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Portrait of Dr. Tawfiq Canaan

Dr. Tawfiq Canaan

Palestinian physician, medical researcher, and folklorist

Born
24 September 1882
Born in
Beit Jala, Palestine
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Why Tawfiq is here

Dr. Tawfiq Canaan was a distinguished Palestinian physician, author, and advocate, renowned for his extensive work in tropical medicine, his research in Palestinian folklore, and his political activism against British and Zionist imperialism.

Their story

Dr. Tawfiq Canaan was a prominent Palestinian figure, recognized for his multifaceted contributions as a physician, researcher, folklorist, and political activist. He played a pivotal role in confronting British and Zionist imperialism and was deeply involved in Palestinian society, particularly in Jerusalem.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Tawfiq’s path.

  1. 1905

    Graduation and First Publication

    Graduated with honors from the Syrian Protestant College (now American University of Beirut), delivering a speech on "Modern Treatment," which was his first published work.

  2. 1913

    Director of the Anti-Malarial Section, Jerusalem

    Appointed to lead the Malaria Branch of the International Health Bureau, significantly contributing to medical research in Palestine.

  3. 1914-1918

    Army Doctor during World War I

    Served as an army doctor in various regions during WWI, including Palestine and Sinai, and was in charge of the Ottoman medical labs.

  4. 1944

    Founding the Arab Medical Association

    Co-founded the Arab Medical Association in Palestine and served as its president, playing a crucial role in providing medical assistance to Palestinian freedom fighters.

  5. 1950

    Establishment of Augusta Victoria Hospital

    Instrumental in the establishment of the Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem, where he served as the medical director until his retirement in 1955.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Medical Research and Practice

    Contributed extensively to tropical medicine, bacteriology, and the treatment of diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and leprosy, and published numerous medical studies.

  2. Folklore and Ethnography

    Authored over 50 articles and books on Palestinian folklore and superstitions, significantly contributing to the understanding of Palestinian culture and identity.

  3. Political Advocacy

    Actively involved in political struggle, authoring works critiquing British and Zionist policies in Palestine and advocating for Palestinian rights.

  4. Cultural Preservation

    Collected and documented about 1,400 Palestinian amulets; his family donated the collection to Birzeit University in 1996.

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