All in the Family
In the Middle East, family is at the core of cultural values. Even names are about how we relate to one another within the family.… Read More »All in the Family
Family Saydjari Blog
Reflection on Family
This past week has been an eventful one regarding family and has prompted me to reflect on the nature of family. I spent the past… Read More »Reflection on Family
Dad – A Complicated Man.
My father was a complicated man. The man that our family knew when he was a young man in Syria is not the man I… Read More »Dad – A Complicated Man.
Time’s Soft Echo
During my brother Razi’s recent visit, we of course spent time reminiscing. We listened to old music and recounted old tales of childhood. I watched… Read More »Time’s Soft Echo
A Visit from the Old Man
Today my elder brother Razi will fly down from Wyoming to visit me in Houston for a few days. He called up a few weeks ago and… Read More »A Visit from the Old Man
A Literal Bridge to Our Past
Since starting the Saydjari Family Private Facebook page, I have been fortunate to connect with over 180 members of our distant family. They have been… Read More »A Literal Bridge to Our Past
Baklava – Grandma would be pleased…
My mother taught me how to bake and I have spent endless hours with her in the kitchen especially during the holidays. I am particularly fond of dessert but there is one dessert my grandmother taught me to make. Baklava, those sweet squares of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
Turkish Coffee – A Cup to Nourish the Soul…
Many of the Saydjari family carry Turkish blood in the lineage. In some of us, that blood runs thick and brown and sweet. We may… Read More »Turkish Coffee – A Cup to Nourish the Soul…
Memories of a Place I Have Never Been
I was born in the United States but feel a deep connection to a place I have never seen. My parents were born and raised… Read More »Memories of a Place I Have Never Been
A City of Rebels – Jisr al-Shughur
My parents Mohamed and Badrieh Saydjari were both born in Jisr al Shughur. They grew up and married there. They then educated themselves at the… Read More »A City of Rebels – Jisr al-Shughur