Enab Baladi – Dayan Junpaz

After receiving them as a gift from a friend on his birthday three years ago, the twenty-something young man Ahmad Bayoush wears a black bracelet on his wrist and a metal chain around his neck, which have become part of his daily appearance.

The university student residing in Azaz, northern Aleppo, believes that wearing jewelry among young people is not only about a stylish appearance but has also become part of the trendy fashion followed by many of his peers, noting that this phenomenon reflects the youth’s response to the developments of the era.

Bayoush considers this jewelry more than just adornments; they carry special sentimental value, reminding him of the friend who gifted them to him and strengthening their friendship bond, according to what he told Enab Baladi.

The sight of male accessories such as chains and pendants among young men in northern Syria is common. Some consider it a way to keep up with the fashion that does not only confine itself to clothing, while others see it as a reflection of their lifestyle and exterior appearance, representing personal freedom and a means to express individual identity. However, there are critics who argue that wearing jewelry by young men transcends social and cultural norms.

Personal freedom and memories

Yaman al-Sayed (27), a barber in Idlib countryside, told Enab Baladi that he finds wearing chains a way to express his personality, adding elegance to his appearance and showcasing his taste.

Al-Sayed was inspired by some artists and influencers he follows, considering that wearing chains is a personal freedom and has become part of the youth fashion, which he does not view as bad behavior. He mentioned that accessories are now being gifted among friends, presented on occasions and celebrations, becoming a unique memento between people.

On his part, young man Walid (29) from the city of Sarmada wears a rosary necklace around his neck for four years now, which only shows clearly if someone gets close to him. He considers it a “cherished” memory from his mother, who passed away after they were displaced from Maaret al-Numan to northern Idlib.

Walid told Enab Baladi that he has not faced criticism for wearing it around his neck, but he does not like to show it off as “fashion” or “accessory,” as its value goes beyond mere appearance.

Meanwhile, young man Wael (24) from eastern Idlib countryside believes that accessories add to a young man’s appearance but without crossing the line into resembling women. He considers sunglasses, a watch, or a ring as sufficient accessories for a remarkable look, without the need for bracelets or chains around the neck.

Social ethics

Wearing accessories has drawn some criticism, especially from older generations, who see this trend as a rebellion against traditional social values and a departure from societal ethics.

Ali Shihab (46) rejects the idea of young people wearing jewelry. He told Enab Baladi that their wear is a form of imitation of women, which does not align with his religious beliefs.

He added that this jewelry constitute a form of extravagance in spending money on what he considers nonessential.

On the other hand, Ahmad al-Jassem (26) spoke about his firm rejection of men wearing chains, deeming it unacceptable from both religious and social perspectives.

He said to Enab Baladi that these jewelry are adornments meant for women, and men wearing them creates a blurring of lines between masculine and feminine appearances.

He also mentioned that wearing chains can sometimes be a means of boasting and imitating something that does not align with values that advocate modesty and moderation.

Silver chains have become popular among young men in northern Syria – October 17, 2024 (Enab Baladi/Dayan Junpaz)

Silver goes mainstream

In the northern Syrian areas, shops, stalls, and even social media pages are bustling with the sale of men’s and women’s jewelry, either handmade locally or imported.

Madin Darbala, who owns a shop selling men’s accessories in Azaz, told Enab Baladi that the demand for buying silver chains is the most prevalent among youth, indicating the presence of traditional types of jewelry such as Russian gold and rhodium.

He added that the shop provides bracelets and chains sold by weight, with the price per gram averaging $2.5, in addition to a complete set (bracelet and chain) priced between $30 and $100.

One dollar equals 34.5 Turkish lira, which is the currency in circulation in the region, while one dollar equals about 15,200 Syrian pounds.

The prices are not affordable, as the daily wage of a worker in the region is, at best, 100 Turkish lira (three dollars), amid a lack of job opportunities.

Darbala mentioned that customer choices vary based on personal preferences and financial capabilities, where some prefer jewelry made of specific materials or special designs that reflect their taste, noting that the demand for them is moderate.

According to a report published by the German company “Panaprium,” chains or necklaces are popular accessories worn by many men for various reasons, including enhancing appearance, expressing personality, or symbolizing something significant to the wearer.

Reasons for wearing chains include boosting confidence, feeling and expressing belonging to a cause, religion, or sect, such as badges or rings that identify the wearer as a member of a specific organization (such as an army or a sports team), as well as attracting attention, boasting, and fostering a sense of pride, according to the report.

An ancient adornment

Men’s adornment has been a topic of debate and questioning in religious contexts, as there are permissible and forbidden aspects within Islam. It is forbidden for men to adorn themselves with gold, while it is permissible for them to wear a silver ring, and there is no religious barrier for men to wear a silver chain, according to some scholars’ approvals, as long as it is not something specifically associated with women according to norms and does not indicate effeminacy; otherwise, it is not allowed, and the permissibility becomes clearer if it is for a valid necessity, such as identification and addressing those who need it, according to the Egyptian Fatwa House.

Men’s jewelry has appeared for about 30,000 years when people began tying shells and animal teeth. With discoveries, materials used daily changed to rich metals and stones, and so on.

Kings and emperors wore gold jewelry in the form of necklaces, rings, and other body accessories, and in the past, men loved to wear layers of jewelry. Some books, paintings, and old stories serve as evidence of this.

Men’s jewelry can be noticed in cave carvings, books, paintings, and archaeological discoveries, with the Egyptians being the first to use gold, silver, and precious stones in jewelry-making among various civilizations. One of the oldest examples of men’s jewelry use is the classic pharaoh’s ring, while Greek history also extensively utilized jewelry making.