Personal Interests & Hobbies - Chess & More

Chess: A Passion for Strategy

Chess has been a lifelong passion of mine, combining strategic thinking, tactical calculation, and creative problem-solving. I have been an active competitive and instructional chess player across multiple countries and continents.

Chess Accomplishments

♟️ Semi-Professional Chess Player

Competed in various regional and international chess tournaments with several tournament victories. Currently competing with SC Norbertus chess club in Magdeburg.

🏆 Vellmarer Schachtage Chess Tournament

2nd Place, B-Group | July 2017

Semi-professional open chess tournament in Vellmar, Germany

Vellmarer Schachtage Tournament

→ View Tournament Report

🏆 Central Syrian Universities Chess Tournament

1st Place | 2004

Won the championship competition across all Syrian universities

🏆 Aleppo University Chess Tournament

Multiple Victories | 2004-2010

1st Place: 3 times | 2nd Place: 1 time

♞ Chess Instruction & Online Play

Experienced chess instructor with teaching experience in:
• Syria (Private lessons and club coaching)
• Germany (Club and private instruction)
• Chess.com (Online instruction for international students)

→ Visit my Chess.com Profile
→ View my FIDE Rating

Bi-Chess: A Chess Innovation

💡 Designer of Bi-Chess

A Unique Chess Modification

I designed Bi-Chess, an innovative modification of traditional chess that adds new strategic dimensions while maintaining the core principles of the classic game. The innovation explores new tactical possibilities and player strategies.

Bi-Chess - Unique Chess Modification

📋 Patent Application

German Patent Application | DE102018003204A1

Pursued patent protection for this unique chess variant, recognizing its innovative contribution to recreational gaming and strategic thinking.

→ View Patent on Google Patents

Why Chess?

Chess represents many of the same values I bring to my academic work:

Strategic Thinking: Planning multiple moves ahead, just like long-term research strategy
Analytical Rigor: Evaluating positions objectively, similar to econometric analysis
Creative Problem-Solving: Finding novel solutions within rule-based constraints
Competitive Spirit: Striving for excellence and continuous improvement
Global Community: Connecting with chess players worldwide, building networks
Teaching & Mentorship: Sharing knowledge and helping others develop skills

Other Interests

🌍 International Experience

Lived and worked across the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. Fluent in multiple languages, enabling engagement with diverse cultures and academic communities.

📚 Continuous Learning

Committed to professional development through courses, conferences, and skill acquisition. Recently developed expertise in AI tools for economic research.

🤝 Community Engagement

Active in refugee rights advocacy, human rights initiatives, and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds. Passionate about using research to inform policy and improve lives.

🗣️ Language Learning

Polyglot with fluency in Arabic (mother tongue), English (C1), German (B2), Turkish (B2), and Japanese (A1). Enjoys language acquisition as intellectual challenge.

Personal Philosophy

Beyond my professional role as a researcher and educator, I believe in maintaining a balanced life that includes intellectual stimulation, strategic competition, cultural engagement, and community contribution. Chess, languages, and international experience all reflect my belief that understanding different perspectives and cultures is essential both for personal growth and for conducting meaningful research on migration and social integration.