Syrian-Style Cafes Become Influencer Hotspots, Condemned by Foreign Media

The Rise of Minimalist Design Trends

Following popular trends, the design world has recently embraced minimalist styles. From the "decluttered minimalist aesthetic" to the "strong metallic industrial style" and the "dominant Black Mamba" look, all reflect people's ultimate pursuit of "retro feel," "simplicity," and "sophistication." Recently, this has evolved into the "casual and wild poverty chic" style.

(Image source: Xiaohongshu)

The Controversial "Syrian Style" Cafés

Mottled concrete walls, original building structures, exposed beams, and scenes filled with the flavor of reinforced concrete, distressed flooring, passages carved through walls... This style, characterized by dilapidated, primitive, simple, casual, rough, and unadorned aesthetics, has gained popularity among the younger generation. Coffee shop décor is no exception. Such a free-spirited style naturally attracts many people to visit, take photos, and share them online. This décor style has also been dubbed "Syrian style" by some.

Recently, French media published a report condemning this style of café, titled "Dilapidated décor and 'refugee zones,' 'Syrian style' cafés become China's new photography trend." The report stated that people are taking photos in front of crumbling walls, with cups on nearby tables resembling ammunition boxes... On Chinese social networks, everyone is showcasing these decorations similar to those ravaged by war, calling them "Syrian style" scenes. Although called "Syrian style" cafés, the establishments don't offer hummus or baklava favored by Syrian people... Instead, they feature dusty red brick walls and exposed pipes, everywhere revealing the intention to imitate Syrian architecture ravaged by war.

(Image source: Xiaohongshu)

The report also pointed out that some cafés of this style are not satisfied with this dilapidated décor and further play sad music while providing distressed toys or daily items. The owner of one "Syrian style" café stated in an interview that he knew this terminology was inappropriate but explained that "it allows me to attract many customers through social networks."

Public Backlash and Ethical Concerns

Once the report was published, netizens from various countries began to discuss the issue... Some netizens believe this behavior is like rubbing salt in others' wounds, some think it offends the term "Syria" and is very impolite, some feel it artificially promotes and imagines the hardships and disasters brought by war, while others expressed that if our country were at war and foreigners were seeking inspiration from it for photos, we wouldn't be happy either.

(Image source: Xiaohongshu)

When this décor style first appeared domestically, some netizens expressed, "I don't understand this style, but everyone's aesthetic is their own choice, and I personally don't think this style represents a positive idea; instead, it makes people feel a chill down their spine." Others commented, "Scenes from after the Syrian war have become an influencer style in our country, using others' suffering as entertainment—how will others view us?"

Reflection on Art and Sensitivity

As one writer said: "Others' suffering is the source of your art, and when you suffer, you become the source of others' art." Although everyone's aesthetics may differ, or perhaps the original intention behind this style wasn't malicious—it might just be a way to express individuality. We shouldn't oppose creating trends, but we must learn to oppose creating trends by means that harm others for pleasure. Some things need to know when to stop and cannot be excessively exaggerated.

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