• 16 Sep, 2021

Full Name: Qustaki bin Yusuf bin Butrus bin Yusuf bin Mikha’il al-Homsi Birth: February 4, 1858, Aleppo Death: March 9, 1941, Aleppo Origin: Ancestry traced back to Homs; one forefather migrated to Aleppo in the 16th century, and the nisbah “al-Homsi” remained with the family. Career: Started working in trade at age sixteen, left commerce around 1905 for his literary passion after amassing wealth. Traveled to France, England, Italy, Constantinople, and Egypt. Mastered French and studied philosophy and ethics. Member of the Arab Scientific Society in Damascus. Major Works: Manhal al-Warrad fi ‘Ilm al-Intiqad (3 volumes, Cairo 1907), Adaba’ Halab Dhawu al-Athar fi al-Qarn al-Tasi‘ ‘Ashar (Aleppo 1925), Al-Sihr al-Halal fi Shi‘r al-Dallal (Cairo 1903), Mir’at al-Nufus (Aleppo 1935), plus a large poetry collection and set of original songs. Honors: A street in Aleppo was named after him in 1970; a statue was erected in Freedom Square, al-‘Aziziyah district; his house was converted into a museum by his grandson.