Damascus, Mar. 25 (SANA) Minister of Culture Mohammad Yassin al-Saleh discussed on Wednesday with President of the Arab Language Academy in Damascus Mahmoud al-Sayyed ways to strengthen joint cooperation and develop cultural and scientific work mechanisms, in a manner that reinforces the presence of the Arabic language and advances national knowledge projects.
The meeting, held at the Academy’s headquarters, reviewed a number of shared files, foremost among them the project to verify and publish the encyclopedia “History of Damascus” by the scholar Ibn Asakir, in addition to discussing the preparation of new memoranda of understanding and improving coordination mechanisms to enhance performance quality and expand cooperation between the two sides.
Priority to Completing “History of Damascus”
Minister al-Saleh affirmed in a statement to SANA that the visit reflects appreciation for the scientific role of the Arab Language Academy in Damascus, describing it as a long-standing intellectual institution with more than a century of history and a continuing reference in linguistic and academic fields.
He stressed that the “History of Damascus” project is among the Academy’s most prominent initiatives and has reached advanced stages, underscoring the importance of completing it as soon as possible given its significant scientific and civilizational value.
Strengthening Institutional Integration
The minister highlighted the need to reinforce cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and the Academy on the basis of institutional integration, contributing to safeguarding the Arabic language, promoting intellectual enlightenment, and building a generation capable of employing language as a tool for knowledge.
58 Volumes Published, Work Ongoing
For his part, Secretary of the Arab Language Academy Mohammad Anin told SANA that cooperation with the Ministry of Culture aims to complete the “History of Damascus” project in 80 volumes.
He noted that 58 volumes have already been printed, in addition to 10 verified volumes published electronically and awaiting print, while 12 volumes remain under preparation or pending scholarly verification.
The Legacy of Ibn Asakir
Ibn Asakir (1105–1176 AD) was a preeminent Damascene scholar and historian who authored the monumental 80-volume History of Damascus. His work serves as a vast biographical encyclopedia, documenting over 10,000 figures to preserve the city’s intellectual and spiritual heritage during the Crusades. Today, his legacy remains a cornerstone of Arab historiography, meticulously maintained by the Arab Language Academy.
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