The University of Damascus is big and very old, the heart of education in Syria. Found in the beautiful capital, Damascus, it also has parts in other cities. This great school began in 1923. It came to life by joining a medical and a law school. Later, it became known as Damascus University, keeping up its high standards through the years.
Key Takeaways
- The University of Damascus is the largest and oldest university in Syria, located in the capital city of Damascus.
- It was founded in 1923 as the Syrian University through the merger of the Medical School and the Institute of Law.
- The university adopted its current name after the founding of the University of Aleppo in 1958.
- Prior to the war in Syria, Damascus University was one of the most reputable universities in the Arab World.
- The university has campuses in various Syrian cities, contributing to the higher education system in the country.
Historical Origins and Establishment
The story of Damascus University begins in the early 20th century. This was a time when Syria’s path to higher education started. In 1901, Damascus approved the Office of the School of Medicine. Two years later, the school opened its doors to students, marking the start of what would grow into the university. Back then, the teaching was done in Turkish.
Later, in 1913, a Law School began in Beirut. It was notable for having many Arab teachers who spoke in Arabic. This school moved to Damascus in 1914, just as the School of Medicine shifted to Beirut. Then, in 1919, the Institute of Medicine and the School of Law opened in Damascus, teaching in Arabic. This changed the landscape of education in the area significantly.
Merger of Medical School and Institute of Law
In 1923, the School of Law became the Institute of Law. It then joined the Institute of Medicine, the Arab Society, and the Center of Arabic Heritage. Together they formed the Syrian University. This was a big step towards creating what we now know as Damascus University.
Transition from Syrian University to Damascus University
By 1958, a new rule about universities in Syria’s north and south was in place. This changed the name from “the Syrian University” to “Damascus University.” It also established another key university, the University of Aleppo. Damascus University’s position as a top educational institute in Syria was secure.
Academic Programs and Faculties
Damascus University has many academic programs for both undergrad and grad students. They offer a lot of courses to ensure every student gets a quality education. These courses span many different fields.
Undergraduate Degrees Offered
Undergraduate programs at the university last from 4 to 6 years. There are many choices, like Medicine, Pharmacy, and more. Students can pick what interests them most.
Graduate and Doctoral Programs
The university also offers Master’s and Doctoral degrees. Master’s degrees mix coursework and research, taking 2 to 3 years. Doctoral degrees focus purely on research and can last from 2 to 5 years.
Renowned Faculties and Institutes
The university features many top faculties and institutes. They cover a wide range, from Medicine to Fine Arts. Plus, there are institutes for specialized studies, like Laser Research and Languages.
Damascus University in Syrian Arab Republic
Damascus University is both the largest and oldest in Syria. It’s got a big reputation in the Arab world for high-quality education. It was known for its excellent academics before the conflict in 2011.
Reputation as a Leading University
Back in the early 20th century, Damascus University started as the Syrian University. It combined the Medical School and the Institute of Law. Over time, it has added many academic areas like medicine, engineering, arts, and humanities. The university is highly regarded for its top-notch professors, wide-ranging curriculum, and successful alumni.
Contributions to Higher Education in Syria
Since its beginnings, Damascus University has been key to Syria’s higher education scene. It’s helped set up new schools and institutes to meet the growing needs. Teachers there have published hundreds of educational books in Arabic. This has been a big help to students not just in Syria but across the Arab world. The university strongly believes in teaching in Arabic. This shows its commitment to supporting Arab culture and language in academic studies.
Campus and Facilities
In Damascus, the main campus of Damascus University is at the center. It shows the school’s deep history and dedication to learning. This place buzzes with studying and community life, offering modern facilities and a wide range of courses.
Main Campus in Damascus
The campus in Damascus is right in the city’s heart. This makes it easy for everyone to get there. The large green area and classic-meets-modern buildings make studying here inspiring and beautiful.
University Hospitals and Research Centers
Damascus University has eight special hospitals in the city. These include ones for women’s health, heart surgery, and kids. It also has places for advanced learning and research, like the Higher Institute of Laser Studies. This shows the university’s spot at the forefront of science and discovery.
Notable Alumni and Faculty
Damascus University has seen many successful students leave its grounds. These include people like Bashar al-Assad and his family, as well as Rached Ghannouchi and Mahmoud Abbas. The university is also proud of its faculty, such as Khaled al-Asaad, the famous archaeologist.
| Notable Alumni | Notable Faculty |
|---|---|
| Bashar al-Assad | Khaled al-Asaad |
| Maher al-Assad | – |
| Bushra al-Assad | – |
| Basil al-Assad | – |
| Rifaat al-Assad | – |
| Rached Ghannouchi | – |
| Mahmoud Abbas | – |
Conclusion
Damascus University has a long and important history starting in the early 20th century. It has always been at the heart of Syrian higher education. It started as a Medical School and Institute of Law and has grown into the country’s biggest and oldest university.
Today, it offers a broad variety of programs and has top-notch facilities. These include university hospitals and research centers. Even with the challenges Syria has faced, Damascus University has stayed at the top of its game.
Damascus University is looking towards the future. It aims to keep its status as a leading light in education and as a key part of Syria’s proud intellectual legacy. Use of the Arabic language in all fields has made the university a source of pride for the whole region.
In closing, Damascus University stands strong in the face of hard times. It has become a vital point of reference for Syrians and people across the Arab world. Despite struggles, it remains a shining example of higher education in the region.