The Syrian Minister of Culture, Mohammed Yassin Al-Saleh, announced the relaunch of the cultural magazine Al-Sham Magazine, which originally began publication in Damascus in 1897 under the editorship of the minister and scholar Muhammad Kurd Ali, affirming that this step represents a return to a rich cultural path deeply connected to the history of thought and literature in Syria.
Minister Al-Saleh explained that Al-Sham magazine will be issued by the Ministry of Culture and printed in its own printing presses. It is envisioned as a publication dedicated to thought, literature, and the arts, aimed at revitalizing cultural life, and it will open its pages to thinkers, writers, and creators—both men and women—to contribute through various cultural and intellectual sections.
He noted that the first issue of the magazine opens with a special dossier on “cultural identity,” considering it an issue of importance to all Syrians. He added that this dossier will serve as an open space for opinions, proposals, and cultural dialogue.
The magazine also includes a dedicated section for open debates, which in this issue focuses on the topic of cultural identity. It was prepared by Mariam Hajir and features contributions from philosopher Dr. Ahmed Barqawi, Dr. Abdul Hakim Bashar, writers Taysir Khalaf, Ali Safar, Fares Al-Dhahabi, Islam Abu Shakir, Thaer Al-Zazzu’, historian Ahmed Iebsh, and others. The final page of the issue includes a special caricature by artist Muwaffaq Qatt.
The minister also pointed out that the magazine will highlight Syrian archaeology and bring readers closer to the country’s civilizational and cultural heritage. It will also showcase new publications, follow visual arts and artistic experiences, and dedicate pages to literary and critical texts from both established and emerging writers.
He affirmed that Al-Sham seeks to build a cultural bridge connecting the Ministry’s activities, institutions, and directorates with readers, allowing them to engage with cultural events and contribute to enriching them through their ideas and participation.
Al-Saleh concluded by emphasizing that the first issue of Al-Sham represents “the beginning and the first building block of a long and rich journey,” noting that the coming phase will witness greater attention to Syrian cultural periodicals that have contributed to consolidating Syrian culture and creativity, and that will continue their role today in “new Syria.”w Syria.”
