Kurd Ali, Mohammad (1876-1953): Syrian journalist and professor. Born and educated in Damascus. He left for Egypt in 1901 where he published al-Moqtabas Magazine. Back in Syria in 1908, he published al-Moqtabas Newspaper. He helped founding the Arabic Language Assemblage in Damascus in 1919. Minister of Education in King Faisal's government, 1920. His books include 'Khitat al-Sham' (Plans of Damascus) and 'Kunouz al-Ajdad' (The Treasures of grandfathers).