serin - Syria

Serinus syriacus - The Syrian serin is native to Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. The Jordanian population winters in Jordan while the others migrate to Egypt, Iraq or Turkey. Males initiate courtship in April with vocalizations and nest building activities. A clutch of 4 eggs will hatch in 12 to 14 days. Chicks fledge after a mere 14 to 16 days. If food sources are plentiful, the breeding pair will build another nest and restart the process. In rare cases, three broods can be produced in one season. 

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Following the defeat of Turkey in World War I, Syria was placed under a French mandate, but before France could assert its authority, the Kingdom of Syria was proclaimed under King Faisal I. France quickly subdued the new kingdom and took control of Syria. The Vichy Regime lost Syria to British and Free French forces in 1941. France attempted to reclaim its colony after World War II, but a viable independence movement within Syria discouraged France. Syria became independent in 1946.