Abu Khalil Qabbani

Abu Khalil Qabbani was a Syrian playwright and composer of Turkish origin. He is considered the founder of the short musical play in Arabic theatre. His play Abu al-Hassan al-Mughaffal caused a wave of protest as a result of his mockery of Caliph Harun al-Rashid, and ended with a decree by the Ottoman government to close his theatre and prevent theatrical performances in Syria. Qabbani left for Egypt and produced his plays there until 1900. He returned to Syria and died two years later in 1902. He is considered the "father of Syrian theatre", and has influenced later generations including the famous Duraid Lahham. His brother is the grandfather of Nizar Qabbani. He also performed in Turkey and America.