Women Who Shaped Syria's History: From Zenobia to Nazik al-Abid and Ghada al-Samman

Syria's history is full of strong women who left their mark in politics, journalism, literature and art. Here are some of their stories.

Zenobia, queen of Palmyra

In the third century AD Zenobia ruled Palmyra, pushed her kingdom as far as Egypt and defied Rome until Aurelian defeated her in 272. Read her story in our Palmyra guide.

Julia Domna, the empress from Homs

Daughter of the priestly family of the sun temple in Homs, she became empress of Rome as the wife of Septimius Severus and gathered philosophers and scholars around her. Read the Syrians who shaped Rome.

Mary Ajami, pioneer of women's journalism

In Damascus in 1910 Mary Ajami founded al-Arous ("The Bride"), one of the first women's magazines in the Arab world, calling for women's education and rights. She was also a poet, translator and public speaker.

Nazik al-Abid, the "Arab Joan of Arc"

Nazik al-Abid, a Damascene activist, founded women's associations and schools and took part in the Battle of Maysalun against French forces in 1920, for which she was given an honorary military rank; many called her the "Joan of Arc of the Arabs". She spent her life in social and relief work.

Adila Bayhum al-Jazairi

One of the pioneers of the women's movement in Damascus, she founded associations, schools and orphanages and campaigned for decades for girls' education and women's rights.

Colette Khoury and Ghada al-Samman: two literary voices

• Colette Khoury, the Damascene novelist, caused a stir with "Days with Him" (1959), bold for its time in writing about a woman's love and freedom. She was the granddaughter of the Syrian prime minister Fares al-Khoury.
• Ghada al-Samman, born in Damascus in 1942, is one of the leading Arab writers of the twentieth century: novels, stories, poetry and essays translated into many languages.

Asmahan, an unforgettable voice

Asmahan was a singer from the Syrian al-Atrash family of the Jabal al-Arab, sister of the composer Farid al-Atrash. She lived a short, dramatic life, and songs such as "Nights of Pleasure in Vienna" remain classics of Arabic song. Read about Aleppo's tarab.