Ghazwan: 'As long as I can continue my work, I can only be satisfied' - UAF (2025)

Ghazwan (1970) worked as a scientist in Syria for more than twenty years. He was an archaeologist at a government institute, the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums, and a lecturer at the University of Damascus. He studied history and architecture, obtained his PhD from Cairo University and is a specialist in the field of architecture and art of the Mamluks (slaves in the Middle Ages in the Islamic world, ed.). Ghazwan: 'With all the studies I have done, I tried to understand humanity better. Buildings are the means, ultimately I am interested in people.'

Why is architecture interesting if you want to understand people?

'Buildings have motives, they speak. They tell stories about the builders, about their knowledge and talents. And they provide information about the users, about their lives. Buildings help you to form a complete picture of history. We have books, of course, but not all the stories you read are true. Many stories are written by people with interests. Buildings, on the other hand, never lie, they reflect the true story about people.'

How did you discover this?

'After high school I studied history at Damascus University. “Also look at the buildings,” the professors said when I mapped out a certain part of history. It turned out to be a gold mine. Once I graduated, I continued with archaeology, I was ready to deepen that perspective. Since then it has been the intersection of history and archaeologymyperspective. And still. Since September I have been working at the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS), where I delve into the relationship between function and form of Mamluk bathhouses and society at that time.'

As a result of the civil war in Syria, not only did you leave your motherland behind, but also your field of work. How difficult was that for you?

'Like many Syrians, I thought the war would end. I hoped that perhaps more than anyone else, because of my work. But it didn't go away. I feel responsible for promoting and protecting ourheritage, but I am still a husband and father first and foremost. I have a responsibility, there was no choice. The fact that we had to leave everything behind us had a big impact.'

Was a lot of information lost during the war?

'Before the war, Palmyra, also called the City of a Thousand Columns, was the most visited attraction in Syria. But Palmyra is largely in ruins. Fortunately, Palmyra is an exception. Syria has more than ten thousand archaeological sites. Damascus has largely remained intact, the same goes for Aleppo. There is good documentation about the places that have been destroyed or damaged. I have a hard drive full, my archive is immense. In particular, the image of Syria, one of the oldest civilizations, has suffered great damage.'

Thanks to grants, Ghazwan can continue his work in the Netherlands. In 2018 he took part in the Hestia program, an initiative of the UAF and the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) that gives refugee scientists the opportunity to participate in existing research projects. A year later he received a grant from Leiden University, where he worked as a senior researcher at the Institute of Area Studies. And Ghazwan currently works as a researcher at NIAS.

In between he publishes articles and books. His first book, entitled 'Mamluk Palaces and Houses in Cairo', was published in Arabic by Brill publishers. A second book is forthcoming. In addition to these activities, Ghazwan is committed to sharing his knowledge about Syria and Syrian architecture with Dutch society. He has given more than twenty presentations in recent years, including in Utrecht, Leiden and his hometown of Houten. He even set up a foundation for it: the Arabic Dutch Culture House.

What are you aiming for with your foundation?

'I focus on both newcomers and Dutch people. I believe in the power of bringing two worlds together. Syrians are not unique, nor are the Dutch, but together... That's another story. We enrich each other's lives. Dutch people do not have a clear image of Syria and Syrians. I've met people who thought I was from the desert. Someone asked if we also had a television at home. If you want to know how the Romans lived, go to Rome and see the buildings that tell the story. The same applies to Syria. With my knowledge and experience I can bring the buildings and therefore the stories to life. With my foundation I want to encourage people from different cultural backgrounds to meet each other.'

Are you satisfied with the life you are living now?

Silence. Then: 'My soul is still in Syria, I dream of doing something for my country. On the other hand: we are safe here, both our sons go to school. One studies in Enschede, the other in Utrecht. The Dutch language and culture are not an obstacle for them. It is more difficult for myself and my wife. The temporary contracts I have make me insecure. I don't know what my situation will look like next year. I always look at vacancies with a wary eye. Fortunately I have the energy to continue. Three serious research positions, two books and dozens of articles in four years: I can't complain. As long as I can continue my work, I can only be satisfied. In my presentations I say:the better story will be tomorrow.'

UAF Award 2021

Every year we reach the UAF Award to the standout of the year.With the election, the UAF draws attention to the potential and perseverance of refugee students and professionals who are working on their future here.

Ghazwan was one of six nominees who distinguished himself through his study and work performance and his commitment to society. Watch his nomination video below.

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