Quick Facts
Biography
Firas al-Sawwah (Arabic: فارس السواح, born 1941) is a Syrian writer, accomplished scholar and independent researcher.
Born in Homs, Syria, in 1941, he currently works with Beijing Foreign Studies University, BFSU, teaching Arab Civilisation and the history of religions in the Near East. Between 1976 and 2016, he published 26 books on mythology, history, and history of religions.
Works
On mythology and history of religions
1 - Mughamarat al-Aql al-Ula [Mind’s First Adventure] – a study on the myths of Syria and Mesopotamia.
2 - Lugz Ashtar [The Mystery of Ashtar] – Feminine divinity and the origin of religion and myth.
3 - Gilgamesh – the immortal Mesopotamian epic.
4 - Din al-Insan [Human’s Religion] – a research on religion’s essence and religious motives.
5 - Al-Usturah wal Ma’na [The Myth and Its Meaning] – theories on mythology and Near Eastern religions.
6 - Toa Te Ching – Text and Commentary.
7 - Al-Rahman wal Shaytan [The Merciful and Satan] – the cosmic duality and history’s divinity in the Near Eastern religions.
8 - Al-Wajh al-Akhar lil Masih [Christ’s Other Face] – An introduction to Christian Gnosticism.
9 - Madkhal ila Nusous al-Sharq al-Qadim [An Introduction to the texts of the ancient Near East].
10 - Tariq Ikhwan al-Safa [The Path of the Brethren of Purity] – An introduction to Islam’s Gnosticism.
11 - Al-Injil Bi Riwayat al-Koran [The Events of the Bible as mentioned in the Koran].
12 - Alghaz al-Injil [The Gospel's Riddles].
13 - Allah, al-Kawn, al-Insan [God, the Universe, and Man].
Encyclopaedia of Religions which was published in five volumes [contribution, compilation, and editing]
14 - Primitive societies and the Stone Age.
15 - The Ancient Near East.
16 - Greece, Rome, and Europe before Christianity.
17 - The Far East.
18 - Zoroastrianism, Manichaeanism, Christianity and Judaism.
On the history of Israel and Biblical studies
19 - Al-Hadath al-Tawrati wal Sharq al-Adna al-Qadim [The Bablical Narratives and the Ancient Near East].
20 - Aram Dimashq wa Israel [Aramaic Damascus and Israel] – a study of the historical events in the Bible.
21 - Tarikh Orshalim wal Bahth An Mamlakat al-Yahud [A History of Jerusalem- In Search of the Jewish State].
On comparative theology and Koranic researches
22 - The Stories in the Koran and their Biblical Parallels.
23 - The Gospel According to Quran
In English
24- He participated in writing a book with a group of European and American historians and archaeologists. The book was edited by American scholar and teachers in Copenhagen University Dr. Thomas L. Thompson. The book was published in 2003 by T&T Clark International publishing house.
25- He participated in writing a book with a group of European and American historians and archaeologists. The book was compiled by British researcher Keith Whitelam and published in England by Sheffield Phoinix Press, 2013.
In Arabic and Chinese
26- He participated in writing the book on Laozi with Dr. Xue Qing Guo of Beijing Foreign Studies University.
Memberships
- Member of the Syrian Writers' Association
- Member of the General Association of Arab Writers and Authors
Recognition
He was recognized for his efforts in the fields of history and theology by:
- The Syrian Historic Association
- The Syrian Communist Party
- The Syrian Social Nationalist Party
- Amman Municipality in Collaboration with the Jordanian Ministry of Culture