Najah al-Attar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Najah al-Attar
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نجاح العطار
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| Vice President of Syria | |
| In office 23 March 2006 – 8 December 2024 Serving with Farouk al-Sharaa (2006–2014)
Faisal Mekdad (2024) |
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| President | Bashar al-Assad |
| Preceded by | Zuhair Masharqa Abdul Halim Khaddam |
| Minister of Culture | |
| In office 1 December 1976 – 19 January 2000 |
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| President | Hafez al-Assad |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Maha Qanout |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 10, 1933 Damascus, French Syria |
| Political party | Ba'ath Party |
| Other political affiliations |
National Progressive Front |
| Spouse |
Majid al-Azma
(m. 1955; died 2018) |
| Relations | Muhammad Rida al-Attar (father) Issam al-Attar (brother) |
| Profession |
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Najah al-Attar (Arabic: نجاح العطار; born 10 January 1933) is a Syrian politician. She made history as the first Arab woman to hold the position of vice president of Syria. She served in this important role from 2006 until December 2024. Before becoming Vice President, she was the Minister of Culture for many years, from 1976 to 2000.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Najah al-Attar was born on 10 January 1933. She grew up in Damascus, the capital city of Syria. Her family was Sunni Muslim. Her father was a leader in the Arab nationalist movement. He took part in the Syrian revolt against French rule between 1925 and 1927.
What Did She Study?
Najah al-Attar attended the University of Damascus. She graduated in 1954. Later, she moved to the United Kingdom to continue her studies. In 1958, she earned a PhD in Arabic literature from the University of Edinburgh. She also received special certificates in international relations and in literary and art criticism.
Her Career Journey
Najah al-Attar is a very skilled translator. After returning from Scotland, she began her career teaching in high schools in Damascus. She then worked in the translation department of the Syrian Ministry of Culture.
Becoming Minister of Culture
In 1976, Najah al-Attar was chosen to be the Minister of Culture. This was a big responsibility, overseeing arts and culture in Syria. She held this position for a long time, until the year 2000.
Serving as Vice President
On 23 March 2006, Najah al-Attar was appointed vice president of Syria. This was a historic moment, as she became the first Arab woman to hold such a high office. She served as Vice President until December 2024.
Family and Political Views
Najah al-Attar held high positions in the Syrian government. The government was largely led by the Ba'ath Party. Interestingly, her brother, Issam al-Attar, had different political views. He was a leader of a different political group and lived outside Syria in Germany since the 1970s.
See also
In Spanish: Najah al-Attar para niños
