Hsain Warour

Authors

The “Author Tailor”

Born: October 12, 1941
Birthplace: Countryside of Damascus, Syria
Profession: Novelist, Poet, Playwright, Journalist, Tailor
Notable Titles: Syrian Cain, Inanna, Slaves Gate

Early Life and Education

Hsain Warour, known as the “Author Tailor,” was born into a peasant family near Damascus, Syria. In 1952, at the age of twelve, he moved to Damascus to learn tailoring under the Armenian craftsman Wahram Shahbandrian in the Al-Khaja Market. While mastering his trade, Warour nurtured an early passion for literature, spending his earnings on books, newspapers, and cultural magazines.

His literary journey began at the age of fourteen when his first poetic work was published in Al-Mawed, a Lebanese magazine, in 1955. This milestone marked the beginning of a lifelong dedication to literature.

During his five-year mandatory military service, Warour pursued self-study, earning both a secondary certificate and a high school diploma. This achievement enabled him to transition into journalism while continuing his literary pursuits.

Career as a Tailor and Literary Advocate

In 1974, Warour moved to Suweida, southern Syria, where he gained fame as a skilled tailor. His shop became a cultural hub for writers and intellectuals, reflecting his deep commitment to the literary community. He helped establish a literary association in Suweida, which hosted cultural events and invited notable Syrian and Arab writers.

Despite his success, Warour faced significant economic challenges. In the early 1990s, he relocated to Damascus, later returning to Shahba City near Suweida, where he resumed his tailoring and literary activities.

Journalistic and Literary Contributions

Hsain Warour had a prolific career in journalism, working as an editor for a local Syrian newspaper from 1969 to 1972. In the 1970s, he wrote the daily column “Morning Talk” for one of Syria’s leading newspapers. As a correspondent for the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Anbaa in the 1990s, Warour gained recognition in the Arab literary world. He also contributed to Romancia Magazine, published in Dubai, as a member of its editorial board.

Published Works

Warour’s literary output spans multiple genres, including novels, poetry, plays, and criticism.

Novels

Poetry Collections
  • Inanna (Epic Formation)
  • Ola and the Water Guardian
  • Phoenix Manifestations
  • Romances for Marcia
  • Mawawil in Deaf Space
  • Arriving with All Her Clouds
  • She Blue of Foggy Land
Plays
Literary Criticism and Philosophy
  • The Spectrum in Narrative Space
  • Unburnable Papers
  • Tailor’s Note Papers
Film and Radio Work

Hsain Warour contributed significantly to Syrian media during the 1980s:

  • Films:
    • Life Begins Tomorrow
    • The Tree of Love
  • Radio Dramas:
    • The Rose and the Halouk
    • The Inheritance Game
    • The Candy Seller
    • Radiant as the Sun
    • Malva
    • Wounds of Estrangement
    • Atta the Mugger
    • The Bindle
Awards and Recognition

Hsain Warour’s literary excellence has been recognized with several prestigious awards:

  • Damascus Arabic Novel Prize (2018): First Prize for his novel Syrian Cain.
  • Syrian Short Story Competition (1988): First Prize for Resident of Al-Nammara Palace.
  • Syrian Short Story Competition (1992): First Prize for The Girl of Rose District.

Despite personal hardships and the loss of his archives, Hsain Warour remains a celebrated figure in Syrian and Arab literature. Known for his dedication to both craftsmanship and creativity, Warour’s work reflects his dual identity as a tailor and an author. His legacy lives on in his novels, poetry, and contributions to Syrian journalism and media.

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