A Woman of History: Najah Saati

Najah Saati, like many other Syrian Women, left her mark on the country’s history. Many ancient civilizations rose and got destroyed; many great figures were born and died, others were born, and others were forgotten.

But the oldest civilizations and the greatest of the great were here; in Syria. A fertile land that gives nothing but greatness, pioneers of the highest ranks, first accomplishers, and thinkers over time. Then it is not surprising that Syrian women throughout the ages were role models for their peers and an example to follow.

Women like Najah Saati, the one who struggled and worked hard to achieve the greatest achievements and took part in the most pivotal events in the life of Arab and Syrian women in particular.

Who is Najah Saati?

Najah Saati is a Syrian woman, born in Homs in 1925 to a well-off family. She lived there, completing her primary education at the Rome Orthodox School. She obtained Syrian and French preparatory certificates with a good rank. Then she moved to the capital, Damascus, and obtained her first high school diploma, with a good grade. She obtained her second high school diploma in philosophy on her own when she was not in school. [1]

Study and Scientific Career

Najah studied pharmacy at the Syrian University, the first public university in the Arab world (currently Damascus University). The university was headed by Dr. Munif Al-Aidi, the biggest supporter of Dr. Najah. She graduated in 1949 with the medal of the first female pharmacist in Syria and the Arab world. This event, which filled everyone with happiness and pride occupied journalists’ attention and newspapers’ headlines. [1]

Her longing and passion for science made her ambitions reach far beyond the sky. She earned a Ph.D. in political economy from Moscow University. Discussed a thesis titled (Characteristics of Capital Development in Syria) and later received a Ph.D. in Philosophy.

Najah Saati’s Career

Najah started her professional life in one the best ways possible, by working at the largest pharmacy in Homs for a year. Soon after that, she built her own business, by opening Al-Najah pharmacy in 1950 on Al-Hamidiyah Street in the old city of Homs.

She was elected as the first female member of the Homs Pharmacists Syndicate and the first female secretary of the Syndicate. In addition to working as a pharmacist, she worked as a teacher at the Girls’ Preparation School in Homs.

Her mastery and practice of the French language and her extensive knowledge of French culture helped her translate valuable French books. Both literary and scientific ones. Dr. Najah has enriched the Arabic Library with many important publications and translations. With over fifteen books on different and distinct human and social topics.

Her writings had a distinctive impact in many magazines such as Al-Yanbu’s magazine, Women’s magazine, and Al-Noor newspaper. [2]

Najah Al Saati, a High-Ranking Social and Political Activist

It’s not a strange thing that someone like Najah abhors and rejects colonialism, and she headed the first women’s demonstration in 1943 against the French Mandate at the time. She was also the secretary of the Association for the Assistance of Poor Students at the Preparation School.

She was elected to the Permanent International Mothers Committee and contributed to the formation of the Syrian Women’s League. She joined the Red Crescent in Homs and was elected in 1951 as an administrative member.

She participated in the International Mothers’ Conference organized by the World Democratic Women’s Federation in Switzerland in 1955 and became a member of its council. She opened (Ibn Al-Walid) a publishing house in Homs with her husband. She founded (Aljamaheer al-Shaabia) a publishing house in Damascus, which focuses on national and social-themed books. This publishing house was later closed and everything in it was donated to the United Syrian Communist Party.

Najah Al-Saati was chosen as a member of the (National Council for the Leadership of Revolution), which was established between (1965-1966) and headed by Mansour Al-Atrash. She played a key role in the deliberations and was a member of the Council’s Arab and Foreign Affairs Committee. And she had her name on the most important parliamentary committees. [2]

Al Saati’s Family Life and Her Legacy of Resistance

Najah al-Saati, daughter of the veteran journalist Adib al-Saati, a fighter against the French Mandate. One of the revolutionaries rose against France and joined their ranks in (1924-1928).

Adeeb Al-Saati published the Al-Sharq newspaper in Homs, which was one of the most important newspapers opposed to French colonialism. French colonialism, in turn, disrupted it and revoked its license. Al-Saati was forced to publish another newspaper, Fata Al-Arab. Which suffered from French authorities like its predecessor, which led him to leave Homs and to work in the Damascene newspaper.

Her uncle, Suleiman al-Saati, was assassinated by the French occupation and was buried in Aleppo. She had two brothers, Salah and Ziad, and one sister.

She married Badr al-Din al-Sibai. She had no children due to an accident she had in 1956. This incident occurred during the tripartite aggression against Egypt because she participated in the popular resistance and training field. This incident led to the abortion of her fetus and deprived her of the ability to have children after it.

She passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at the age of ninety-two. She was buried in (Tal al-Nasr) cemetery in Homs, Syria. [3]

Uplifting Syrian women’s initiative is always proud of the great Syrian woman. The one who’s always strong and successful, taking the first rank in all fields. A good example of one is Najah Saati, who was and still is a role model for every ambitious girl and successful woman.