**In Damascus, the beloved marook has transformed, providing customers a uniquely modern twist on a classic.**
## Sweetening Ramadan: The Rise of Marook in Modern Syria

## Sweetening Ramadan: The Rise of Marook in Modern Syria
**As the essence of Ramadan evolves in Syria, bakeries are redefining the traditional sweet bread.**
As the sun begins to set during Ramadan, a buzz of activity envelops bakeries throughout Damascus, especially at Al Jouzeh, where marook—an iconic sweet bread—has become a sought-after delight. As the moment to break the fast, known as iftar, approaches, customers crowd around the glass display, eagerly attempting to snag loaves of the now-varied sweet treat.
Each evening, the rush grows intense as patrons struggle to secure their marook before the evening call to prayer. "How many flavors do you have today?" one customer chimes in, voice raised over the clamoring crowd, while another impatiently thrusts money forward, hoping to leap the line.
Traditionally, marook was a simple sweet loaf, but modern bakers now offer innovative fills—everything from olive-infused options to layers of chocolate. This evolution mirrors broader shifts in Syrian cuisine, where ingredients are blended in unexpected ways, allowing the culinary landscape to adapt while staying rooted in cultural heritage. The excitement is palpable as the scent of freshly baked bread fills the air, blended with spices and sweetness that many have come to anticipate during this sacred month.
As recipes continue to transform, the pride in Syrian heritage blends seamlessly with a willingness to embrace change, as bakeries become a hub of creativity each Ramadan.
Each evening, the rush grows intense as patrons struggle to secure their marook before the evening call to prayer. "How many flavors do you have today?" one customer chimes in, voice raised over the clamoring crowd, while another impatiently thrusts money forward, hoping to leap the line.
Traditionally, marook was a simple sweet loaf, but modern bakers now offer innovative fills—everything from olive-infused options to layers of chocolate. This evolution mirrors broader shifts in Syrian cuisine, where ingredients are blended in unexpected ways, allowing the culinary landscape to adapt while staying rooted in cultural heritage. The excitement is palpable as the scent of freshly baked bread fills the air, blended with spices and sweetness that many have come to anticipate during this sacred month.
As recipes continue to transform, the pride in Syrian heritage blends seamlessly with a willingness to embrace change, as bakeries become a hub of creativity each Ramadan.