Beauty, healing and spirituality intertwine in the informative text and dazzling illustrations of this volume created by Laila Irshaidat as a daughter’s gift to her mother. Even putting aside the qualities that a daughter would value in her own mother, Nabila Shora Irshaidat is a worthy subject. She was the first woman pharmacist in Syria, among the first women to drive a car and later the first woman pharmacist in Jordan where she worked in a pharmacy in Wihdat Camp before opening the University Pharmacy, which is still in operation. Besides her professional career, the book covers Nabila’s life as a devoted wife and mother, an accomplished embroiderer, a socialite and a faithful Muslim, based on her own diary and her daughter’s memories.

Born in 1925 into the noble Shora family of Damascus, many of whose members were involved in various branches of medicine, Nabila was the first woman to study pharmacy at the Syrian University (now the University of Damascus). It was there that she met Numan Irshaidat of the notable Jordanian family, whom she later married, bringing her to Amman in the 1950s. The move required many adjustments on the part of the new bride, as life in Amman at that time was far simpler than the elegant cultural milieu Nabila had left behind. The home she created for her family in Jabal Amman in many respects replicated the gracious life style she had grown up with in the Muhajareen quarter of Damascus.
For the author, paying tribute to her mother seems roughly synonymous with celebrating the rich cultural traditions of Damascus, and by implication Arab heritage as such, as well as the enormously positive influence which she feels Islam exerted on her family’s life, and which she attributes to her mother’s upbringing.

The cover of the book is a photo of intricately woven, Syrian silk brocade, which gives a taste of what is to follow. A great portion of the book presents the crafts, architecture, culture and historical landmarks of Damascus. Descriptions of the history of and the work involved in producing Syrian silks, jewellery, metal ornaments, mosaics, glass and inlaid mother-of-pearl pieces is complimented by beautiful photos, as well as art works done by the author, her mother or her uncle. At times, reading the book is a journey into the past; at others, it is like a tour of the Old City from Qaser Al Azem to the National Museum with detours to mosques, churches, markets and other notable sites. Interesting details are also provided, such as how snow from the mountains northwest of Damascus was preserved and used to make ice cream at Bekdash’s famous sweetshop in Souk Hamidiyya; even before, Damascus exported snow to Cairo to keep the Mamluk sultans’ beverages cold in the 14th century!

The author, Laila N. Irshaidat, is an economist who has embarked on a doctoral programme in holistic medicine and healing, so her coverage of crafts and customs includes not only historical background but also explanations about the medicinal qualities of silver, mineral water, and the traditional procedures and soaps used at the public baths – hammamat – of which Damascus once boasted 57.

The other main focus of the book is an explication of the Muslim faith in a universal context, emphasising its commonalities with the other monotheistic religions. Irshaidat highlights Isra’ and Me’raj, the Prophet Mohammad’s nocturnal journey and ascension because it explains why prayer is the most essential tenant of Islam. This invites parallels to other forms of spirituality, as the author shows the similarities between Muslim prayer positions and yoga and meditation, and demonstrates how the five daily prayers correspond to the five elements of nature and the cycle of life. Her mother’s spiritual example and closeness to nature were important elements which led Laila to connect her faith with holistic medicine in the tradition of Edward Cayce, and she now serves as the representative in Jordan for the Association for Research and Enlightenment, an American non-profit organisation dedicated to exploring and promoting Cayce’s works.
“Nabila” combines the aesthetics and historical depth of heritage with the spirituality and health consciousness of a self-help book. Though it resembles a so-called coffee-table book in attractiveness and format, this is not a volume
to just flip through. Those interested in the issues covered will return to it again and again. “Nabila” can be obtained by contacting the author via e-mail: laila@omnitrade.jo or telephone: 0777-530149.