Many believe that the oldest celebration of Valentine’s Day dates back to ancient Roman times with what is known as Saint Valentine’s Day, given its global fame. However, this is not true. The ancient Syrians were actually the first to celebrate a Day of Love in the world!
The origin of the story goes back to the legend of the descent of the goddess Ishtar, known as the goddess of love and war among the ancient peoples of Syria and Iraq, to Earth, and the revival of the god Tammuz by the heavens after his death, thus rekindling their love story—Tammuz and Ishtar/Inanna.
For six thousand years up to this day, groups of Syrians have celebrated Syrian Valentine’s Day on April 11th each year, making it the oldest celebration of love in the world.
It is worth noting what historians and archaeologists have documented about the goddess Ishtar, who was also known for her ability to grant permission to transform a man into a woman and a woman into a man. Her priests/priestesses were known to possess dual gender identities.
to destroy, to build up, to tear out and to settle are yours, Inanna. To turn a man into a woman and a woman into a man are yours, O Inanna.”
— Enheduanna, the Sumerian poetess, from The Love Song of Inanna.
In Syria, people celebrate Valentine’s Day, just like many others around the world. However, for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, this day has often felt incomplete. Despite the fall of the Assad regime, these communities continue to face numerous challenges, particularly security threats. The Syrian streets are witnessing waves of violence, torture, death threats, and incitement against sexual and gender minorities.
It is worth mentioning that Syria is considered one of the most dangerous countries in the region for gay, lesbian, transgender, intersex, and bisexual individuals.
