248 



THE LIVING RACES OF MANKIND 



is 115,000 square miles, of which about 12,000 constitute Palestine. The population of Syria 

 has been variously estimated. A mean between the highest and lowest figures would be 

 2,000,000, which is as close to the correct number as it is possible to get. 



The Syrians are a mixed race. The Bedouins have pushed their way in among them 

 wherever the plains extend. In the settled regions the ancient Syrian race, which belongs to 

 the Aramaic branch of the Semites, exists only as a rare survival. The basis of the people 

 has, however, remained Semitic. Syrians of the present day may be regarded as a blend of 

 various races, in which there are Arab, Turkish, and Hellenic elements. 



Early and continuous blending with people of the Hellenic stock has certainly not 

 impaired the excellent physical and mental characteristics derived from their Semitic forefathers. 

 They are a decidedly handsome race, if we may judge them by the Christian section of the 

 community. They are highly intellectual and readily assimilate European ideas, while 

 retaining the distinctive traits of their own nationality. Their race has been celebrated from 

 the earliest times for its enterprising spirit, love of travel, and aptitude for trading. Syrian 

 merchants are to be met with in London, Liverpool, Manchester, Marseilles, and other centres 

 of commerce. 



The national religion is Mohammedanism, and the followers of Islam are three times 

 more numerous than the devotees of other cults. Members of the Greek Church and Armenians 

 are among the latter. Of those who do not follow the Prophet, the strongest in point of 

 numbers and the most remarkable generally are the Druses. As another instance of the 

 variety of faith to be found in this small country may be mentioned the Ansariebs. They are 

 held in contempt by Christians and Mussulmans alike, who refuse to take their evidence in 

 courts of law. 



The Druses are Syrian mountaineers, and number 90,000. They inhabit the northern 

 range of Mount Lebanon, and the Jebel Druse a mountain district south-west of Damascus. 

 Physically and mentally they are a fine race. Their figures are tall, sinewy, and well 

 proportioned. Their features, of the Caucasian type, are strongly defined and regular. Their 

 stern and warlike but dignified expression gives them a savage aspect. They are brave, 

 resolute, and industrious, and when at war with other people are cruel and even treacherous. 

 They are also independent, reserved, and proud. 



Photo by Lektyian & Co.] 



[Cairo. 



AN ARAB FAMILY. 



