Name of Object:

Maktab al-`Anbar School, Damascus

Other name of the Object (second name):

First modern secondary school founded by the state in Damascus. Building was originally a private dwelling

Location:

Berlin, Germany

Holding Institution:

Museum of Islamic Art at the Pergamon Museum, State Museums

 About Museum of Islamic Art at the Pergamon Museum, State Museums, Berlin

Date of Object:

1890

Description:

The growth of Damascus urban culture and the changing role of the state were accompanied by important reforms and social changes. One of them was an increased alphabetisation and an improved public education. Attempts were first made by the state to reform schools in 1869 with the passing of an edict on school reform for the whole Ottoman Empire, officially recognizing private and foreign schools while setting out the basic principles of state education. The law now made a distinction between military schools on the one hand, and schools preparing children for a civil service or administrative career on the other hand. An example for the latter is Maktab al-`Anbar school.

Type of Object

Photograph

Citation of this web page:

Stefan Weber "Maktab al-`Anbar School, Damascus" in "Sharing History", Museum With No Frontiers, 2026.
https://sharinghistory.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;AWE;de;8;en

Prepared by: Stefan Weber

MWNF Working Number: DE 008