Martyrs' Day in Syria honors the memory of Syrian nationalists executed by the Ottoman Empire in 1916. The day commemorates those who gave their lives fighting for freedom, Arab nationalism, and independence, and it holds deep emotional and historical significance in both Syria and Lebanon, which were then part of Greater Syria under Ottoman rule.

When is Martyrs' Day?

Martyrs' Day in Syria is observed annually on May 6.

The following is the list of Martyrs' Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Martyrs' Day?

In the early 20th century, Arab nationalist movements began to emerge in response to Ottoman Turkification policies and centralization.

Many Arab intellectuals and politicians secretly advocated for Arab autonomy or independence from the Ottoman Empire, which ruled Syria and Lebanon at the time.

During World War I, some Arab leaders and intellectuals aligned with the Allied Powers, hoping to gain independence after the war. The Ottomans, under Jamal Pasha, the military governor of Syria, saw these nationalist activities as treason.

On May 6, 1916, Jamal Pasha ordered the public execution of dozens of Arab nationalists in Martyrs' Square in Damascus and Beirut. These included writers, politicians, and reformers who were accused of conspiring against Ottoman rule. The executions were meant to suppress nationalist sentiment but instead galvanized Arab support for independence.

The executions became a symbol of Arab martyrdom and resistance.

After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the end of the French Mandate, Syria adopted May 6 as Martyrs' Day, honoring the 1916 martyrs, and all Syrians who have died in the struggle for freedom and national dignity.

Since the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War, the day has also been used to honor those killed during the conflict and promote narratives of resistance and unity.