Damascus
Maktab Anbar is one of the largest old houses of Damascus, built in the mid nineteenth century by the merchant Yusuf Anbar around three courtyards. When its…
Maktab Anbar is one of the largest old houses of Damascus, built in the mid nineteenth century by the merchant Yusuf Anbar around three courtyards. When its owner ran into debt the Ottoman state took it over and turned it into a school, Maktab Anbar, where many of Syria's later national leaders studied. The house, with its painted wooden ceilings, marble fountains and carved stone, has been restored by the Ministry of Culture and is used for cultural offices. It lies east of the Umayyad Mosque, close to Straight Street.