A symbolic change has taken place in Syria regarding one of the most important professions: cleaning workers are now officially called "cleanliness engineers." The decision was made by the organizers of the book fair in Damascus to emphasize the importance of their labor and to show respect for their role in maintaining public health and the beauty of cities. The initiative aims to change perceptions of this profession and to recognize its fundamental importance to everyday life.
Workers received the change enthusiastically. Many describe feelings of pride and renewed self-respect, noting that the new title has positively affected how they see themselves and how people interact with them. One of the "cleanliness engineers," Muhammad Mustafa, said he feels an "indescribable sensation" from the shift in society's attitude toward his profession, adding that it has brought more recognition of their work in the eyes of citizens.
The new title provoked an animated reaction in society. According to the workers, people on the streets began asking about the change, sparking discussions about the real value of this profession. Even children started addressing them more respectfully, using the new official name. As one worker, Mahmoud Isa, noted, the change in terminology has made everyday interactions "more pleasant and tactful," demonstrating a positive psychological effect from the renaming.
Currently the new title is officially used only within the exhibition center where the book fair took place. However, as the workers' leader Akram Kabik explained, there is an expectation that the initiative will spread throughout Damascus, since the new name is considered "more fitting." Workers hope this change will not be merely symbolic but the beginning of a broader shift in how society perceives their vital profession.
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What significance does the Damascus book fair have for Syrian society and why did its organizers initiate this change? - The Damascus International Book Fair carries immense symbolic and cultural significance for Syrian society. Amid ongoing conflict and economic hardship, it serves as an important reminder of normal life, the continuity of cultural dialogue, and intellectual development. The organizers launched the initiative to support the spirit of resilience through culture, unite people around positive values, and demonstrate that civic life in Syria continues despite the challenges.
What is the typical social hierarchy of professions in Syria and why did the cleaning profession need such a symbolic upgrade in status? - In Syrian society, as in many others, there is a historical hierarchy of professions in which jobs requiring higher education (doctors, engineers, lawyers) are viewed as most prestigious, while manual labor is often less valued. The cleaning profession, associated with physical work and low pay, traditionally occupies a lower rung on this social ladder. The symbolic elevation of its status at the book fair was necessary to underscore the dignity of any honest work, especially in a crisis where every profession that ensures society's functioning becomes vital. It is a gesture of social solidarity and recognition of the contribution of all workers.
Full version: من "عامل" إلى "مهندس".. تسمية جديدة لعمال النظافة في سوريا