breastfeeding etiquette and gender roles

Hello..
I am most appreicative of any and all insight on these topics.
We are planning an extended stay in Syria soon and I am currently breastfeeding my 20 month old. Would anyone be able to offer any information on breastfeeding norms and customs in Syria? For example; how long do women typically breasfeed......what to do in public, etc.
Also, our nine year old son has very, very long hair. Will this matter? Does this matter?
Again, thanks so much for your help.
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I think this subject has been asked before. You can do some search in this forum. Or you can contact with “oomwesam”, a helpful active member and experienced American lady living in Syria. Who I think the best to answer your questions.
Her email: alwaysaisha@gmail.com
Good Luck!

Breastfeeding typically is considered to be for around 2 years - some breastfeed longer - some shorter - some not at all! Not usual to do it in public - in an all women environment no probs.

Long hair isn't a problem - many Syrian youths, kids, men, have long hair - as do many other bedouin arabs.,

I (male) am in no means an expert on cultural rules, but I will say that during a recent trip to Umayyad Mosque in Damascus (Feb, 2010), I did see 2 separate instances of women breastfeeding while sitting down against the pillars around the main open area. It was right out in the open, and I must admit, I was very surprised. I was alone at the time, and did not really feel comfortable asking anyone there about it... Probably an anomaly, but I wanted to share, just in case.

Unfortunately this area is saturated with a huge number of vagrants, beggars and usavoury
street characters both male and female. Admittedly it is much better than it used to be
but still needs a good clean up of these people.

It is also bursting at the seems with poor iraqis who live in syria and poor iraqis on pilgrimage from their home country.

I would imagine the person you described might have been one of the above because the guards at this mosque are usually quite on the ball in enforcing the dress codes etc but maybe decided to be lenient on the individual because of the circumstances. I would imagine it wasn't full view since most cover their modesty with their long hijab and only the face of the baby is seen..... I really don't know but its unusual.

Hi, I think it's best to be as discreet as possible when breast feeding, but people recognize that you are a tourist and should be understanding. It's not a problem that your son has long hair, but he may be mistaken as a girl.

Enjoy your trip!

The long hair is no problem and breast feeding is neither, as it is custom in Syria to breastfeed children, often until they are 2 or 3 years old.
In arab environment, when in public or when men are around, just be sure to cover your breast. When you are amongst women, just do it.