Budoor Al-Attar launches debut book in Damascus

Syrian author Budoor Al-Attar launched her debut book, ‘Zill Watan’ (Shadow of a Homeland), during a cultural event at Khan Suleiman Pasha in Old Damascus. The work is a sentimental autobiography that explores themes of loss, identity, belonging, and exile.

Al-Attar noted that her writing journey began in childhood following the early loss of her father. Her move to Canada with her children added a new dimension to her work, as the experience of displacement and longing for her homeland merged with her personal memories. The book features a collection of interconnected articles and stories intended to encourage readers to share their own human experiences.

Damascus serves as a central pillar of the book, acting as a bridge between her place of birth and her life in the diaspora. The narratives draw inspiration from Damascus and various other Syrian cities, including Homs, to document Syrian identity and the collective memory of the people. The publication was also influenced by significant engagement from readers on social media platforms.