Dimasheq
The combined July–August issue of Al-Sham Magazine has been published, featuring a collection of articles, interviews and thematic files addressing cultural and social issues and examining aspects of the transformations taking place in Syrian society.
Under the “Issues and Opinions” section, the magazine opened a special file titled “Tribalism in Cultural and Social Terms: A Reading of Transformations,” presenting different perspectives on the cultural and social role of tribes, the madafa (traditional tribal guesthouse), oral history, the role of women, the relationship between tribes and the state, as well as the portrayal of the Euphrates, with its urban and tribal dimensions, in Syrian drama.
The file features contributions by Islam Abu Shkeir, Muhannad Al-Kateh, Dr. Shahla Al-Ajeili, Dr. Ayman Yazbek, Hassan Abdullah Al-Khalaf and Mujahid Al-Hariri.
The magazine also dedicated its main feature to “Culture and the Child,” examining the Ministry of Culture’s strategy for children’s and adolescents’ culture, alongside a series of articles exploring the role of family, reading and art in shaping children’s awareness, developing their imagination and strengthening their connection with culture. The file includes contributions by Zuhair Al-Bari, Nora Daqdoqa, Nour Al-Tabbaa and Raghad Bouzou.
In the “Visions and Ideas” section, Dr. Ahmad Barqawi published an article entitled “Structure and Will,” while the “Arab Pens” section featured an article by Saudi writer Osama Al-Qasim addressing Syria, the alphabet and expression.
Under “Syrian Figures,” the magazine published the first part of an interview with Sheikh Mohammad Eid Al-Abbasi, the Damascene scholar, preacher and educator. He recalled key moments from his academic and educational career and his experience in teaching and preaching, while also reflecting on his daughter, martyr Rania Al-Abbasi, and her family as part of his account of his life and family memories.
In the “Cinema” section, Shadi Khaddam Al-Jameh discussed the film Grave of the Fireflies, moving beyond its Japanese story to examine the question of childhood in the face of violence and drawing parallels with the memories of Syrian children during the years of the revolution. His article is titled “Grave of the Fireflies: Why Did They Have to Die So Quickly?”
The issue also includes reports and cultural features across various sections of the magazine, covering the Damascus International Festival of Arab Poetry, the Syrian Forum for Arabic Calligraphy and Ornamentation, and the “Summer of Syria” events, reflecting the magazine’s focus on providing broader space for examining Syria’s cultural and social landscape.
Al-Sham Magazine also introduced its advisory board in this issue, comprising Dr. Ahmad Barqawi, Dr. Khaldoun Al-Shammaa, Dr. Ahmad Ibesh, Dr. Bashir Ezzeddine, Dr. Raghad Al-Jaji, Dr. Louay Khalil, Ali Al-Masoudi, Lamis Al-Rahbi, Radif Mustafa and Fares Al-Dhahabi.
