Printing in Syria formed a pivotal milestone in the history of Arab knowledge, transferring the book from the slow and limited framework of manual copying to the wide horizons of publishing, and making sciences and literature closer to various segments of society, opening the door to an intellectual renaissance that cemented Syria's status as a leading center for science and publishing in the region.
Aleppo: The First Gateway to Arabic Printing
The Syrian Arab Encyclopedia documents that the first printing press with Arabic letters in the Arab countries was established in the city of Aleppo in 1706, linking this pioneering achievement to the name of Patriarch Athanasius Dabbas, who transferred his technical expertise from Romania to Aleppo, while Deacon Abdullah al-Zakher oversaw casting its precise Arabic letters. This cooperation resulted in the printing of the first religious books in Arabic, foremost among them the Book of Psalms and the Gospel.
Researchers consider this first press one of the first of its kind in the Arab East to use movable Arabic letters, which granted it exceptional historical and cultural value. In this context, historian Georgi Zaydan mentions in his book "History of the Literature of the Arabic Language" that Syrians were the first among Easterners to print using Arabic letters, noting that the letters made in Aleppo far exceeded in quality the letters used at that time in Europe.
Damascus and the Establishment of an Integrated Publishing Industry
The achievement in Aleppo was not merely a passing technical event, but the beginning of a civilizational spark that moved to Damascus, which witnessed a noticeable expansion in the field of publishing. Novelist and writer Dr. Nizar Abaza stated in an interview with SANA that printing entered Damascus in 1840. With the spread of government then private presses during the 19th century and the early 20th century, the Arabic book gradually transformed into a widespread professional industry, making Damascus one of the most prominent cultural metropolises in the region.
Abaza pointed out that before the emergence of modern presses, Damascus was a primary center for producing manuscripts and preserving Arab heritage. Manual copying required high skill and long timeframes, and its copies varied between rare and precious ones dedicated to mosques and state archives, and ordinary copies relied upon by students of knowledge.
From Precious Manuscripts to Printed Books
With the arrival of presses, the book production process witnessed an unprecedented leap, as it allowed for the wide publication of school textbooks, dictionaries, and intellectual works at a lower cost, contributing directly to the popularization of education and the spread of culture among different segments of society.
The flourishing of printing provided fertile ground for the growth of Syrian journalism, as presses allowed for the regular issuance of newspapers and magazines, transforming them into active platforms for spreading thought and discussing social and political issues. This partnership created a vibrant environment that strengthened the modern Arab renaissance movement and expanded the circle of readers.
Despite the achievement journey spanning more than three centuries, the publishing sector today faces contemporary challenges related to rising printing costs, paper prices, and distribution networks, as well as the rapid changes imposed by digital books and modern technology.
The rich history, from Aleppo's pioneering role in introducing printed Arabic letters to Damascus's pivotal role in developing the book and journalism industry, remains a testament to Syria's continuous civilizational presence as one of the most important cultural incubators in the Arab world.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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