Nouri Iskandar: Ambassador of Syriac Eastern Music and Chronicler of Its Heritage

Nouri Iskandar (1938–2023) stands as one of the pillars of Syrian Syriac music, an exceptional figure who blended artistic creativity with meticulous documentation of Eastern musical heritage. Born on December 25, 1938, in Dayro Zcuro (Deir ez-Zor), Syria, to a Syriac family with roots tracing back to the historic city of Urhoy (Urfa) in modern-day Turkey—a cradle of Syriac language, culture and music—his family relocated to Holeb (Aleppo) in 1941. It was in this vibrant city that Nouri’s artistic journey took root, laying the foundation for a career that would leave an indelible mark on the world of music.

Iskandar’s musical odyssey began early, joining the Syriac Orthodox Scout Band in Holeb (Aleppo), where he received his initial lessons in playing and composing. This experience ignited his passion, propelling him toward deeper exploration of the musical realm. In the 1950s, determined to refine his craft, he enrolled at the Higher Institute of Music at Cairo University from 1959 to 1964, earning a bachelor’s degree in music. His time in Cairo was more than an academic pursuit; it was a transformative immersion in classical Eastern music, shaping a vision that would later fuse Syriac traditions with contemporary techniques.

Returning to Syria in the mid-1960s, Nouri Iskandar embarked on a professional career as a composer and musician, but his ambitions extended beyond mere creation—he sought to revive the Syriac folk and religious heritage. In the 1970s, he crafted a series of Syriac folk songs imbued with the essence of tradition and the power of Eastern melodies, including “O Habibo Habibo,” “Zliqe Frise,” and “Lo Tehfokh.” These works were not just tunes but expressions of a profound cultural identity, resonating with both Syriac and broader Arab audiences. In 1973, he participated in the first modern Syriac music festival at the UNESCO Palace in Beirut, collaborating with the renowned Syriac Maronite musician from Lebanon, Wadih El Safi. This event marked a turning point, showcasing his ability to present Syriac music on a global stage and cementing his status as a pioneer.

Nouri’s contributions transcended composition, reaching into documentation and education. Among his most significant achievements is the book Beth Gazo, an encyclopedic work cataloging over 700 Syriac ecclesiastical hymns notated according to the Urhoy school tradition. This labor-intensive project, spanning years of research, remains an indispensable reference for scholars and enthusiasts of Syriac religious music, preserving a centuries-old heritage that might otherwise have faded into obscurity. Additionally, Iskandar founded several musical choirs in Holeb (Aleppo) and beyond, training new generations of musicians in Syriac hymns—both sacred and secular—ensuring the continuity of this rich tradition.

His talents also graced the worlds of cinema and television, where he composed scores for notable Syrian productions. These include the soundtrack for the TV series Bab al-Hadid, which captured Holeb’s (Aleppo’s) popular life, and the film The Fifth Fortress, which secured second place at the Damascus International Film Festival in 1979. These works demonstrated his versatility, seamlessly blending authentic Eastern styles with the dramatic demands of visual storytelling. Among his standout musical creations are the Syriac operetta Farqana (“Salvation”), a spiritually resonant narrative told through music, and the classical piece Solo Oud with String Trio, showcasing his mastery in combining traditional instruments with modern arrangements.

For years, Nouri Iskandar served as the director of the Aleppo Music Conservatory, playing a pivotal role in advancing musical education in the city and nurturing young talents who would later contribute to Syria’s artistic landscape. He believed music was more than entertainment—it was a means to preserve cultural identity and pass it down through generations. This conviction drove his tireless efforts in composition, teaching, and research, making him a central figure in both the Syriac and Syrian communities.

The outbreak of the Syrian Civil War forced Nouri Iskandar to leave Holeb in 2014, after decades of enriching its cultural and artistic scene. He settled in Sweden, living quietly with his family, far from the spotlight, surrounded by memories of his long career. On December 25, 2023—his 85th birthday—Nouri Iskandar passed away, leaving behind a rich artistic and cultural legacy. His admirers and students mourned him as “the ambassador of Syriac Eastern music to the world,” a singular figure who carried the voice of Syriac heritage from Aleppo to the global stage through melodies that narrate the story of a people and a history transcending borders.

Nouri Iskandar’s legacy is not confined to the melodies he composed but extends to his role as a historian and preserver of a musical tradition that risked being lost. His works—whether folk songs, religious hymns, or cinematic scores—stand as testaments to the genius of a man who believed in the power of art to safeguard identity and enrich the human spirit. From the streets of Aleppo to the quiet corners of Sweden, his music continues to echo, a timeless tribute to his dedication and vision.

In this series

The Syriac Asfar-Najjar Family: pioneers of Syrian agriculture in a journey through time

Youssef Abdelké: A Visionary Syriac Artist Blending Creativity and Commitment

Yaqub Keryo: The Syriac Journalist and Thinker Who Carried the Torch of Nationalism and Culture

Saeed Ishaq: The Silent Statesman Who Left His Mark on History

The Saga of Bahdi Keryo: A Leader Forged in Fire

Hanna Yaqub Abdulki (1877-1955): The Life of a Man Who Shaped History