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The Syrian Cultural Garden, honoring an ancient land, rich in diverse cultures, was dedicated in May 2011, the first Garden to represent an Arab country. Sponsored by the Syrian Cultural Garden Foundation. Designed by architecture students at the University of Damascus, the Garden’s major elements include the grand arch, a fountain, granite pillars surrounding the fountain, and a bust of the 20th century poet Nizar Qabbani.
The arch pays homage to the Triumph Arch of Palmyra, an architectural wonder built in the third century, when Palmyra was a prosperous center of commerce and culture. The Garden’s fountain is a common feature in old Syrian homes. It is surrounded by an eight-point star, a common Syrian design motif. The black granite pedestals detail the storied history of Syria and its contributions to civilization, including the earliest known forms of agriculture and one of the oldest alphabets in the world. The writings cover historical eras from cradle of civilization to modern era. The legendary poet Nizar Qabbani authored poems about Damascus, romance and Arabic empowerment. His bust was sculpted by Cleveland artist Leila Khoury and dedicated in 2016.
The early wave of Syrian immigrants arrived here between 1890 and 1910. Larger waves of immigrants came after the second half of twentieth century. Most of them were professionals in medicine, and business. They were seeking higher education, advanced careers and freedoms in the US. The community contributes generously to the multi-cultural fabric in Northeast Ohio, For more information about the Syrian Cultural Garden please visit www.clevelandculturalgardens/SyrianGarden
Celebrating Syrian History
The Syrian Cultural Garden, dedicated in May 2011, is the first garden in the Cleveland Cultural
Gardens to represent an Arab country.
Designed by Raghda Hilal and Nagham Nano, architecture graduates from Damascus University,
The garden showcases iconic features from Syria’s cultural heritage, such as A back drop stairs symbolizing cascade of civilizations, surrounded by stone design hinting to Ugarit gate, the Palmyra Triumph Arch, a three steps theater inspired by the amphitheaters in Palmyra and Busra, a circular space decorated by Arabic line art design circling the Damascene fountain.
Six granite pillars celebrating thousands of years; engraved by Syrian historic eras, from cradle of civilization to modern era along with the Syrian immigration history, complemented by Khalil Jubran famous article: To the young Syrian Americans, I believe in you. The bust of poet Nizar Qabbani was dedicated in 2016 in the presence of his son Omar.
Garden Features
Palmyra Triumph Arch
A stunning replica of the ancient Roman triumphal arch from Palmyra, symbolizing Syria's rich historical legacy.
Damascene Fountain
An authentic fountain inspired by traditional Damascus architecture, representing the beauty of Syrian design.
Granite Pillars
Elegant granite pillars engraved with highlights of Syrian history from cradle of civilization to modern times and Syrian immigration to the US
Nizar Qibbani (1923-1998)
Qibbani is one of the most revered contemporary poets in the Arab world. His progressive poems explored themes of love, romanticism, feminism and Arab nationalism. He had many poems admiring Damascus and its culture and its Jasmin.
His most famous poems include, The Brunette Told Me, Jasmin Scent of Damascus, To the Legendary Damascene, Prince and Balquis. He raised voices for freedom, liberty and awakening His death was mourned by Arabs the world over.
The symbolic bust of Qibbani was created by sculptor Leila Khoury and it was installed in 2016 in the presence of his son Omar.