نهاد سمعان

Nouhad Seeman is a historical researcher and architect from Homs who focuses on documenting the city's material and intangible heritage through articles and lectures. He is a member of the Syrian National Socialist Party and was elected to the Syrian People's Assembly in 2020. His work combines his background in architecture with a deep interest in preserving local history and traditions.

He has served as the engineer for the Orthodox Church in Homs for over two decades, overseeing the construction and restoration of eight churches. His professional career includes significant projects such as the Aleppo Citadel Theater and the Governor's Palace in Homs, which he completed after graduating from the University of Aleppo in 1977.

His research is grounded in a personal library containing approximately 3,000 books, mostly from the 19th and 20th centuries, which serves as the foundation for his historical studies. He has published more than 150 historical research papers and authored the critical edition of the diary of Metropolitan Athanasius Atta Allah.

He currently holds the position of head of the architecture department at the 'Emisa' consulting office and is a member of the heritage committee of the Engineers Syndicate. His academic background includes a degree in architectural engineering from the University of Aleppo, which he obtained in 1977.

He has been a member of the advisory council of the Homs diocese for three consecutive terms since 1982. His long-standing involvement in the community began with his entry into the Syrian National Socialist Party in 1971, when the party was still under prohibition.

He has delivered specialized lectures on topics such as 'Homs and Wednesday', 'Church architecture in Syria', and the burial site of Caliph Umar ibn Abdul Aziz. These talks highlight his expertise in both local history and religious architecture.

The family traces its roots back to the 15th century when the ancestor moved from Tripoli to Homs, establishing a legacy of social and national involvement. This historical context informs his perspective on the city's development and heritage preservation efforts.

He was appointed to the position of engineer for the Orthodox Church in Homs in 1982 and has held this role for over twenty years. This position involves the direct supervision of religious building projects and the maintenance of historical sites.

His notable restoration work includes the reopening of the Ghassaniyya School and the Girls' Orthodox School, alongside the major reconstruction of the Cathedral of the Forty Martyrs. He also oversaw the building of eight new churches within the Homs diocese.

His published works include a critical edition of the diary of Metropolitan Athanasius Atta Allah, which was printed at the Balamand University in Lebanon. He also authored over 150 historical research articles that focus on Homs' history and culture.

He is known for his critical methodology in verifying history from primary sources, focusing on the material and intangible heritage of Homs. His approach involves documenting local customs and traditions alongside physical historical landmarks.

He was elected as a member of the Syrian People's Assembly in 2020, continuing the family's tradition of political engagement. This role reflects his active participation in national affairs alongside his local and religious duties.

He is a member of the heritage committee of the Engineers Syndicate, where he contributes to the preservation and documentation of architectural and historical sites. This role aligns with his broader mission of safeguarding Homs' cultural legacy.

You can reach نهاد سمعان by phone at N/A.

The official website of نهاد سمعان is nouhad-semaan.com.