Kalamoon and Deirattiah

The Second Revival (Late 19th Century – 1960s):

Deirattiah, a Deep-rooted History, and a Shining Present

“Deir Atiyah… Where history shines… And the present thrives.”

Location and Significance

The city of Deir Atiyah, with a population of approximately 22,000, is situated in the Kalamoon region of Rif Dimashq Governorate, positioned along the international highway between Damascus and Homs, at an average elevation of 1,250 meters above sea level. This strategic location has made Deir Atiyah a vital transportation hub, connecting east to west and north to south.

Deir Atiyah… The Revival continues…..

Deir Atiyah has undergone successive waves of revival. These stages of development were sometimes marked by favorable conditions, while others were filled with challenges. “Yet patience and insistence on attaining the highest levels remained the permanent characteristic of this civilization – rightly described as “the miracle of human ingenuity.”

The Revival progressed in the following manner:

The First Revival : The true dawn of Deir Atiyah’s history began with an architectural revival across the Levant following Saladin’s liberation of Jerusalem. The city became home to an Ayyubid family led by Saleha Khatoun, daughter of one of Saladin’s prominent commanders.

The first revival of Deir Atiyah owes its beginnings to Saleha Khatoun, who repaired the water canal and diverted its water using an ingenious distribution network, and implemented a meticulously twelve-part irrigation system – a masterpiece of precision. Her work continued with housing projects for new residents she welcomed from diverse regions.”

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This phase began in the last quarter of the nineteenth century and continued until the 1960s, marked by profound cultural, economic, and social characteristics. Modern schools were established, rivaling those in Lebanon for different foreign missions, offering Arabic education alongside their foreign languages. A wave of emigration to the New World—particularly South America—ensued. Returning migrants played a vital role in modernizing the village, investing their resources and experiences into its progress.

The Third Revival: The recent phase has launched since 1982 (*) in response to environmental challenges in Deir Atiyah like harsh terrain and water scarcity. This ongoing revival has achieved the fruitful and pastoral afforestation of the town’s mountain, surroundings, and streets. In addition to that, drilling of deep wells and establishing surface water dams which transformed the seasonal flood channels into lush forests and gardens. This period witnessed significant urban expansion accompanied by the opening of new roads—paving and illuminating them.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this revival was the establishment of high-quality service institutions, including Deir Atiyah National Hospital equipped with high-tech equipment, a museum, a cultural palace, a sports complex, the public bath, an elderly care home, and a center for people with disabilities which is currently under construction—alongside other facilities.

Economically and socially, the region underwent a major transformation, as remittances from Gulf employment became a primary source of liquidity.

This progress was crowned by the establishment of the University of Kalamoon in 2003. There are strong indications that—thanks to the dedicated efforts of its staff—it will mark the beginning of a fourth renaissance for new generations.

(*)The Spark of the Third Revival

This revival was ignited by a call to action from Abu Salim Daaboul, a righteous and loyal son of Deir Atiyah, who rallied his community to overcome drought through unity and determination. His visionary leadership turned ambitious goals into enduring achievements, now etched into the land as beacons of hope and purity.

A Snapshot of Al-Kalamoon Region

Few regions in Syria – relatively small in area yet clearly defined by natural boundaries – have maintained throughout the ages such a distinctive historical and cultural character, derived from both its natural environment and surrounding historical events, as the region called “Al- Qalamoon.”

This area possesses a unique history rooted in its distinctive geography – fundamentally a socio-cultural history intellectually, materially and spiritually. Its historical development progressed quietly, evolving gradually and peacefully through sustained interactions with others. This continuity reflects consistency rather than upheaval, demonstrating the enduring qualities of patience, perseverance, and steadfast pursuit of defined goals.

Following Saladin’s liberation of Jerusalem, the Arabization of Qalamoon began in the early 13th century, particularly in areas open to the northern and eastern deserts and the western parts adjacent to the Beqaa Valley. Deir Atiyah played a pioneering role in this process due to its strategic location – serving as a gateway between the Palmyrene region and the Orontes basin via Wadi al-Majr, while maintaining connections to Beqaa through Wadi al-Zamarani.

Al-Qalamoon remained an Aramaic-Syriac Christian enclave until the end of the Crusader period. Its cultural and spiritual foundation rested on numerous monasteries established during the Byzantine era, which sanctified the Aramaic-Syriac language as liturgical language in churches and monasteries. Linguistic remnants persist in some villages to this day.

In modern times, Qalamoon’s central location enhanced its openness to surrounding regions across northern and southern Syria in all domains, though cultural exchange remained predominant. Missionary schools emerged, showing significantly greater emphasis on Arabic language education than Ottoman institutions. The region also contributed significantly to the Syrian revolution and resistance against French mandate, with notable battles like oyyun al-Alaq north of Qara, both within Al-Qalamoon, and in Damascus with its Ghouta.

During the Ottoman period, Qalamoon contributed to the scientific revival and national awakening, with several of its figures connected to Abdul Hamid al-Zahrawi, a pioneer of this movement. From Deir Atiyah emerged the eminent scholar Sheikh Abdul Qadir al-Qassab, an Al-Azhar graduate who returned to establish a school following Al-Azhar’s curriculum. Today, Sheikh Abdul Qadir al-Qassab School stands as a beacon of Islamic sciences and Arabic studies students.

The school administration recognizes the importance of student recreation, allocating specific times for sports like swimming, alongside cultural competitions that enrich students’ knowledge. Notably, the school organizes summer cultural seasons hosting distinguished scholars.

The establishment of Qalamoon University stands as clear evidence of continuing cultural and scientific momentum – benefiting not only Al-Qalamoon but Syria and the neighboring Arab countries. The university has become a major academic institution attracting students due to its excellent reputation and distinguished educational standards, achieved through competent management combining high cultural awareness and noble national spirit.