Siin Experience: The Trailblazers Transforming Syria’s Nightlife Scene

(photo credits: Hala Mkhis and Siin Experience)

In the heart of Homs, Syria, the historic Krek De Chevaliers fortress turned into a dazzling scene, overflowing with stunning laser lights and a throng of spirited dancers.

Thousands descended on the castle to witness the third anniversary of the Syrian music community, Siin Experience, featuring none other than legendary Syrian singer Omar Soulayman, the energetic Ilona Lica from Estonia, and Lebanese dynamo Rolbac, who brought the show to a close with an epic set to mark the sunrise.

Appearances from Syrian DJs Peter Al Khabout and Nightfall also showed how far Siin Experience has come in promoting domestic talents. Fireworks, drone shows and a plethora of spectacles heralded Siin’s biggest night yet in the three-year rollercoaster ride they’ve been on since they set off in 2021, when this collective of Syrian techno and electronic music fans led the resurgence in the country’s nightlife after a decade overshadowed by conflict, disaster and migration.Since their founding, Siin has been organizing remarkable raves in stunning locations, such as the historic Khan al-Aroos, Khan As'ad Pasha, an iconic 18th-century caravanserai in ancient Damascus, and the crusader castle of Krak Des Chevaliers, as well as throwing dreamy beach parties in Gaia, Tartous.

As they celebrated their third anniversary at the magnificent Krek De Chevalier castle on August 16th, SceneNoise gained exclusive access to founding members and the team behind the movement that has captivated music fans around the country.

“Siin is a group of friends willing to bring back the joy to Syrian nightlife, we came together and believed that even if there was a war, it’s the right of people to enjoy themselves and live their lives, from here we started Siin,” Michael Atallah, the visionary behind Siin Experience, tells SceneNoise. “I saw a rising interest of people in electronic music in the country.  I witnessed that as Syrians we had all of the components, a rich cultural country, we have fantastic locations, we have venues, we have people who are bright and smart, there is nothing to prevent us working at the highest level.”

Atallah made a bold choice to leave his medical studies in his fifth year to pursue business, ultimately founding the Siin Experience.

“The growth was so big. Since the first day we started, we took it to the next level,” Atallah says. “People were happy, especially after the war, that we were giving them a space to express themselves so that they could have a good time and ignore their mounting problems for a couple of hours. Everyone has their difficulties and stresses. The more things improve in the country, the more people can relate to what we are doing. Our events are something that people look forward to in the social calendar.”

“I believe that Siin is a stage where people feel different for some time and they get to see what they see outside of the country,” Atallah adds. “When people come to our shows, they see a different reality to that which is in the media about our country.”

The memories created in a three-year-spell have captivated Syrians, and the group has progressed meteorically since their humble beginnings, which began with an epic set for Boshoco at Gaia Beach Club.

“Boshoco [Popular Alepine DJ] playing at the Gaia beach club as our first event was a special moment, it was something I’ll never forget. The first event at Krek De Chevalier was mind-blowing and the venue was truly unique,” Atalla recalls. “There was a strong sense of belonging to that location, it was truly amazing because we are so familiar with that area.”

Through the venture group, several talented Syrian DJs have been propelled to new heights, from Boshoco to G the Doctor. Rising Syrian musical stars like DJ Saade Khoury, Mehdi Laham and Maher Green were given a platform to perform in front of a captivated audience. A wealth of international DJs and artists have also come to soak in the unique environments and vibrant atmospheres, including Estonia’s Ilona Lica, Germany’s deep house DJ Nakadia, Dobe, agents of time, Rolbac and Jade from Lebanon.

“Siin Experience is an idea that was born out of love and then a community emerged that loves peace and reflects the real personality of Syrians, we needed something to allow people to express themselves, it was a small idea we started in Gaia Beach as a first event and it was an addition to Syrian nightlife,” Adeeb Mousleh, an entrepreneur and one of the core founders of Siin and Utu, tells SceneNoise. “We might not have the numbers of other countries but our productions and the related elements can compete anywhere.”

DJ Peter Al-Khabout has become one of the group's most in-demand headliners in a short period, with the group becoming an important platform for the music industry in Syria. “Siin has created a safe, free space for electronic music enthusiasts to enjoy themselves and express their identity,” Al-Khabout says. “This environment has encouraged more people to attend and fall in love with electronic music, which is relatively new in Syria. Additionally, Siin has provided a platform for local talent while balancing performances by international artists.”

For an incredibly under-reported country, the nightlife is booming. “The most memorable set for me was closing the Siin anniversary at a beach venue,” Al-Khabout shares. “I wanted to end with something familiar yet unique, so I played a funky electronic remix of Fayrouz's ‘Albostah’. It was truly magical, with smiles all around and an incredible vibe.”

“To be honest, being part of Siin feels incredibly rewarding,” Al-Khabout adds. “It’s like being part of a big family, where the conversations and connections you make on the dancefloor are unforgettable. It’s amazing to live my passion surrounded by my people.”

Tarek Abbas is one of the key components of the group's operations, a doctor who doubles up as one of Siin’s most important figures. Abbas is often referred to as Sonic within the team, due to his remarkable ability to be in more than one location at once during the raves to keep things ticking.

“When we launched Siin Experience, none of us knew how rapidly it would grow. But what united us was our belief in changing the scene. Syria’s nightlife existed, but it lacked the essential elements that we aimed to introduce,” Abbas explains. “In recent years, we have continually raised the bar to meet the high production levels seen globally, and we’ve succeeded. Every international DJ who visits Syria is amazed by the vibrant nightlife scene we’ve cultivated and the high standards we maintain, often surpassing other countries despite the financial challenges we face. Our events have become a magnet for Syrians abroad and tourists who are blown away by the unique experience we offer, making our events unparalleled.”

Where Syria is and where it needs to be in the regional music scene is a source of inspiration for Siin Experience. “Syria has rightfully earned a significant place in the regional electronic and techno music scene,” Abbas adds. “Despite the challenges, we’ve proven that we can host world-class events and build a vibrant, resilient community. Our unique approach of merging cultural heritage with contemporary music has set us apart, making Syria a notable and respected player in the music industry.”Syria’s nightlife scene still has a while to go to get to the level and consistency of its regional counterparts, but the spark that has been lit by Siin Experience has done more than put Syria on the music map, it has created the platform for a flourishing spectacle of events for many years to come.