Munir Kayyal “Lover of Damascus and its Heritage”

Syria over the years is a treasure trove of creative people who have provided a lot in the fields of literature, poetry, novels and heritage, and they were truly immortal in our conscience, whether through their lives or through their departure.

February 8 , the anniversary of the passing of one of the icons of Syrian culture, who specialized in researching the popular heritage of Damascus, documenting it and presenting it in a beautiful way, known for his gentleness, morals and love for others.

He is the researcher Munir Kayyal, a member of the Research and Studies Association of the Arab Writers Union, who presented his works, which exceed 30 books, in the fields of Damascene life and its status throughout the ages.

The deceased was born in Al-Shaghour in 1931. He completed the recitation of the Holy Quran in his kuttab (religious school for recitation of the Koran) while he was still in the fifth year of his life.

When he joined the preparatory school for primary education, he was immediately accepted into the third grade and obtained the primary certificate (certificate) in 1946.

He continued his education at the “Second Preparatory School” and obtained his secondary school certificate in 1952.

He continued his university studies in the Geography Department at the Faculty of Arts at Damascus University and graduated in 1962.

The more he delved into capturing details, the more he began to write down what he saw and heard from his conversations with people in the markets and homes.

He found himself immersed in research and documentation of Damascus’ heritage, customs, traditions, proverbs, houses, baths, and industries. He left nothing without documenting it, in writing and photography.

When he was asked about the secret of his interest in Damascus, he said, “All the research and books I present are part of loyalty to Damascus, which was a scientific destination for the world.

The Umayyad Mosque was a university, and on each of its columns was a teacher and a group of students.

No one studied under its dome except those who had undergone the test and had proven to possess a great deal of encyclopedic knowledge.”

The late author presented more than 22  books, the first of which was about the rituals of the month of Ramadan and its Damascene traditions.

The second one was “Damascus Arts and Industries”, and the last one was about “the first Damascene baths”, but the most important of them was the book “Ya Sham” which he published in 1984.

The later included 17 chapters, dealt with Damascene customs and traditions regarding pregnancy, childbirth, games, schools, teaching crafts, and Damascene occasions.

On the anniversary of the passing of researcher Munir Kayyal, a lover of Damascus, we say: What you documented, wrote and photographed will remain forever.

For proud Damascus does not forget its children, but rather embraces them, gives them and exchanges love with love. Your memory will remain engraved in our hearts and on the walls and alleys of Damascus, the eternal city throughout history.

Finally, Munir Kayyal, Your memory will remain engraved in our hearts and on the walls and alleys of Damascus, the eternal city throughout history.

Hanan Shamout