Dimasheq – Damascus – Special
Syrian Minister of Culture Mohammed Yassin Al-Saleh thanked Syrian researcher and historian Taysir Khalaf for his initiative in donating a collection of important historical documents related to Abu Khalil Qabbani, a pioneer of Arab theatre. The documents shed light on various aspects of his life and artistic and cultural career.
The minister praised the research efforts undertaken by Khalaf in uncovering historical documents and sources through his work tracing Qabbani’s life and his journey to the United States with his theatre troupe. He also stressed the importance of individual initiatives by researchers and historians in recovering Syria’s cultural memory and enriching the national archive with authentic sources that help reassess the history of the artistic and theatrical movement in Syria.
The minister made these remarks during the opening of Qabbani Theatre in the Syrian capital, Damascus. The occasion highlighted a voluntary initiative submitted by the Damascus Foundation for Culture, Thought, Arts and Development, represented by researcher Taysir Khalaf, to the Ministry of Culture. The initiative called for coordination with the Syrian Ministry of Tourism, which is overseeing the restoration of Qabbani’s house, with the aim of establishing a dedicated exhibition space inside the house featuring dozens of documents, photographs and various personal belongings.
These documents hold particular significance given Abu Khalil Qabbani’s pioneering position in the history of Arab theatre and his role in establishing theatrical traditions that emerged from Damascus in the nineteenth century and helped shape the modern Arab artistic renaissance.
The donation comes amid renewed interest in preserving Qabbani’s legacy, highlighting his contributions as one of Syria’s most prominent creative figures, and documenting the formative stages of theatrical life in Damascus. The collection includes numerous documentary photographs, travel tickets, advertisements for Qabbani’s theatrical performances and other historical materials.
