Theme: Beyond Ideas

Upon the noble shoulders of TEDx's grand aims and values, lies a pursuit to spread noteworthy ideas that inspire the masses. Yet, at TEDx AlFarabi Street, we yearn for more. We seek to embark on a journey that takes us beyond the realm of mere ideas, and into the realm of boundless possibility. Our quest is to explore the unknown, to challenge the limits of imagination, and to transcend the boundaries of conventional thinking. For it is only in venturing beyond the confines of the familiar, that we can hope to discover the true essence of our existence.

National Library of Damascus
Dar al-Assad for Culture and Arts, Umayyad Square
Damascus, Dimashq, 00000
Syria

Andre Malouli

General Manager of Dar al-Assad for Culture and Arts

Former dean of the Higher Institute of Music and the current General Manager of Dar al-Assad for Culture and Arts, Maestro Andre started learning music since his youngest years at Sulhi Al-Wadi Institute and managed to excel at it. He realized from his outset of his career the role Business Management plays in enhancing the artistic value of Music and vice versa, and through his local and international involvement in the many of middle-eastern and western festivals that he both organized and participated in, he collected a vessel of noteworthy experience that’s worth sharing with the upcoming generations of musicians and leaders.

Ayman Mhmad Rifaaii

Architect and Founder of MYSYRIA media platform

Ayman, an architecture student at the IUST and the founder of My Syria platform, has astounded many at a young age with his remarkable ability to present Syria in an exquisite manner. Through his efforts, My Syria has captured the attention of the global community on social media by shining a light on the hidden treasures of our country, and as a result, has achieved numerous prestigious successes on various levels.

Eyad Chatty

M.D. PhD in Pathology

Professor Of Pathology, Head Department of Pathology at Al-Mouwassat and Al-Assad University Hospital, as well as the President of the Syrian Society of Pathology. In addition, he is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Al-Qalamoun Private University, he has also established the Division of Oncology at the University of Damascus, then became the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, a former Minister of Health, and former Head of the Executive Committee of the WHO. Dr. Eyad Chatty remains one of the most renowned and celebrated physicians in the Syrian medical community, as well as a model and inspiration for many of his students. His life has been crowned with various accomplishments and bestowed with gracious wisdom, which he continues to share to nourish the minds of future generations with his valuable knowledge.

Heike Weber

Embroidery Artist

German Artist specialized in embroidery, chose to settle in the Middle Eastern region to explore the local culture and share her traditional art with the inhabitants. She gained immense popularity in Syria and her work aims directly at helping women lead a more independent life by teaching them the art of embroidery.

Missak Baghboudarian

Syrian National Symphony Orchestra Conductor

The conductor of the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra since 2003 after finishing his musical studies at the Arab Institute of Music, the High Institute of Music when he graduated in Piano and Conducting and then in Italy including many workshops with world famous conductors. He conducted many International orchestras in several countries beside his concerts with the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra in Syria or abroad. He had the honor to conduct the opening ceremony of the Damascus Opera House in 2004, in addition to the opening and closing ceremonies of “Damascus the Arab Capital of Culture 2008”. He received many awards and recognitions in Syria and abroad. He is teaching at the High Institute of Music and he is head of Orchestra department. He also worked as a consultant for many institutions concerned with social, musical and cultural development.

Nabil Kochaji

PhD in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

He has obtained a degree in Dentistry from Damascus University, a Master's degree in Medical Sciences from the University of Brussels, and a PhD in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology from the same institution. He has held many positions, including the founding dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at the Al-Sham Private University, the head of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Histology and Pathology at Damascus University, and the founding president of the Syrian Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. In addition to a vast collection of scientific research, books, and awards, Dr. Nabil has made a significant impact in several fields, both scientific and literary. His diligent work and dedication have led him to become one of the most successful dentists and researchers in Syria and the world. His motto in life is, "Be the crossroad, do not let what proceeds you be as what follows."

Safwan A. Kadoura

CEO, Entrepreneur and ESL and TESOL Instructor

CEO at Blue Ocean Language and Business School, ESL and TESOL practitioner and instructor, and an astute entrepreneur, with his central ethos of aiding those in Syria to craft their own future. Mr. Safwan Kadoura has a profound background in instructing youthful minds and guiding them in their growth to become the next generation of leaders, and serving as an inspiration and role model to individuals seeking niche meaning in their respective fields.

Samia Shkair

Academic Lecturer at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Researcher in Visual Arts and an Art Director

Highly accomplished graphic designer, visual arts researcher, and academic instructor at the Faculty of Fine Arts at Damascus University, was born in Italy. She holds a Master's degree with a thesis entitled “Signages and wayfinding systems" and a Doctorate degree with a dissertation focused on "Syrian Branding”. Dr. Samia's artistic and academic works have an unparalleled impact and charm, as she impressively connects commercial design with visual cultural identity. She draws from her experiences in volunteer and community work to link design with society in an interactive and impactful manner. She has a wealth of international initiatives and participations in various countries, as well as workshops that tackle graphic design and other different issues. To her, “Design is not just a profession, but rather an eternal dream, a presence, and a tool for expression and dealing with life”