Three-years research by Said Tahsin grandson Samir AITA led to a project of two books
honoring the legacy of Said Tahsin:
An Art Book, featuring images of the around 200 paintings of Said Tahsin found in the
research in museums (Damascus, Qatar, Sharjah), art galleries, family and private
collections.
A Memoirs’ Book, reproducing the elements of the memoirs and diaries that he left in 14
notebooks, including images of projects of paintings. These memoirs trace his
impressions on the historical and political events he lived from World War I to 1985.
I fondly remember my grandfather, Said Tahsin, with whom I shared many cherished moments dating back to my childhood in Damascus. When he sought refuge in Egypt, our bond deepened through the annual visits my mother, siblings, and I made to spend time with him. As the eldest of my siblings, he often took me to explore the Orman Gardens and the Cairo Zoo Gardens. During these outings, he would engage me in conversations about intellectuals, politicians, artworks, and our nation’s history. Occasionally, we would venture to Al-Azhar or tour Cairo’s Fatimid and Mamluk monuments, where he would explain their grandeur—often overlooked by those focused solely on Egypt’s Pharaonic heritage. I have fond memories of sitting beside him on the balcony of his home, watching him paint or delve into his readings. Even as I pursued my studies in France and started my career, I continued to visit him regularly. Sadly, our cherished gatherings ended abruptly when he returned to Damascus and passed away before I could bid him a proper farewell. Samir AITA
THE ART BOOK
The Artbook of Said Tahsin (the Artist and the Man) features around 200 paintings organized by thema: Aquarelles, Portraits, Humanitarian, Spiritual Mystics, Natural Scenes, Society and People, Contemporary Political Life, Arab and Islamic Heritage, Still-life, and Paintings on Fabrics and Silk. The book is in English and Arabic, with explanations of the context of the paintings and Said Tahsin own thoughts behind some.
The size of the book is L280 mm x H 350 mm, around 224 pages, full color, hard luxurious cover.
THE MEMOIRS’ BOOK
The Memoirs’ book (the Man and the Artist) reproduces Said Tahsin memoirs and diaries written starting in the mid-1950s. It browses the different periods of his life: Early Damascus years (1904-1925); Beirut (1925-1928); Damascus again (1928-1932); Baghdad (1934-1941); Syria again (1941-1948); the Palestinian Nakba and the World Peace Council (1948-1956); the Suez War and the Union of Syria and Egypt (1956-1961); the failure of the Union and his asylum seeking in Egypt (1961-1963); Egypt and his happiness in an artistic life (1963-1965); and the years of the Naksa and the disappointment until “reaching God” (1965-1985). This only Arabic book traces the events that influenced Said Tahsin choices and thoughts, on humanity, heritage, contemporary politics, religion and mystics. The events and personalities mentioned are largely documented.
The size of the book is L280 mm x H 350 mm, around 310 pages, full color, soft cover.
Editor & Producer: Samir AITA
Project Creative Director: Bilal Bassal
Art Book Art Direction: Bilal Bassal
Memoirs’ Book Art Direction: Zeina Al Salkini