• 22 Jan, 2026

Obtaining any book is no longer difficult or dangerous in northern Syria; all you need is money to purchase an original copy, or you can visit one of the printing offices in Idlib to acquire a printed version. The young man Ayman Al-Nabba recognized the city’s need for such initiatives and, three years ago, established a library and a publishing house

The books displayed in Al-Nabba’s library are divided into two sections. The first includes books imported from regime-held areas or from Turkey, which are more expensive for readers due to passage through checkpoints, payment of fees, and the low exchange rate of the Syrian pound. The second section consists of books printed at Al-Nabba’s own printing house

Al-Nabba prints any book requested by readers and provides it with an appropriate cover, in addition to printing books he believes are in high demand or have gained popularity over a certain period

He told Al Jazeera: “I know that printing books is contrary to the general law for publishing houses, but we are compelled to do this due to the reader’s need for books and their inability to purchase them, or due to the difficulty of securing and bringing them into town, especially those needed by students conducting research for their studies”

He notes that readers’ interests differ according to age: most young readers prefer Arabic and translated novels, while older readers lean towards books with Islamic or philosophical content

Al-Nabba adds: “Social media has had a negative role in reducing the number of readers and library visitors, because many have turned away from reading in favor of what

these platforms broadcast, and because many have shifted to electronic reading due to its easy accessibility”

Idlib Digital Library: A Window into the City’s History and Culture

The Idlib Digital Library is one of the most prominent cultural initiatives aimed at documenting the city’s history and reviving the memory of its community, especially given the difficult circumstances Idlib has faced in recent years. The library is not merely a place for storing books; it is a digital platform providing access to diverse sources about the city and its cultural and civilizational heritage

Library Objectives

The digital library aims to

Preserve Idlib’s Knowledge Heritage

• Collect historical documents, old photographs, books, and manuscripts related to the city

• Provide materials that document social and cultural life in Idlib across different eras

Empower Researchers and Students

• Offer digital access to academic and field resources

• Support historical and anthropological studies related to Idlib and its surroundings

Revive the City’s Memory

• Present documentation projects such as the book “Idlib… The Forgotten Town”, published in 2019 by historian Fayez Qawsra

• Highlight historical figures, cultural events, and key occurrences that shaped the city’s identity

Library Content

The digital library contains diverse materials, including

• Books and historical documents: Works covering Idlib’s development from ancient times to the modern era

• Academic research and articles: Studies on Idlib’s society, local economy, and cultural and architectural heritage

• Field resources and old maps: Archival images and historical layouts of the city, allowing researchers to compare urban and cultural developments

Importance of the Initiative

Amid war and displacement, Idlib faced major challenges related to the loss of cultural memory and local identity. The digital library

• Preserves knowledge from being lost or neglected

• Educates youth and future generations about the history and heritage of their city

• Enhances scientific research on topics related to northern Syria

The library has also become an open platform for communication between researchers, students, and historians, making it a vital center for preserving the city’s collective memory

Conclusion

The Idlib Digital Library is not just an archive; it is a comprehensive cultural project that seeks to restore Idlib to its rightful place in Syrian history and culture. By documenting the past and providing access to knowledge, the library contributes to rebuilding the cultural identity of the Idlib community and empowering it to face the challenges of the present and future