Beit Nizam
Shaghour District, Old Damascus • Heritage Site & Culture Hotel
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1760
Two Houses, One Home
Beit Al Nizam was constructed in Shaghour District of Old Damascus, in the alley of Minaret Al Sham. It was initially built as two separate residences, later combined into a single courtyard house. The home's exact origins and original builder remain unknown till today.
Mid 19th Century
House to Empires
The home fell under Ibrahim Pasha's rule, the Egyptian military commander whose forces occupied Damascus in the 1830s. It then continued to serve the British consulate in Syria.
1883
The British Depart
Until 1883, the British consulate in Syria occupied the home. It was then passed on to the Al-Qweidhi family.
1926
Passing Through
The Al-Qweidhi family resided in the home until 1926. After that, the home passed among several families: the Qabbani family, then the Abbas family.
Early 20th Century
The Last Residents
The house got its name when the Al-Nizam family occupied it; they were the last residents.
1974
A New Chapter
In 1974, the house passed from private hands into public ones. The Damascus municipality took over the home and declared it a protected historical monument.
1987
A Home Restored
After a few years under municipal control, the home underwent formal restoration from 1987-2004.
2008
Agha Khan
The Aga Khan Trust for Culture got involved and signed a project framework agreement to commence further restoration work.
TODAY
A Work in Progress
Today, Beit Nizam is undergoing restoration. This time, plans aim to transform it into a cultural hotel. It will be open to visitors, researchers, and those interested in Damascus.