Majallat al-Marifa al-Suriyya
- Author died
- 1422 AH
- Editions
- Adel Al-Awwa
Majallat al-Marifa al-Suriyya (The Syrian Knowledge Magazine) is a monthly Syrian cultural and educational journal founded in Damascus in 1365 AH / 1946 CE by educational bodies in Syria, featuring essays and editorial contributions by Syrian scholars and intellectuals including Adil al-Awwa (d. 1422 AH / 2002 CE) .
Founding and Objectives
The journal published its inaugural issue on December 1, 1946 . It was established under the supervision of teaching bodies (Hay'at al-Ta'lim), particularly the Primary Teaching Body (Hay'at al-Ta'lim al-Ibtida'i) in Damascus, following the national movement and the consolidation of Syrian educational committees after the end of the French mandate .
Its stated mission was to provide cultural and pedagogical guidance for educators, foster intellectual discourse among Syrian intellectuals, and advocate for the professional, moral, and financial rights of teachers . Annual subscriptions were set at eight Syrian liras for subscribers in Syria and Lebanon, one pound in other Arab countries, and sixteen Syrian liras for official state departments .
Administration and Contributors
The journal was administered in Damascus from Madrasat al-Malik al-Zahir . Its administrative affairs were managed by Rashad al-Ustuwani as director of administration (mudir al-idara), while Khalid Ali served as the accountant . Khalid Qutrash, head of the Primary Teaching Body in Damascus, was among its principal organizers and writers .
The journal received contributions from notable scholars, educators, and public figures, including:
- Adil al-Awwa, who authored its opening manifesto "Hadhihi al-Majalla" as well as intellectual and philosophical essays such as "al-Sa'ada" (Happiness), "al-Arqam" (Numbers), and "al-Dhikra" (Remembrance) .
- Jamil Saliba, head of the Education Committee, and Kamil Ayyad, who wrote on educational orientation and pedagogy .
- Said al-Qudmani and Widad Shamandi, who contributed essays on school-parent cooperation and teaching methodologies .
- Anwar Tallu and Yahya al-Sharkas, who oversaw the physical education section to provide teachers with practical monthly instructional materials .
Content and Structure
The magazine's issues combined academic discourse with practical educational and administrative reporting:
- Philosophical and Cultural Essays: Covered topics on ethics, happiness, historical consciousness, and humanistic thought .
- Pedagogical Studies: Addressed child psychology, early childhood education and kindergartens (Rawdat al-Atfal), classroom methods, and educational reform .
- Syndicate and Legislative Affairs: Documented proceedings, conferences, and elections of teaching bodies in Damascus, Homs, Hama, Latakia, Aleppo, and Deir ez-Zor, as well as official legislation and decrees concerning teacher employment cadres and ranks .
- Reviews and Interviews: Included regular book reviews under Ma'a al-Kutub wal-Suhuf (such as reviews of Khalil Mardam Bey's edition of Diwan Ibn Unayn) and interviews with contemporary public figures, including Minister of National Defense Ahmad al-Sharbati .
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