Press Interviews

Report by Omar Al-Tawil – SANA Syrian News Agency

**After Overcoming Illness and the Loss of Her Only Son… Writer Ahlam Abu Assaf Turns to Fine Art to Serve Literature**

Educator Ahlam Abu Assaf, a native of Al-Suwayda Governorate, did not stop at merely delving into the intricacies of literary writing—specifically novels and short stories—after successfully overcoming and recovering from breast cancer. Instead, more than a year ago, she ventured into the realm of fine art—a new endeavor she sought to harness in the service of literature—embarking on this journey at the age of 56.

As she explained during an interview with a SANA correspondent, Abu Assaf found her foray into fine art to be an opportunity to channel her emotions and aspirations, and to transcend the pain and grief she had endured following the loss of her only son approximately four years ago; indeed, painting transported her into an entirely different world.

Abu Assaf revealed that she initially began painting with the specific intention of creating cover art for her own novels. She enrolled in the Fine Arts Center located within the Cultural Center in the city of Shahba, where she completed a course alongside young women the same age as her own daughter. She subsequently progressed from pencil sketching to utilizing various color techniques, and even participated in an art exhibition—an experience that further motivated her to continuously refine her artistic skills.

Abu Assaf strives to channel the literary concepts she holds into her artwork. As she noted, this creative process has enabled her to examine subjects from every conceivable angle—an endeavor aimed at infusing joy and delight into the difficult circumstances we currently face—a pursuit that, in turn, brings her a profound sense of happiness.

Abu Assaf’s ambitions remain boundless; she firmly believes that she has successfully emerged from the hardships she once faced. In the near future, she intends to learn to play a musical instrument—a pursuit aimed at fulfilling the wishes of her late son, who was himself a musician. She emphasizes that grief has never once stood in her way; rather, it has only served to fuel her determination to defy it. It is noteworthy that the writer Ahlam Abu Assaf earned a university degree from the Faculty of Education at the age of 45, having previously held a diploma from a teacher-training institute. She has a background in the teaching profession and school administration, having practiced both for several years. Her current literary repertoire includes four novels: *A Woman’s Thirst*, *The Departure of the Thorns*, *A Glimmer in the Andes Mountains*, and *Ascending Towards Love*. Additionally, she has published numerous short stories in local newspapers and *Al-Mu’allim Al-Arabi* magazine, as well as an e-book of short stories titled *Blindness Has Other Colors*.

News Link:

http://www.sana.sy/?p=1829777

Report by: #Omar_Al_Tawil

Photography by: #Ziad_Bakir

A Cultural Seminar in Yemen – Online

Ahlam: On the evening of Tuesday, May 19, 2020, the twenty-second session of “Ghirbal”—a monthly initiative organized by the Basement Cultural Foundation—was held. Participants in the session, joining via the “Ghirbal Club” WhatsApp group from across Yemen and the Arab world, discussed the works of Syrian writer and novelist Ahlam Abu Assaf, who was present for the discussion. Also in attendance was Ms. Lina Amer, proprietor of “Dhamaa” Publishing House, which published the author’s novels.

Author Ahlam Abu Assaf was born in 1965 in the village of Umm Dubayb in southern Syria. She worked in the field of education and currently serves as a school principal. She has authored two novels: *Dhamaa Imra’a* (A Woman’s Thirst) and *Raheel al-Awsaj* (The Departure of the Awsaj).

At the outset, the author welcomed her readers and the participants in the discussion, addressing them with a message that read: “Fate willed that I be born a female in a sea thousands of years deep within the Middle East—a place where fierce waves of oppression and shame crash violently, raging throughout the ages, sinking every vessel of salvation that bears the remnants of a woman’s dream of her own humanity, and reinforcing a false victory upon victory.” She added: “Women of the Third World live within a cocoon cast by a raging storm at the feet of spring. From it, they emerge as butterflies with battered wings, striving to mend the fractures in their transparent wings through sheer will and determination. No matter how thunderous the storms of spring may be, those butterflies will create a rainbow of their very own.”

She subsequently spoke about her literary beginnings in the world of the novel—a journey that took shape cumulatively through her extensive reading, which began during her elementary school years. When asked whether her novels were born of war, she answered in the affirmative, stating that these wounds had endowed her with the strength and audacity to venture into the world of fiction. She added that her novels might be seen as a cry—a premonition of war—as well as a protest against the notion that our current predicament is the result of flawed upbringing. Nour—one of the participants in the discussion—asked what she meant by “flawed upbringing.” The author replied that she was referring to the discrimination between males and females; for when a male is accorded such preferential treatment, he may eventually rise to become a leader—at which point, one can only imagine the magnitude of the ensuing catastrophe. Farah, a participant from Syria, asked the author what one needs to begin writing a novel. Her response was that the primary requirement is a passion for reading, as well as a deep engagement with people and with life’s tribulations; subsequently, these elements will naturally manifest in various forms—one of which may well be a novel.

Fawzi Al-Ghuwaidi thanked the author for the courage he perceived in the various life stages and challenges she had faced. He then turned to her novels, expressing his admiration for *Rahil al-Awsaj* (The Departure of the Thistle)—specifically noting its departure from a strictly linear chronology, opting instead for a fragmented narrative structure—and remarked upon the abundance of characters that populate her works. He described the author as possessing both an inspiring life story and a magnificent literary voice. When he asked whether a writer’s work inevitably intersects with their own autobiography, Ahlam replied that while a writer need not necessarily write their *own* life story, they can never truly escape their own skin—no matter how hard they might try to distance themselves from it. She explained that she had written her own memoir with unreserved boldness precisely to cultivate the courage needed to address other critical issues within our societies—issues that are of concern to everyone. The author discussed the characters in her novels—complex figures built up from the fabric of reality. She noted that a single character might, in fact, be a composite of several distinct personalities she has envisioned. She specifically mentioned that the protagonist of *Rahil al-Awsaj* (The Departure of the Awsaj) has become an integral part of her; she lives through the character’s experiences moment by moment, constantly imagining what she herself would do were she in her shoes.

Shaimaa Thabet spoke about the novel *Rahil al-Awsaj*, observing that its heroine endured the unbearable in her quest to attain inner intellectual freedom within a society that sought to constrain her. She also touched upon the protagonist’s internal turmoil—a state of confusion that could easily have left her paralyzed and incapable of making choices.

Shaimaa Thabet further elaborated on *Rahil al-Awsaj*, noting that the heroine’s internal conflict—her fear of confronting a traditional society and the potential repercussions of such a confrontation—threatened to leave her shackled and unable to act. Yet, she proved herself to be strong and intelligent, ultimately choosing to shatter her bonds and liberate herself from intellectual repression. The author expressed her conviction—held with bold assurance—that we are born to live with freedom of thought and opinion, and that we possess the inherent capacity to transform our reality and our lives.

Additionally, Camelia Ghanem—hailing from Syria—presented an analysis of the title of the novel *Thama’ Imra’a* (A Woman’s Thirst). As she explained, this title was chosen by the author for the deep resonance it holds within our collective memory, and for the word “thirst” itself—a term that evokes a profound need for quenching, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense. Ghanem praised the author’s remarkable ability to empathize with and engage in an intimate dialogue with every woman on a deeply personal level. She noted that the author sought to tell the story of an Arab woman—specifically, a woman who made a decision imbued with the spirit of a dream, thereby embarking on a journey that left her very soul suspended above the clouds. Regarding *Rahil al-Awsaj* (The Departure of the Thorns), Camelia described it as an event that is both visible and invisible—a distinct literary exploration by the author, Ahlam, delving into themes of love and melancholy. It is a work of realism brimming with life, serving as a poignant reminder of the long struggle endured by this nation. It is a novel that sweeps through the emotions, speaking directly to the honorable figures and freedom fighters of the nation—those who navigate their destinies with heads held high and spirits unbowed. She noted that the author narrated many events with a fluid, natural flow of language, addressing a multitude of themes that she clothed in simple, evocative imagery; indeed, the author possesses her own unique creative rituals.

Professor Abdulwasi Al-Adoumi spoke of the author’s courage and her consistent advocacy—within her writings—for reading, writing, and the pursuit of knowledge. He also observed the striking parallels between the events depicted in her novels and the realities of life in Yemen.

Bashira Tali’a described the author, Ahlam Abu Assaf, as the resonant echo of a voice—and a pain—that has emerged to defy the harshness of life. She characterized her as a woman of independent thought, possessing a bold pen and serving as a voice for truth that demands freedom in all its forms.

Speaking about her craft, Ahlam stated that she keeps her humanity constantly before her eyes and sets a specific objective: to ensure that a reader who enters the pages of her work does not leave unchanged. She noted that she views writing as a battle that women must wage—one in which they must seize the standard and lead the charge—for she has keenly felt the injustice inflicted upon women: not only by men and society at large, but also, at times, by other women. It is for this reason that she writes—both for herself and for them.

Responding to a question regarding the writers who have influenced her, she revealed that her literary journey began with the Syrian author Hanna Mina, whose works she would read in her village by the flickering light of a lantern; she also cited the great Russian authors as a significant source of inspiration.

Finally, Lina Amer—the proprietor of *Dham’a* Publishing House, which published Ahlam’s novels—addressed the audience directly, offering the perspective that every reader holds within themselves the potential to become a writer. She spoke about how she first came to know Ahlam—whose passion for reading immediately caught her attention—and noted that when Ahlam presented her with her novel, *A Woman’s Thirst*, she was captivated by the sheer enjoyment it offered. She added that…

A report from the renowned Al-Suwayda-based page “Arman Bint al-Jabal” regarding the writer Ahlam Abu Assaf.

Ahlam: A Rare Literary Icon

With remarkable skill, she has plumbed the depths of the Eastern female heart.

Hers is a free pen—rarely paralleled in women’s literature—that visits the scars of the heart, listening with devotion to its feminine voice. It speaks with the courage of a believer, utilizing God-given tools to guide us toward the righteous path, thereby quenching the thirst of a arduous female existence—one shackled by chains of fear and repression, confined behind flimsy intellectual walls for millennia.

The Writer and Novelist:

“Ahlam Barjas Abu Assaf”

She was born on March 18, 1965, in the village of Umm Dubayb, in the Al-Suwayda Governorate. Born alongside her was the revolutionary childhood dream of one day transforming the world—creating a place where love serves as the nourishment of the soul and the very essence of life.

She began to realize this dream with the support of her late father—to whom she owes a debt of gratitude for his encouragement, backing, and steadfast assistance. She waged battles against entrenched customs and traditions, ultimately becoming a shining exemplar of the educated rural woman. This was achieved during an era when a female’s migration from the countryside to the city—solely for the purpose of academic attainment—was viewed as an intellectual rebellion, one that could be easily quashed by mere words of disapproval.

Consequently, she graduated from the Teacher Preparation Institute in Al-Suwayda in 1985.

Subsequently, she successfully enrolled in the Faculty of Education—specifically the Primary Class Teacher Department—from which she graduated in 2008.

For Ms. Ahlam, the profession of teaching was a dream that accompanied her throughout her years of study, eventually transforming into a beautiful reality that profoundly enriched her life.

She emerged as a highly accomplished educator, achieving remarkable success over a career spanning twenty years as a teacher and ten years as a school principal. Throughout this time, she served not only as an instructor but also as a mother figure and a friend to her students, establishing a unique pedagogical approach grounded in open dialogue and a loving, attentive ear for the hearts of her pupils. She subsequently continued her career for four years as an accountant at the Educational Complex in Shahba, a position she holds to this day.

Her literary beginnings took shape gradually through her extensive reading; she found her true calling amidst books, driven by a firm belief that literature possesses the power to transform individuals and shape societies. She began writing professionally at the age of 48, heeding the passion for writing that had accompanied her since childhood—back when her early writings adorned her school’s wall magazine and earned her public encouragement from her teacher, the late Mr. Hassan Zein al-Din.

She has published numerous articles in the newspapers *Tishreen* and *Al-Thawra*, focusing on education and the status of working women. This led her to write her first novel, *A Woman’s Thirst* (*Dama’ Imra’a*), in 2016, followed by her second novel, *The Departure of the Thorns* (*Raheel al-Awsaj*), in 2018. She is currently preparing to release her third novel, titled *A Glimmer in the Andes Mountains* (*Wameed fi Jibal al-Andiz*).

All her novels have been published by “Dama’” Publishing House, founded by Ms. Lina Amer—to whom she extends her deepest gratitude and affection.

The flame of writing has remained burning brightly within our author’s soul, despite years of sorrow conspiring against her heart—years marked by illness, loss, and various challenges—thanks to the support and assistance of her former husband, Nahi Nour al-Din.

Today, our author aspires to achieve global recognition and dreams of receiving the title of Goodwill Ambassador—a personal aspiration she holds in esteem equal to that of her literary journey.

With the utmost respect and appreciation for your noble character, from the team at the #Arman_Bint_AlJabal page—we wish you every success in etching your name among the ranks of world-renowned authors.
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Press Interview with the Builders of Thought Channel

O Sun, hidden behind the clouds…

If I were to offer you my body as a sacrifice…

Would you not rise? When she chose to embrace joy, seeking to drink deeply from the wellspring of life—her very soul…

She was once that teenage girl who dreamed of changing the world. Yet, her body was small then; how, she wondered, could a dream take flight amidst customs that stifled ideas and dampened the dawn-spirit within people’s hearts? Thus, #Ahlam_Abu_Assaf emerged as the true embodiment of that dream—defying every world of passive waiting. She completed her secondary education and successfully secured a coveted spot in the Teachers’ Institute, enrolling in a “special track” program.

It was here—from this precise point—that her story truly began. Life started to beckon, offering the fruits of experience atop the very core of her being. She married and went on to teach at a school within her own village.

People often say: “One cannot give what one does not possess.”

Yet here, we stand before an act of giving that overflowed from a place of drought—emerging after a marriage that failed to sink its roots deep into her life. She transcended prevailing societal norms and plunged into the intricate depths of a nascent dream—a dream that grew, unnoticed by all, alongside a momentous decision: divorce.

Undoubtedly, one cannot simply give free rein to one’s spirit in societies like ours; for the gazes and opinions of others are like ceaseless waves, constantly seeking to snatch away the fragile “embryo” of a new beginning—a new phase in the journey of self-awareness that was steadily claiming its rightful place in our heroine’s life.

But she proved herself the most capable of all—armed with a smile, with strength, and with unwavering determination.

“My children… and my message to the world… these are my driving force and my sustenance.”

This was the phrase that consumed her every thought—the motto with which she confronted the world, and for the sake of which she fought. She plunged into the fray of a fierce, existential battle—a struggle that taught her how to take her very next steps. And as she did so… She began her journey crawling, then rose to walk; she completed her studies and eventually became the principal of the very school where she had once taught—serving as a living lesson in selfless giving. Even when battered by the battles of fate and the clamor of human voices, she insisted on transforming the thorns in her path into flowers, offering them freely to everyone around her. She became a sanctuary—and, simultaneously, a pillar of support—for anyone in need of aid.

Yet, her true battle began here, in the early stages of a journey where fate singled her out to face a debilitating illness. It arrived unannounced—an unwelcome intruder—yet she met it with exemplary grace and hospitality. She came to cherish life even more deeply amidst its turmoil; she pressed on, choosing to embrace the *experience* of the journey rather than drowning in the depths of the disease itself. She confronted it with mindfulness and resolve, never allowing it to deter her from her duties as a principal. Instead, she wove from it a narrative of determination and willpower—a story she crafted within the heart of her school and among all those around her—thereby establishing herself as an enduring role model of resilience and a profound love for life.

Amidst this exhausting odyssey—replete with details that often encroached upon her joy—she continued to transform thorns into flowers, planting them whenever she could. Then, fate led her into a new adventure—or, to be more precise, a new *gamble*—involving the two loves of her life: Fadi and Hadeel. These two children served as distinct chapters in her story—together forming what might be described as the “Yin and Yang” (☯️) of Ahlam’s existence. Hadeel—one might call her the “other side of the coin”—bore no resemblance to her mother whatsoever; their mindsets differed vastly. Yet, despite these differences, she remained a vibrant source of vitality in Ahlam’s life. Today, she—along with her beautiful family—stands as a pivotal landmark, a beacon of hope that provides our heroine with a compelling reason to press on, in addition to the enduring message she continues to share with the world. Today, she carries a message of both educational and familial significance.

As for Fadi…

Fadi—the embodiment of creativity; Fadi, who bore the closest resemblance to his mother’s spirit. He was a musician—playing not merely upon the strings of an instrument, but upon the very strings of the soul. He shared his mother’s life experience; and here, it seems, their creative destinies mirrored one another.

For just as Ahlam had fully recovered from her illness, Fadi was struck by it. He, too, battled it with immense love. Yet, fate singled him out for suffering, cruelly snatching him from the embrace of life.

It was at this juncture that the true narrative arc of Ahlam’s life crystallized. She had already penned the novel *Thama’ Imra’a* (A Woman’s Thirst)—a work that garnered widespread acclaim from readers—and which was honored with an award in Venezuela following Fadi’s passing. (My dear reader, you may view this work on the author’s official website—a link to which we will provide at the end of this article.) She had conquered cancer, faced the specter of death, and ultimately triumphed through life—a journey she now found herself reliving.

Thus, we observe that while Ahlam’s life has certainly encountered its share of turbulence, it can be distinctly divided into two phases: the time *before* Fadi’s passing, and the time *after* it.

In the earlier phase, she confronted her illness adorned in her finery, drawing strength from the very hand of fate. In the latter phase, however, she began to draw her “finery”—her radiance—from the memory of Fadi, and to derive her strength *against* fate itself. This newfound resolve empowered her to write her second novel, *Raheel al-Awsaj* (The Departure of the Awsaj). In this context—reflecting on the writing journey that stirred within her at the age of 48—she remarked: “When a dream dismounts, the novel begins…”

Indeed, following this profound loss—the loss of her sense of security in the world, and the loss of her beloved son—she became her own source of solace and strength. She now carries a message for all those who suggested that, with the death of her son, she had lost her anchor and become frail: that the loss of Fadi was, in truth, the loss of her very bloom—her *Zahwa*. She is pure spirit—a vibrant splash of color within the canvas of life. Yet, she is neither broken nor incomplete, requiring no one to prop her up or mend her fractures. In this, she carries a message to women everywhere: strive and persevere in pursuit of your dreams.

Here, we stand before the dreams of an adventurer—a woman of strength and resilience. She is a dreamer who believes that even if fate harbors ill intent, she can face it with a smile. She deserves to reach a global stage—to become a radiant beacon, touching the very heavens with her joy and boundless generosity.

From the architects of thought: our warmest wishes for a life truly worthy of one who dreams *for* life, and *of* life itself. May she rise to the global stage.
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