Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj's presentation at the conference focuses on the evolution of property rights and land management in Syria, tracing developments from the Ottoman era through the French Mandate period to the postcolonial Syrian state and the impact of the Syrian war.

The Ottoman Era: The presentation begins by exploring land and property rights during the Ottoman period, highlighting the legal frameworks and social roles associated with land ownership. It notes the introduction of cartographic documentation, which was limited to wealthier classes, and the emergence of new city management systems, including the development of municipalities and agricultural land management. The Ottoman era also saw the establishment of a new legal framework for transferring ownership and the growth of governmental institutions, impacting the urban landscape and property dynamics.

The French Mandate Period: During this era, the presentation discusses the introduction of new borders and real estate laws in Syria and Lebanon. The French mandate brought about a significant shift in land management, with a focus on defining and liberalizing land ownership through detailed mapping and ground demarcation. This period also saw the transformation of urban spaces into public or private domains, influenced by French concepts of cleanliness and health.

The Postcolonial Syrian State: After independence, the Syrian government continued the trends established during the French Mandate. The presentation highlights the organization of new civil laws that transformed real estate into a commodity for buying and selling. The nationalization of endowments and the expansion of urban areas are also noted, with an emphasis on the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and the gap between housing demand and supply.

The Syrian War and Slums: The presentation then addresses the impact of the Syrian war on property and land management. It discusses the destruction of large areas and residential neighborhoods, particularly slums, as a result of violence or government military intervention. The Syrian government's approach to slums and real estate areas on the outskirts of cities is examined, including the issuance of Law No. 66 in 2012, which allowed for the reconstruction and development of these areas.

Summary of Real Estate Development in Syria: The presentation concludes by summarizing the transformation in the nature of land in Syria over the years. It observes an increase in private land ownership and the privatization of public lands in cities, alongside the expansion of state property through the seizure of various commons. The presentation also addresses the challenges in informal housing areas, where a significant portion of the population lacks effective real estate rights, and the disintegration of community solidarity that previously protected these residents.

Throughout the presentation, Mr. Hallaj provides a comprehensive analysis of the political, legal, and social transformations that have shaped property rights and land management in Syria, highlighting the complexities and challenges faced in different historical periods.

Figure: Progression of property rights in Syria