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The Legacy of Abu Al-Alaa Al-Ma'arri: Vandalism of the Philosopher’s Tomb Sparks Widespread Condemnation
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The repeated attacks on the tomb of Abu Al-Alaa Al-Ma'arri serve as a troubling indicator of the growing influence of extremist ideology that rejects intellectual diversity and philosophical heritage

Syrian media platforms and activist accounts have circulated images documenting the destruction of the tomb of Abu Al-Alaa Al-Ma'arri in Maarat Al-Numan, Idlib Province. Unknown assailants vandalized the site, which represents a significant cultural landmark, highlighting the continued targeting of intellectual and cultural symbols in conflict-affected areas.
This is not the first such attack since the outbreak of the Syrian crisis. In 2013, armed militants decapitated the statue of Al-Ma'arri in Maarat Al-Numan, defaced its base, and shot at it. This repeated pattern of assaults poses a persistent threat to Syria’s cultural heritage, especially in the absence of effective protection mechanisms.
A History of Attacks from Multiple Sides
Al-Ma'arri's tomb has previously suffered another attack, when Syrian regime forces raided it and looted its contents. This dual assault by different sides in the conflict underscores the dangers surrounding historical and cultural sites in war zones.
Who Was Abu Al-Alaa Al-Ma'arri?
Born in 973 CE and passing away in 1057 CE, Ahmad bin Abdullah bin Suleiman Al-Qudai'i Al-Tanoukhi Al-Ma'arri was a poet, philosopher, and writer during the Abbasid era. He was born and died in Maarat Al-Numan, northern Syria, gaining widespread fame for his controversial thoughts and philosophies in his time.
One of his most famous works, "The Epistle of Forgiveness" (Risalat Al-Ghufran), is often compared in significance to Dante’s "Divine Comedy".
The repeated attacks on Al-Ma'arri’s legacy raise serious concerns about the fate of Syria’s entire intellectual and cultural heritage.
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Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”
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