Honored by the Syrian Future Movement (SFM) No. (18) Syrian Cultural Minister Dr. Riad Naasan Agha

“Syrian Cultural Minister

Dr. Riad Naasan Agha

• Born in Idlib in 1947, to a father and grandfather who were reciters. His father was Sheikh Hikmat Naasan Agha, and his grandfather was Khaled Naasan Agha.
• His wife, Mrs. Eva Bakari, and he has four children with her.
• He completed his primary and preparatory education in Idlib (primary at Al-Fath Private School, and secondary at Al-Mutanabbi) before moving to the Teachers’ House in Aleppo, then to Damascus, where he graduated from the Department of Arabic Language / Faculty of Arts.
• He pursued studies in Islamic philosophy and submitted his master’s thesis titled (The Arab Contribution to the European Renaissance), followed by his doctoral thesis at Baku University titled: (Media and Globalization), published in 2001 by Dar Al-Fikr in Beirut under the title (Between Politics and Media).
• He wrote poetry from a young age and published a magazine in Idlib called (Our Cubs) before he turned twenty, followed by another magazine (The Victory Generation).
• In 1972, he wrote the play “Ulysses Tragedy,” directed by Marwan Fenari, which won awards for best text and performance at the Experimental Theater Festival.
• He worked as a teacher of Arabic language in Idlib high schools.
• He received an honorary doctorate from the University of Rome.
• He supervised two doctoral theses at the Syrian Military Academy.
• He transitioned to working at Syrian Television as the director of programs and dramatic production.
• He was elected in the fifth legislative session of 1990.
• He was appointed as the Syrian ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, and then to the United Arab Emirates.
• He received the Numan Order from the Sultan of Oman and the Order of Merit from the President of the UAE.
• He served as the Minister of Culture in the Syrian government from 2006 to 2010.
• Among his publications: the books (Between Politics and Media), (Between Politics and Culture), (Between Politics and Arts), (Between Politics and Literature), (From the Fragrance of Memory), (The Arabs and the Challenges of the Twentieth Century), (The Summit and Issues of the Nation), and (Scents from Damascus), and (Civilizational Visions).
• He wrote numerous television series, notably: the “Civilizational Visions” series, and variety series “Abjad Howz,” “Experiments in the Balance,” and “Nights’ Tales.”
• His notable dramatic works include: The Doctor, Doubt, and the series (Midnight Dreams – thirteen episodes – 1977).
• He defected from the Assad regime, supporting the Syrian people’s revolution, becoming a pioneering and exemplary figure, declaring his defection in 2012.
• He participated independently in political and diplomatic work until joining the Negotiation Body established in Riyadh in 2015, from which he resigned in 2017. (This carries significant implications, as he is a perceptive writer)

In recognition of his rich and diverse contributions to science, culture, politics, and diplomacy, and for standing with his people in their revolution against injustice and tyranny, we, the Syrian Future Movement, honor the former Syrian Minister of Culture, Dr. “Riad Naasan Agha,” with this week’s Syrian Future Movement Shield, a symbolic Syrian award, embodying our vision and inclusive national approach.