Early Life and Education:
Author Samar Yazbek was born on August 18, 1970, in the city of Jableh, Latakia Governorate, and grew up in a conservative Alawite community.
She studied Arabic literature at Tishreen University, then entered the world of literature and writing in the late 1990s.
Literary Career Before the Revolution:
Yazbek began writing novels and short stories that addressed issues of women, power, and social violence.
One of her most prominent works before the revolution was the novel “Salsal” (2005), a symbolic work criticizing the military establishment in totalitarian societies.
Her writings were characterized by boldness and breaking taboos, making her one of the most prominent liberated female voices in modern Syrian literature.
Position on the Syrian Revolution:
With the outbreak of the revolution in March 2011, Samar Yazbek took a clear and vocal stance in support of the popular movement.
She participated in peaceful demonstrations in Damascus and its countryside, and wrote daily articles documenting events from the heart of the square, most notably her article on “Friday of Dignity,” which expressed the tragedy of Syrians under oppression.
In 2012, she published the book “Crossfire,” which collected live testimonies from inside Syria during the first months of the revolution.
Prominent works after the revolution:
- Gates of the Land of Nothingness
- Nineteen Women
Two works documenting the revolution from a female perspective, revealing the suffering of women under the shadow of war, detention, and displacement.
Civil and human rights activism:
In June 2012, Samar Yazbek founded “Women Now for Development,” a non-governmental organization working to empower Syrian women economically and culturally.
- Providing psychosocial support to women inside Syria and in refugee camps.
- Training women in community leadership.
- Opening educational centers in conflict zones.
International Presence and Awards:
Samar Yazbek conveyed the voice of the revolution to cultural and human rights forums in Europe.
She has won several international awards, including:
- Harold Pinter Award (2012)
- Oxfam Prize for Crossfire (2013)
- Best Foreign Book Award in France for The Crossing (2016)
Independence and Intellectual Stance:
Although she did not engage in opposition political frameworks, Samar Yazbek preferred to remain independent, believing that words and civil action were more effective.
She faced criticism from some supporters of the revolution for her sometimes cautious rhetoric, but she remained true to her principles, defending human rights, especially women’s rights.
Samar Yazbek’s Legacy:
Samar Yazbek represents a model of Syrian women who confronted tyranny with words and stance, paying a heavy price in her personal and professional life. Today, she is one of the most prominent female voices documenting the Syrian revolution, accompanying its suffering, and contributing to building alternative civil paths.
Honoring the Syrian Future Movement:
Based on our belief in the role of intellectuals and civil activists in shaping awareness and confronting tyranny, we announce the honoring of writer Samar Yazbek by awarding her the movement’s symbolic shield, in recognition of her role, positions, and achievements.
