In a step to honor the sacrifices made by the Syrian people in their pursuit of freedom, the Arab Writers Union has announced the establishment of a special unit dedicated to documenting the literature of the Syrian revolution. The unit’s mission is to collect and preserve literary and creative works that reflect the events of the revolution, alongside related studies and research.
Dr. Ahmad Jassem al-Hussein, President of the Union, said the initiative aims to safeguard the literary and creative legacy that emerged from the challenges of war and the exceptional circumstances the country endured. “It helps make it easier for researchers and scholars to access these works through a unified information bank that serves as a reference for all,” he explained.
This initiative is seen as an effort to fill the institutional gap that has long hindered Syria’s cultural documentation. The new unit will archive literary works published during the revolution, including poetry, novels, short stories, and theater, and later expand to include unpublished works that meet the unit’s artistic and documentation standards. Participation will be open to all writers who have addressed the revolution, whether from inside or outside Syria.
Building a Future Through Creative Writing
As part of its 2026 plan, the Arab Writers Union also approved the creation of an academy for creative writing, diaries, and memoirs focusing on post-liberation stages. The academy will train 5,000 young Syrians to write about war, victory, heroism, and the daily lives of Syrians during the revolution.
The initiative will be carried out in coordination with the Ministries of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Education to strengthen the role of new generations in preserving national memory through literature.
Digitizing Heritage for Future Generations
To expand accessibility, the Union’s Executive Office has approved contracts with several electronic publishing platforms to host its books and magazines online. This digital archive will enable Syrian writers to reach Arab and international readers while ensuring that future generations can access Syria’s literary heritage.
Dr. Hussein noted, “We are not only documenting the literature of the revolution but also highlighting the voices of Syrians in global cultural forums to reflect their suffering and hopes in their quest for freedom.”
This initiative marks a pivotal shift in the Union’s role and vision. It represents a bridge between Syria’s cultural past and its future, reaffirming the country’s literary resilience and its determination to rebuild through creativity. The project embodies the spirit of a new Syria, one seeking to restore its writers and artists to their rightful place on the regional and global cultural stage.
