Damascus, June 8 (SANA) Maktab Anbar, one of the most prominent landmarks in Old Damascus, has undergone successive transformations since its construction in the 19th century, evolving from a private residence into an Ottoman educational institution, later a center of Arabized education and, today, a cultural and civic hub.
Built in 1867 by Yusuf Anbar, a wealthy Damascene businessman, the complex is considered one of the finest examples of traditional Damascene architecture. It covers approximately 5,000 square meters and consists of four sections arranged around internal courtyards (al-Diyar), with around 40 rooms spread across two floors.
Today, the site serves as a cultural landmark and community center, hosting heritage events, cultural activities and public services. It regularly welcomes exhibitions, intellectual forums and seminars that highlight Syria’s cultural traditions and educational heritage.
Ottoman era and educational role
Under Ottoman rule, the site became known as the Royal Preparatory School, although the name Maktab Anbar remained widely used. Historian Muhammad Kurd Ali (1876–1953) wrote that the institution initially provided education at the preparatory level before expanding into secondary education.
Following reforms introduced by the Committee of Union and Progress, Turkish became the language of instruction and administration. The school expanded to accommodate between 500 and 600 students.
According to the memoirs of Fakhri al-Baroudi (1887–1966), the curriculum included religious studies, languages, sciences and technical subjects. The institution educated several figures who later played prominent roles in Syrian public life, including former President Shukri al-Quwatli and former Prime Minister Said al-Ghazzi.
Faisal era and Arabization
Following World War I, during the rule of King Faisal bin Hussein, the institution was among the first schools in Damascus to undergo Arabization, with Arabic restored as the language of instruction. It was subsequently renamed the Preparatory School and Teachers’ Training College.
Students during this period included Hassan Yahya al-Sabban, Abu al-Khair al-Qawas, Shukri al-Sharbaji and Muhammad al-Bazm, among others.
French Mandate period
During the French Mandate, the institution became a center of nationalist activity, with some students later taking part in movements associated with the Great Syrian Revolt of 1925. Prominent educational figures linked to the institution during this period included Sharif Rammo, Mustafa Tamr and Jawdat al-Hashemi.
Post-independence and modern role
Following Syria’s independence, the building served a number of educational and public functions, including housing the Institute of Preparatory and Women’s Arts. In 1981, it was renovated and reopened as the Arab Cultural Palace in cooperation with the Damascus Governorate.
The restoration included the conversion of former classrooms into lecture halls, the rehabilitation of facilities and the addition of architectural elements designed to preserve the character of the historic complex. Parts of the building were later allocated to cultural and charitable organizations.
In 2012, the Damascus Governorate converted part of the site into a Citizen Service Centre providing licensing, civil registry and other municipal services to residents of Old Damascus and surrounding neighborhoods.
Researchers and historians note that throughout the 1980s the building hosted numerous events celebrating Damascus’ heritage and artistic traditions, including cultural gatherings, performances and traditional craft workshops.
Today, Maktab Anbar remains one of Damascus’ most significant historical landmarks, reflecting the city’s educational, cultural and administrative evolution over more than a century.
M.F / ABD
