Woman of history

Ulfat Idlibi is a Syrian writer from Damascus. She is one of the most prominent literary figures in Syria and across the Arab world.

Her work, including poetry, stories, and novels, has enriched Syrian history with a distinctive literary repertoire. And some of it has been adapted into series and films. She was a promising young woman who loved literature. She spent a lot of her time engrossed in reading until she became a mature, educated woman. Until she was familiar with the works of Arab and international literature.

She considered literature to be a mirror that reflects reality and a tool for change in society. Some of her work addressed women’s issues and rights in society, and those writings were admired by the Arab public. Ulfat was also recognized by many Syrian writers as an inspiring and influential writer in the Arab world.

Who is Ulfat Idlibi?

Ulfat Umar Pasha al-Idlibi is a Syrian writer, born in 1912 in Damascus – Al-Salihiya neighborhood. She was the only daughter among five male siblings. Her father is Omar Pasha al-Adlibi, whose lineage goes back to an original Damascene family. And her mother, Najiba al-Dagestani, whose origin goes back to a Dagestani family. As for her grandfather, Muhammad al-Halabi, he lived in Dagestan until the Ottoman Sultan Mahmoud II exiled him and forced him to leave his homeland and settle in Syria.¹

At the age of nine, she contracted typhoid fever and suffered greatly from it. This caused her to fall behind a whole year in school. Then she joined Al-Afif School, which was near her house. Ulfat Idlibi’s talent emerged at a young age, as a result of her love for study and her excellence in it.

In 1927 she obtained her primary school certificate. She then moved to the Teachers’ House, a school that had a small number of male and female students in each class. She received her education there at the hands of distinguished teachers such as Sadiq al-Naqshbandi and Mohiuddin al-Safrajlani.

What about Ulfat Idlibi’s vision in literature?

Ulfat loved literature from a young age, so much that one of her teachers predicted that she would become a writer, which turned out to be true. In addition to her excellence in school, she was an avid reader and was familiar with the books in her father’s library. After giving birth to her first child in 1932, she fell ill for a year, and during this period she resorted to reading in order to relieve her pain and illness.

She read books written by international and Arab authors, such as the works of Michael Naima, Gibran Khalil Gibran, Taha Hussein, and others. This contributed to the formation of her unique style of writing of stories and novels, which was distinctive and simple.

Ulfat Idlibi believed in literature as a means through which she could improve society. At a time when Damascus was suffering from the scourge of occupation and was witnessing the early stages of eradication of illiteracy. As love for science and learning about other cultures spread during that period. At that time, many great writers emerged, as did Ulfat Idlibi, with her stories, literary studies, and novels.

What are the most important achievements of Ulfat Idlibi?

Al-Idlibi was affiliated with many charity and cultural societies, such as the Doha Society and the Nadwa Society. She even used to hold monthly seminars in her house, in which she gathered the writers of Damascus, including female writers, and intellectuals, to exchange opinions and ideas.²

She began creating her literary legacy by writing her first story in 1947, entitled “The Last Decision”. Subsequently, literary productions followed. After that, her literary productions continued, and in 1953 she published her second story, “The Harsh Lesson”. In addition, many other books, such as: “The Monoliths in Damascus”, the short story collection “The Devil Laughs”, and the novel “The Tale of My Grandfather”.

Ulfat Idlibi’s work later gained international fame and was published in other languages such as Italian, Spanish, German, and Russian.³ Some of her stories were also taught in many international universities.

In 1947, she won the British Broadcasting Corporation Award for Best Arabic Story for her collection of short stories, “Shamiya Stories.” The Egyptian magazine “Al-Risala” also published her story “The Harsh Lesson”.

Her work has won the approval of senior writers. Who testified to the ingenuity of Ulfat Idlibi. Among them was the Egyptian writer Muhammad al-Mandour, who said about her first collection of stories: “These stories are of a unique style and  distinctive  features.”

Writer Maroun Abboud also said about her: “I believe in individualism, and on this basis, I built my appreciation for her.”³

What is Ulfat Idlibi’s influence on feminist literature?

Ulfat was one of the first to carry the banner of feminism in Syria. And one of the few women who were able to demonstrate the high status of women in society. In addition to defending their right to education and work at that time. She believed that a woman is not only a mother, but that she can also dedicate herself to work, study, and love for science and literature.

She took great care to depict women’s feelings in a large part of her writings. This happened during the French occupation, such as “Damascus, the Smile of Sadness”, a novel on revolution, women, and society. Where she focused on women and their suffering. The hero of that story was a girl named Sabria, an educated, ambitious girl who suffered prejudice at the hands of her father and two brothers, at a time period that was unforgiving to women.

In 1992, the novel was turned into a series called “Basma Hazan”. In 2008, it was adapted into a movie with the same title, and they were a remarkable success at the time.⁴

Ulfat Idlibi said of women: “Aren’t women  the true source of inspiration, the magic of passion, and the bliss of times?”

Ulfat Idlibi was one of the most distinguished women of the 1950s, and many great writers in Syria and Egypt have attested to her genius. She defended the rights of women in Syria and stressed the necessity of their participation in both education and the workforce. 

Also read:

• Sabat Islambouli
• Najwa Othman
• Nabila Al-Nabulsi

References:

1. Resala Post
2. Syrian Modern History
3. Abdae Alaealami
4. Suhir

What Sabat Islambouli did in her time was extraordinary, as people used to believe that women who studied would develop hysteria. Can you imagine the courage required to emigrate and study medicine abroad?

An American doctor posted a photo dated 1985 of three women dressed in traditional costumes representing their countries on her blog. They gained attention after it was revealed. Those women were among the first female doctors in the world. One of them is the Syrian doctor “Sabat Islambouli”.

Who is Sabat Islambouli?

Sabat Islambouli was born in Damascus in 1867. She was Jewish of Kurdish origins, and many disagreed on the pronunciation of her name. One could pronounce it “Thabat” or “Tabat”. And a similar disagreement accompanied her last name, as it could be “Istanbul” or “Islambouli”.

Islambouli studied at the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, USA. Many people know that this college was the first in the world to train women in treating various gynecological diseases. Moreover, she obtained her medical degree in 1980. We believe that it is one of the first, if not the first, Syrian women to obtain a medical degree.¹

Despite having been a successful woman who struggled and risked her life to achieve her dream, she is historically unknown. And not much has been documented about her life. There is no information about her background, upbringing, or her journey to the United States of America. All we know about her is that she belonged to a wealthy family. She was known to wear a silk kaftan and adorn it with jewelry.²

What was the life of Sabat Islambouli like, and what were her achievements?

We do not know much about Sabat’s life. Since all the information we know about her is limited to what the university wrote in her university record and alumni book. However, it was evident that she struggled and suffered a lot to get to the United States of America to study medicine.

The practice of medicine- back then- was restricted to men, even with regard to gynecological diseases. People used to believe that women who studied were susceptible to developing neurological diseases, uterine diseases, and hysteria. It was also believed that two systems cannot function together properly in a female. Therefore, one should not occupy herself mentally in order to preserve the health of her reproductive system. Also, it is safe to say that Sabat Islambouli was a bold and ambitious woman. Who faced many difficulties in order to obtain her degree.³

Papers assume that she returned to Damascus after graduating to practice her profession as a doctor. But there are no documented facts about her work as a doctor there. The practice of medicine at that time was bound to old bimaristans and doctor’s home visits.

The university website stated that she went to Cairo after working in Damascus for some time. The Egyptian Nursing Administration recorded documents of her working there as a nurse in 1919. A book issued by her college also mentioned her presence there in 1926. But any traces of her disappeared after that.²

How did Sabat die?

Sabat Islambouli died in Cairo in 1941, and some of her descendants currently live in Canada. Despite the lack of information about her. She became an inspiration to many after her photo spread with two other female doctors. 

The entire world was shocked by the date of the image. As people did not know that there were female doctors at that time. Sabat set an exemplary role model with her love for science, her diligence in acquiring it, and overcoming many challenges to achieve her dream.

To this day, there are still many people who are interested in Sabat Islambouli and are gathering information about her.  With the aim of understanding her origins, her journey to the United States of America, and her medical practices. Hoping that we can find answers to the many questions related to this doctor.

We take pride in having a woman like her in our history. Proving that women are capable of obtaining degrees and practicing various professions. We strongly believe that Sabat Islambouli had a great impact on inspiring other women to study. She even played a role in breaking old stereotypes about women. Her achievements will continue to inspire and astound many generations to come.

Also read:

• Wahida Al-Azma
• Julia Domna
• Thuraya Al-Hafez

References:

1. Marefa
2. E Syria
3. Huff Post

“It never occurred to me that this shy, veiled girl would travel to Kairouan to pursue her research, but she did.”
– Dr. Muhammad Faisal Al-Rifai, supervisor of Najwa Othman’s doctoral thesis, the University of Aleppo.¹

Dr. Najwa Ahmed Othman has shone in the Syrian achievements field, which she has enriched with knowledge and giving. Even in her absence, Dr. Najwa’s presence is still felt, as she left behind a scientific legacy on par with those of renowned institutions. Her contributions have benefited Arab and international libraries, and she has donated her library to scholars and students of knowledge.

Introduction to Dr. Najwa Othman

At the beginning of her life, Dr. Najwa Othman was born in 1954 in the Al-Bab District, Aleppo Governorate. She was a renowned scholar specializing in the history of engineering and architecture. As well as her extensive practical activity has established her as a respected researcher in the field of scientific history, at the level of Syria, Arab countries, and the world.

She was passionate about traditional,  architectural, and intellectual Arab Culture, which she enriched with her research and studies. After she passed away, her personal library was donated to the al-Waqifiyya Library in Aleppo City so that it is available for scholars and interested individuals.

The Early Years of Dr. Najwa Othman

In her childhood, Dr. Najwa Othman grew up in a house filled with knowledge and literature. Her father, Ahmed Al-Hamoud Othman, was a scholar of Arabic grammar and was approached by all those who had grammar-related issues. This is why he instilled a love for learning in all his children, who have earned bachelor’s and doctorate degrees. Thus, this family became a beacon for science.² As for Dr. Najwa, she completed her elementary and middle school education in her hometown, Al-Bab District, then attended Muawiya High School for Girls and earned her high school diploma in 1973.¹

She earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Aleppo in 1978. Following that, she worked as a lecturer in the Department of History and Archaeology at the same university. After three years of teaching, she proceeded to study the Arab-Islamic heritage and joined the Institute of Arab Scientific Heritage, where she earned a master’s degree in “History of Science among the Arabs.” In 1991; she presented a paper titled “Structural Engineering in the Mosques of Aleppo.” In 1998, she obtained her Ph.D. through a comprehensive scientific, research, and field study conducted in the city of Kairouan. Moreover, her doctoral thesis was titled “A Comparative Study Between the Ancient Mosques of Aleppo and the City of Kairouan in Tunisia.”

Works and Books by Dr. Najwa Othman

Dr. Najwa Othman’s contributions to the field of intellectual research are significant and remarkable. Some notable highlights include:

1. The most important Field Works:

• Firstly, member of the Syrian Society for the History of Science.
• Secondly, member of the Al-Adiyat Society.
• Thirdly, member of the Arab Archaeologists League.
• Also, she was an editorial Board member of the Engineering Journal.
• And she was an editorial Board member of Al-Adiyat Society’s Magazine.
• Chairperson of the Technical Study Committee for the “Historical Monuments in Aleppo, Kilis, and Gaziantep” project.

2. Notable Intellectual Works by Dr. Najwa Othman: Among her published books are:

• “Aleppo in a Hundred Years (1850-1950)” (3 parts), printed at the University of Aleppo in 1993 (in collaboration with the late Professor Muhammad Fouad Aintabi).
• “The Mosques of Kairouan” was printed in Damascus in 2000.
• “Internal Transport in Aleppo in the Twentieth Century,” printed in Damascus in 2004.
• “Funny Situations in the Neighborhoods of Aleppo and Kairouan,” printed in Aleppo in 2004 (resulting from her tours there).

Additionally, there were several books by Dr. Najwa Othman that were under editing when she passed away, including: 

• Archaeological sites in Kairouan. 
• The history of Islamic architecture. 
• Stone blazon on Mamluk buildings in Syria. 
• Inscriptions in the city of Aleppo during the Ottoman era. 
• Buildings and tombstones (in collaboration with a work team).
• The historical monuments in Aleppo, Kilis, and Gaziantep.

Awards and Honors

In addition to her literary legacy, Dr. Najwa Othman received recognition and awards for her contributions, including:

• Firstly, Al-Basel Prize for Intellectual Production in Aleppo in 2004.
• Secondly, Certificate of appreciation as a creative engineer in the field of heritage studies from the Engineers Syndicate in 2004.
• Thirdly, Shield of Ain Shams University in 2004.
• Fourthly, She was honored as a distinguished woman on International Women’s Day in March 2007.

Dr. Najwa Othman’s Impact

Dr. Najwa Othman enriched the Arab Library with 35 research papers and scientific studies. She actively participated in numerous conferences, seminars, and research sessions.

Unfortunately, time did not help Dr. Najwa Othman to complete many of her scientific projects and pursue her distinguished scientific career. She dedicated herself to each research endeavor, investing substantial effort in theoretical and practical exploration. She traveled to different regions to gather evidence and images to enrich her studies. One notable example is her work on “The Historic Monuments in Aleppo, Kilis, and Gaziantep.” It is worth noting that after her death, the University of Aleppo published this book translated into Turkish in 2009 (with one page in Arabic and one page in Turkish).

What Others Said About Dr. Najwa Othman

Her brother, Professor Hassan Othman, shared a story:

Dr. Othman once showed me a letter she had received from the University of Cambridge in Britain, offering her a contract to teach the history of engineering with a high salary. Yet, she turned it down, stating, “I want to use my knowledge to benefit the people of my country.” It is worth noting that Cambridge University is one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

Engineer Bassam Al-Amouri, Head of the Media and Publication Committee at the Syndicate Branch, wrote: “Dr. Najwa Othman’s premature departure left an irreplaceable void. Her generosity knew no bounds, her sincerity was unparalleled, and her understanding of engineering, heritage, literature, and media was extraordinary.”³

The death of Dr. Najwa Othman

Dr. Othman lost her life on February 9, 2009, in a traffic accident near Saraqib on Aleppo-Homs Road after the bus overturned. That accident claimed the lives of all passengers, including two Algerian researchers who were accompanying Dr. Najwa on a research trip to Jableh on the Syrian coast.²

As the Uplifting Syrian Women team, we take immense pride in every woman who masters her field and becomes an inspiration to all knowledge seekers. Dr. Najwa Othman represents the persistent Syrian woman who chose science as a path to uplift herself and her country.

Also read:

• Nabila Al-Nabulsi
• Mayada Bseliss
• Antoinette Najib

References:

[1] Syrian Modern History

[2] E Syria

[3] City Albab

Nabila Al-Nabulsi, the Nobel mom of the Syrian Drama’s seasons.

With her full face and tender eyes, Nabila Al-Nabulsi left traces of the kind and reassuring mother in the collective memory of Syrians and everyone who watched her. Al-Nabulsi embodied an outstanding artistic stature so unique in the history of Syrian drama, with so many roles, and various, on-point performances mixed with professionalism and sincerity of feelings, which reached the hearts of her audience from her own heart.

Nabila Al-Nabulsi, a captivating presence since the start

Nabila Al-Nabulsi was born in 1949,¹ and she lost her father at a very young age, which prompted her to go through the hardships of life pretty early, as she worked as a nurse, and later as a typist until she entered the field of advertising at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Damascus.

The beginnings of Nabila Al-Nabulsi in the world of cinema and television

Al-Nabulsi witnessed the beginnings of the Syrian theater, and despite her modest appearances with the Free Theater Group under the supervision of the late artist “Abdul Latif Fathi”, she caught the attention of the great director “Nabil Al-Maleh” with her beauty and talent, so he nominated her to star in “Labour” one of the films of the “Men Under the Sun” trilogy in 1970.¹

Then, she acted with the famous duo Duraid and Nihad, the following year, in the movie “A Woman Lives Alone”, and in 1975, Nabila Al-Nabulsi participated in “The Nightingale”.² Nabila Al-Nabulsi took a 10-year hiatus from acting to build her family and raise her children.

Nabila Al-Nabulsi returned to the cinema afterward with two films. Then she was debuted by the director “Ghassan Jabri” in one of her first television roles in the series “Tears of Angels”, after which her TV projects followed successively Nabila Al-Nabulsi got closer to the people through television.

 Although she didn’t play the affectionate mother in all her roles, she presented a variety of different characters, proving that she is capable of steering away from the archetypal comedy character. For example, in the series “Qanun Wa Laken” her role challenged stereotypes In the series “Dimashq, Ya Basma Hazan”, which is based on the famous novel by Elfa Al-Idlibi.

The heroic mother wherever she’s at

What gives Nabulsi such a strong and beautiful presence is that she is a reflection of every woman we see around us as if she somehow summed up the spirit of the Syrian woman. The Syrian mother, presented by Nabila, was no longer confined to her traditional style, rather than that, she showed us the mother as a strong and influential person, and this was embodied in many of her roles such as in “The Four Seasons” and “Not a Mirage”.

These works of art are engraved in our memories despite her death which took her away from us not so many years ago, yet her gentle features remain, and her strong, affectionate voice is consistent, and it forever serves as an embodiment of our mothers, and of Syrian women as a whole.

Nabila Al-Nabulsi’s most important roles

The career of the late actress Nabila Al-Nabulsi has a big balance, and she appeared in different acting styles. In theater, her most prominent performances were: “A Moment Please”, “A Man in Charge Needed”, “The People Below”, “Youth of our Times” and “Spider Webs”.

In cinema, which highlighted her talent and played a major turning point in her life, she presented, in addition to the works mentioned earlier in this article: “Shame”, “Another Face of Love”, “Women for Winter”, “Smiling in Tears”, “Youth in Distress”, “Love Girls”, “My Teardrops, Tears, and My Smile”, “Naji Al-Ali”, “Amouna Lives Alone”, and “Ghawar James Bond”.

As for drama, the late Nabila Al-Nabulsi had an abundance of projects, and we cannot mention them all, but we will present to you some of them out of appreciation and respect.

Nabila Al-Nabulsi showcased almost all kinds of drama, from series of the Levantine social environment, such as “Hammam Al-Qishani” and “Layali Al-Salihiya”, to various drama projects such as “The Cave of the Maghreb”, “Al-Farari”, “The Swing”, “Dreams That Don’t Die”, “The Orange Dream”, “The Orphan”, “The House of the Family”, “Hearts in Balance” and “Hidden Hatred”, and certainly, her unforgettable role in the series “The Four Seasons”, the artist Nabila Al-Nabulsi also had participated in many radio projects.

The passing of Nabila Al-Nabulsi

The artist, Nabila Al-Nabulsi, passed away on the 29th of June, 2010, at the age of 62, after suffering from illness,³ her passing was considered a significant loss for the Arab world and the Syrian art scene, and her projects are still broadcasted on screens.

The late Nabila al-Nabulsi will remain with us forever with her grace and her heartwarming trace, her talent that accompanied the maturity of the Syrian dramatic experience, and reached together with it to the pinnacle of generosity dramatically and humanly.

Also read:

• Mayada Bseliss
• Asmahan
• Najah Saati

References:

[1] Daily Syria

[2] Marefa

[3] Mada Post

Throughout history, women like mayada bseliss have had a great impact in various fields, whether scientific, practical, or artistic. She put her touches and made history remember her, and generations pass on her legacy one generation after the other. 

As Ghada al-Samman, a Syrian writer, said “only art is what keeps us from going insane.”¹
Beauty came out of her lovely voice, from her pure soul love was born because God gave her a magnificent voice and a wonderful ability to perform. She was not the daughter of the Qudud Halabiya, nor was she a singer of modern video clips, she created a special and strongly present art. One of us was not pleased by her song” Kithbak Helo” which one day was a vocal test for many of those who aimed to express their pure and balanced voices because when you are able to sing this song well, it means you have a good voice. 

Who is Mayada Bseliss? 

The Syrian artist was born in 1967 in Aleppo city in Syria, where she got her primary and high school education. She has been an expert in singing since she was young by singing church hymns. Mayada Bseliss is a daughter of an old-fashioned family that’s why her beginning in the music field started with only religious hymns. Her actual start was not until she got married to the musician Samir Kwefati.²

Mayada Bseliss’s Artistic Beginning 

Her artistic beginning started around the age of nine. She quickly climbed the Arabic singing ladder and became one of the most important and famous Arabic voices until she passed.

She made with her husband, the musician Samir Kwefati, an elegant artistic couple for about forty years, who has always been looked at by the Arabic audience with admiring eyes and grateful hearts for that authenticity, sincerity, and steadiness in presenting elegant art. Through these years, Mayada Bseliss produced many singing albums, participated in a lot of concerts and local and international festivals, as well as participating in special songs and the intros of many popular drama television shows.³

The Eventful Life and Artistic Journey of Mayada Bseliss

Fourteen albums of Mayada Bseliss were released in 1986. The first album was”Ya Kately Belhajr” which is a song from old Syrian folklore. Her song”Kithbak Helo” got the gold medal as the best Arabic song in 1999 which was a passport to the world of fame. In 2010, an album of hers was out under the title of “Ila Ummy wa Ardy” which is a work that got delayed a lot but was worth the wait for it was at the expected level that her audience was used to. Mayada Bseliss also sang many intros for massive television shows like”Ekhwat Alturab”, and “Ayyam Alghadab”. 

She also held a lot of concerts in numerous congregations. Some of the most known ones are: 

• A concert in the  Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, United States. 
• Two parties in the Opera House in Madrid and in the Egyptian Opera House in 1998.³

Her Most Important Artistic Achievements

• In the mid-seventies, the first public artistic participation for Mayada Bseliss was through an amateurs program in Aleppo radio station where she got first place.  After that, she participated in 1978 in “The Cotton Queen and Sun” operetta in which she won the cup for the most beautiful voice in the “Altalae festival”. In addition to the festival of Baghdad for the Youth in which she gained two prizes: one for the best voice and another one for the best performance.³
• In 1982 she participated in the “Arous Alqalaa” operetta, as she reperformed many old songs that were remixed by the musician Samir Kwefati, like “Sulaima” and “Ya Zaery fe Alduha”, etc.³
• In 1986, her first album was released under the title”Ya Kately Belhajr” which was also in participation with  Samir Kwefati, who remixed some of the old Arabic poems through this album.³
• In 1995, Mayada Bseliss took part in the second Syrian Song Sestival and in the opening celebration of the Syrian satellite television. After a while, she released the album”Hanin” which had ten songs, including”Natalie” the song of Hussam Tahseen Bek, “Kithbak Helo”, “Ya Tayoub”, “Fakadt Alsehr”, “Henayna” and many more. This album got locally and internationally famous.³
• In 1998, she participated in the Syrian Night in the Egyptian Opera House as she held numerous concerts at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, United States. In addition to two concerts in Madrid, Spain.³
• In 1999, Mayada Bseliss gained the prize of the best Arabic song for”Kithbak Helo” which was released earlier that year.³
• She released the album”Ya Ghali” which included nine songs. “Hawa Tany” was the most popular song, which won the golden prize of the best music video -best video clip- amongst the prizes from the 2001 Bahrain festival. This song also got the Ornina golden prize for the best song and rhythm.³
• In 2002, she released a special album that included nine l national songs and special ones related to the Palestinian case, it was titled”Ajras Bethlehem”. Of its songs, we mention: “Samtan Samtan”, “Alquds”, “Bakien”, “Ya Jabal Ma Yhezak”, “Zaffat Al Shahid”, etc. She also participated in the Al Mahabba festival.³
• In 2016, she released her last album titled: “Enta Bealby” which included ten songs. Like: “Alshahid”, “Halab”, “Ma Bkhaf”, “Wasakhto Al Saboun”, “Yedalo”, etc.³
• In November 2020, Mayada Bseliss released a single under the name”Dakhlak la Teshrah” which was written by the Syrian poet Samir Tahhan and remixed by Samir Kwefati.³
• In addition to private releases, concerts, and local and international festivals. Mayada Bseliss has always been considered one of the most important performers of drama intros by the Syrian audience.³

The Death of Mayada Bseliss

On 18 March 2021, on a Thursday morning, Mrs. Mayada Bseliss passed away after a long and tough journey with cancer which was recently known to the public. Between Wednesday’s midnight and the first hours of Thursday morning, March 18th, 2021, Mrs. Mayada Bseliss passed away after a long fight with cancer, which was recently revealed to the public. Her absence made a huge tragedy in the art world from the very first moments. Most of the Syrian artists and Mrs.Mayada Bseliss’s audience expressed their sadness with touching words that spread all over social media.³

Everyone who was charmed by her lovely voice shall never forget it. Her beautiful songs will always be present for people to enjoy listening to them because the death of Mayada Bseliss is just like a bad lie.
The question here is: could anyone fulfill the absence of Mayada Bseliss? 

Also read:

• Antoinette Najib.
• Adila Bayhum Al-Jazairi.
• Julia Domna.

References:

[1] Hekam

[2] Marefa

[3] Arageek

The late artist Antoinette Najib’s career was associated with many distinctive features. Our descriptions of her would always catch us off, guard. The late artist presented a career full of artistic works, behind more than 150 diverse works, between theater, radio, television, and cinema.

The Syrian director, Muhammad Zuhair Rajab, said in her lamentation: “The beloved of all, and the one with the kind heart.” This was after her death was announced in Damascus on August 17, 2022, after a long artistic career in which she participated in many series, plays, and films. [2]

Who is Antoinette Najib?

The late artist Antoinette Najib Al-Balou’, a Syrian actress, was born in the city of Daraa and was the wife of the late artist Youssef Choueiri. She began her artistic life after she joined the Syrian Artists Syndicate in 1968. She participated in many works during her long artistic career, as she excelled in performing the role of the kind mother who watches over the comfort of her children, and she also presented several works of art on the stage and on Syrian radio. [1]

Antoinette Najib and Her Cinematic Debut

The first film with which the deceased entered the world of art is “Aaryat Bela Khataya”. It was produced in 1967 in Syria, and its events take place there. Its story revolves around three sisters whose life is hard after the death of their father, so they take wrong paths and decisions that lead them to work in prostitution.

The late had cinematic contributions during her career: including the movie “Four in Paradise Time” and the movie “Fake Up”; Which has not been shown yet, starring the artist Ayman Zidan, along with a group of Syrian actors.

Mama Naima

The role of the mother in her series had a special imprint that was distinguished by the late Antoinette Najib. Who among us cannot remember the name of the late woman without recalling the character “Naima” in the two parts of the  “Alfosoul Alarbaa” series? Naima, who was not actually a mother and could not start a family, but was present in the life of every house of the characters of the four seasons. She rejoices when they are happy, and grieve when they are sad, and tries to solve problems and express her opinion as she sees fit, as a mother and a person with extensive experience in life. Even if she was living within the walls of Malik Beyk Gurbar’s kitchen.

She was a devoted mother to her family, her artistic project, and everyone who knew her in the artistic community and in her private life. As Mohsen Ghazi, the head of the Syrian Artists Syndicate, mourned her when he said: “The departure of the great mother with her heart and tenderness – Antoinette Najib – left great sadness in the artistic community at all levels, as she is the lady of creativity and the loyal mother devoted to her artistic project.” [4]

The Impact and Legacy of Antoinette Najib Will Live on Forever

The health of the late artist Antoinette Najib deteriorated before her death, so she underwent dialysis sessions, and entered the hospital in a critical condition before her death due to a pulmonary effusion.

She left behind a great artistic legacy and a human impact that touched everyone who was with her or close to her. With her present spirit, despite her absence, high position, and distinguished imprint in the field of art, the name Antoinette Najib will remain immortalized in the memory of Syrians and the history of Syrian art.

The Most Prominent Works

Between a strong and well-established television star in the series “Sah al-Nom”, starring the artist Duraid Lahham, and “Alfosoul Alarbaa” series. For more than a quarter of a century, the late artist presented artistic performances full of passion and sincere feeling, one that no artist or actor can convey to the viewer unless they are thoroughly capable of performing their role. Whether it’s heroic or secondary roles, or even as a guest star.

For the late artist Antoinette Najib to return and complete her artistic career – which lasted for nearly half a century and more – and present an exciting series of diverse artworks. Among her most important works in the theater: are the play “Hot bel khereg”, the play “Faina”, the play “Alashjar Tamout Wakefa”, “Saradyb Alsanaye’ya”, and “Sahra Ma’a Abu Khalil Al-Qabbani”. [3]

While her most prominent TV works were: Al-Dabour, Ahlam La Tamout, Al-Jawarih, Okhwat Al Tourab, Ayam Alghadab, Bayt Jaddi, Hammam Al-Qishani, Al-Khawali,Ryah Alkhamaseen, Donia, Rosanna, Alfosoul Alarbaa, and many others. [3]

The legacy of Antoinette Najib will remain ever-present and immortalized in all future works of art. This is what we have become accustomed to from authentic Syrian art throughout the ages. From the first theatrical works to the current TV works. Hoping that Syrian TV will remain in the foreground.

Also read:

• Najah Saati.
• Jihan al-Mosli

References:

[1] Elcinema

[2] Sky News

[3] Marefa

[4] Sana

Like many other influential Syrian women, Wahida Al-Azma has been a part of our Syrian history.  History has told us many stories about figures that have strongly influenced the lives of human beings in the world, and people continue to benefit from their inventions, actions, and principles to this day. Although these figures suffered a lot of failures and frustration, this didn’t discourage them from continuing to achieve the highest goals.

Her goal was to succeed strongly, leave an imprint on the lives of many, and be remembered in history. Wahida Al-Azma was one of these figures; a Syrian woman who worked hard to bring science to its highest ranks.  In this article, we will be talking about this immortal figure; who left an imprint of determination and success to be remembered in history to this day.

“A little knowledge and using it, is more useful than much knowledge with lack of using it.” 
– Plato. [1]

Who is Wahida Al-Azma? 

A Syrian woman who was born to a prestigious damascene family. Her father’s thoughts helped her overcome many obstacles, as he chose for his sons and daughters a mixed school, in which Wahida completed all stages of education and graduated with a Syrian and French Secondary Certificate. [2]

Wahida’s Undergraduate Study and Scientific Career

Wahida aspired to be a writer or scientist due to her love of literature and her excellence in science, but her ambitions were not destined to come true. As the university was limited to the branches of both Medicine and law at that time, in addition to the option of attending teachers’ school and working in the field of Education.

Wahida chose to attend the School of Medicine, as she was preceded by many of her generation’s daughters. It was believed that she was the first to practice medicine in the field. The number of students at the university was limited to no more than seventy students, and she was the only Syrian female student.

The study of Medicine took Wahida seven years for both stages; theoretical and clinical. The teaching halls were located in the Sulaymaniyah Hospice, near a building that was allocated to store the corpses for autopsy study. She abhorred the Formol-scented skeletons which were for sale in the morgue. However, for her, the clinical lessons were more interesting than the theoretical ones because of the gained knowledge and experience.

In 1949, Wahida Al-Azma graduated as a doctor from the Faculty of Medicine in Damascus. One year before her graduation, she had treated the wounded at the Mezzeh Military Hospital during the war against the Israeli enemy in 1948. [2]

Wahida Al-Azma – A working life full of achievements

When the Army Command announced the admission of doctors to work in the army, Al-Azma applied and she was appointed as a doctor with the rank of First Lieutenant in the Syrian Arab Army in 1950. Therefore, She became the first female doctor with the rank of First Lieutenant in the Syrian Army.

Later, she was deployed to France by the army command to specialize in the field of Pediatrics. She obtained a certificate of specialization in pediatrics from the University of Paris. Then she obtained a certificate of specialization in social pediatrics from the International Children’s Center in Paris. After that, she returned to Syria to work in the clinics of the Ministry of Defense as a chief doctor and pediatrician.

Wahida Al-Azma contributed to the establishment of the Syrian Pediatric Association, and the Family Planning Association in 1974 and was a volunteer member for 25 years. She was a member of the editorial board of the Syrian medical journal published by the Syrian doctor’s syndicate for a quarter of a century. In addition, she participated in the editing of the magazine “The Doctor” published in Arabic-language in Paris for five years. She was elected as a member of the executive committee of the Arab World Region, International Planned Parenthood Federation. [3]

Wahida Al-Azma; a Woman of Broad Culture and an Author of Many Books

Al-Azma has translated some educational books from French into Arabic. She has also published a large number of research papers on family-related health topics. In addition to translating topics indirectly related to family planning, including the population explosion around the world, and population education.

She has also authored several books on motherhood, childhood, and Family Health commissioned by the literacy Directorate of the Ministry of culture. The project targeted a social segment that needs awareness about these topics. Through these publications, Wahida Al-Azma tried to give the correct medical information in a simple and interesting way. [2]

Wahida Al-Azma, the Family 

She was the daughter of a family descended from two families considered one of the oldest Damascene families. Her father was an officer from the conservative “Al-Azma” family; many of whose members held high positions in the Ottoman Empire. Her mother comes from the family of “AL-Mahaini” who was known for their tendency to be openness and love of culture and science.

Wahida Al-Azma lived a life full of events, stories, and achievements. First of all, it must be mentioned that the contrast between the two families from which the doctor came out “Wahida” was a strong motivation behind her distinction. The family of  “Al-Azma” was known for its conservatism and tendency for excellence and science. This is what affected the child “Wahida”, who enjoyed, since her childhood, the strength of character and superiority, so she was the first doctor working in the”Syrian Arab Army”.

The death of Wahida’s mother, while she was still young, placed the burden of taking care of her seven siblings on her, being the eldest daughter. The worries were many and the burden was heavy, but her self-confidence and pursuit of her goal gave her the strength to overcome adversity. She coped with the monotonous life inside the house and was able to overcome all the existing negatives.

Doctor “Wahida” got married to one of her fellow doctors in 1953. She traveled with him to Saudi Arabia and stayed there for a year and a half working as a doctor. She accompanied her husband until his sudden illness and death in 1956. Then she returned to Damascus with a baby in her womb, her only son, who also became a doctor. She died alone in the city of Damascus in 2020. [2]

Anyone who reviews the long biography of Dr. Wahida Al-Azma knows how determined and dedicated she was in her work, and faithful to everything she believed in until the last moments of her life. Success is achieved not only by the presence of desire and ambition, but also requires a strong will and impressive actions. The world is full of many influential figures who have left a clear imprint at all levels.

We, the Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative, are seeking to remind the people of the influential Syrian Women as an example for everyone who dares the dream and insists on success and achieving their goals.

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

Also read:

• Jihan al-Mosli.
• Najah Saati.

References:

[1] Mawdoo3

[2] E Syria

[3] Alalam

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.

Also read: Jihan al-Mosli.

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

References:

[1] Syrian Modern History

[2] Syrian Women For Democracy

[3] Alwatan

Jihan al-Mosli, the rebel parliamentarian as the journalist Ibtisam Bousaad called her [1], challenged customs and traditions as a Syrian woman, and practiced educational, political, and social work and practiced law with a high degree of competence and a sense of responsibility. Jihan al-Mosli is considered one of the first women to enter the Syrian parliament in order to amend personal status laws and demand women’s rights. Jihan’s biography was full of struggle in order to enhance the education and the rights of women and children, especially the rights of working women.

The presence of Jihan in the history of Syria is what drives us towards the hope of achieving radical access for women to the political world, which makes us believe that the role of women remains active, no matter how simple their participation is.

Jihan al-Mosli’s biography

Jihan al-Mosli was born in 1908 in a Damascene house in the Al-Midan neighborhood. Jihan was the sixth child in the house after an older sister and four brothers. Her mother died when she was three years old. She received great care and attention for her high ability to memorize passages from the Quran despite her young age.

Later she was sent to a local girls’ primary school. Jihan received her baccalaureate degree from the Teachers Training College, then she moved to the Higher Teachers College and obtained the Higher Teachers’ House Certificate. She worked as a teacher and then became headmistress of middle and secondary schools for girls. [2].

Jihan Al-Mosli’s Achievements

It is clear that her work as a school headmistress is what made her seize an opportunity to achieve her educational and patriotic mission, and to install the ideas of women’s liberation in a language that is firmly rooted in the minds of her students.

Jihan al-Mosli participated in a women’s demonstration in 1928 to support the national bloc demanding women’s rights to stand for elections. She chaired the Cultural Symposium Society in 1941. [3]

In 1944 she became secretary of Women’s Associations. Three years later she earned a law degree

In 1960, Jihan was appointed to the National Assembly of the United Arab Republic alongside Widad Haroun.

However, the first women’s access to a parliament in Syria was during the period of Syrian-Egyptian unity (1958 to 1961), the National Assembly comprised a total of 600 members, 200 of whom were from the northern region (Syria) and 400 members from the southern region (Egypt). For the first time in the history of Syria, women entered the legislative councils, as there were two women representatives of the Syrian country, Jihan al-Mosli and Widad Haroun. [4]

Jihan has written many books on law, the most important of which are: (Bankruptcy in Law), (and Public International Rights). [5]

The most important inputs of Jihan AL-Mosli in the Constitution

The participation of Jihan AL-Mosli in many issues is clear, most notably her membership in the Preparatory Committee for the Drafting of the Constitution, where we found that in the twelfth session on Tuesday, February 7, 1961, the Preparatory Committee for the drafting of constitution was elected from 90 members, and the name of Jihan al-Mosli appeared in the list of candidates for membership in the Committee Preparatory work for drafting the constitution (53 members from Syria). Looking at her inputs, it is clear that she followed up on family and child issues, and demanded the rights of working women in the Northern Territory. [6]

In the thirteenth session on February 8, 1961, the National Assembly convened and headed by Anwar AL-Sadat, and the secretaries were Muhammad Hamid Mahmoud and Muhammad Taha Haddad. Jihan AL-Mosli submitted the following question to the Central Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hussein Mahmoud Al-Shafei,” what the steps have been taken by the ministry to implement the Paragraph (a) of Article VI of the decisions of the General Conference of the National Union of the Republic (the chapter on women’s activity); related to the expansion of the establishment of nurseries in neighborhoods where working mothers abound in relation to women’s associations and in factories? [6]

The interventions of Jihan Mousalli were also in the field of education. At the seventh session on April 26, 1961, she presented a proposal “with a desire to take the necessary measures not to delay the printing of textbooks and to take into account that they were not modified before the lapse of three years,” and it was referred to the Education Affairs Committee. [6]

In addition, the issues of female teachers’ rights were also at the heart of Jihan al-Mosli’s interventions. At the 14th session, May 15, 1961, she submitted a question to the Central Minister of Education about giving female teachers and school employees the opportunity to work half-time with half-salary, in the presence of the Deputy of Education Central Minister Muhammad Ali Hafez. [6]

By reviewing and documenting the interventions of Jihan al-Mosli, we can conclude that she was presenting proposals calling for the unification of laws between the two regions. In addition to questions that revolve around education, women’s and children’s rights, and the rights of male and female teachers, especially the rights of working women in the Northern Territory.

Syrian women have always had the ability to bring about change in many areas, even in politics and the constitution. As the role of Jihan al-Mosli had a great impact on education and the advancement of women’s rights. We, at Uplifting Syrian Women, always strive to highlight the role of women in Syrian history and the role of women in the advancement of society.

Read also: Adila Bayhum Al-Jazairi.

♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of “Gender Equality”, “Quality Education” and “Decent Work and Economic Growth”, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.

References:

[1] E Syria

[2] Wikipedia

[3] Aleppo Business Women

[4] Hewar

[5] Etmam Ala3lam

[6] Parliament