|
|
|
|
Syria Damascus
Damascus
- (Dimashq) the capital
of Syria, is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world.
The earliest reference to the city appeared in the Ebla
tablets, confirming the existence of Damascus in the third
millennium BC. Damascus is filled with ancient landmarks,
evidence of the many eras and peoples who have inhabited it throughout
history. The ancient wall that surrounds the old city was
built during the Roman era. The wall consists
of seven gates (Bab). They are, Bab al-Faradis,
Bab al-Faraj, Bab al-Jabieh, Bab
al-Saghir, Bab al-Salam, Bab Kisan,
Bab Sharqi & Bab Tuma.
Within the old city walls and gates is a labyrinth of streets where some of Syria's most
fascinating attractions are located. The Umayyad Mosque was built
on a site that has been a place of worship for over three millennia.
Its chameleonic biography reflecting the monumental shifts in the history of the
city. In the center of the marble covered courtyard the modern ablution
fountain is considered the midpoint between Istanbul and Mecca.
If entering from the Minaret of the Bride, you can see the
fountain in the center the marvelous Treasury to the right and the Dome
of the Clocks to the left. The other Minarets are Minaret of Qayt
Bey and Minaret of Jesus. Past the fountain, is the
remarkable Prayer Hall and Dome of the mosque.
Within the mosque there is a lavish marble monument that commemorates the legendary burial
site of the head of John the Baptist.
Other attractions in the old city include the Tomb of Saladin, and the Azem
Palace (National Museum of Popular Arts and Tradition). Damascus is well
known for its covered souks (markets) built during the Ottoman period.
The most important and popular is Souk al-Hamaidiye. Other
souks include, Souk Madhat Pasha, Souk al-Harir and Souk
al-Bzourieh. Each specializes in a particular craft or type of merchandise;
such as brocade, embroideries, glass, copper works, silver, gold, and spices. Other
popular sites within the old city, include Hamam al-Noury (public bath), St.
Pauls Church, The Greek Orthodox Church and Dar Anbar.
Many fine restaurants and cafés are located in the old city.
Damascus is also a very modern and contemporary capital. The capital relies on the Barada
River and its fertilizing waters that supply the Ghouta, a vast
area of fields and orchards which supplies Damascus with much of its food.
To the north-west is Jabal Qassioun, whose summit reaches 1,150
m.
These higher parts of the city are extremely attractive. The district of Al
Mouhajarine, bounded to the south by Abu Rahmany Street
and Nazem Pacha Street, is an exceptional area, where many luxurious
homes and villas face the splendid panoramic view of Damascus.
The Umayyades Square marks the entrance to the city from the west.
The Beirut-Damascus Highway and the Qanaytra Motorway,
both converge here. The Sheraton Towers, Al-Assad Library,
and Tishreen Park can be found within this square. To the left
there is a residential and administrative quarter serving as a center for many foreign
embassies and government facilities. Traveling east towards the city, the Choukry
Kouwalty Avenue is bordered on the left by the Lé Meridien Hotel.
The hotel is conveniently located to the Damascus International Fair,
University of Damascus, National Museum, and bus station.
Moving closer to the city the Choukry Kouwalty Avenue ends at a crossroads of streets,
crowded with taxis, buses and commuters. On the right is al-Jabry Blvd.,
straight ahead is Al-Ithad Street and to the left is Port Said
Street.
From here, on the right (near the Hotel Semiramis) the al-Jabry
Blvd. begins. Here you can find the General Post Office, Syrian
Air Flight Office, and the Hedjaz Train Station.
To the left is the Port Said Blvd., which becomes
the 29 May Blvd., ending at the 17 of April Square,
facing the Central Bank. Nearby is the Youssef al-Azmeh
Square and in this area you can find the Cham Palace Hotel,
travel agencies, many International Airline Offices, and Ministries of Syria.
Continuing on Kouwalty Avenue, now al-Ithad Street, make a right on Yousef
al-Azmeh and
you will come to Sahat al-Marje (Martyrs Square). Here you will
find the Ministry of the Interior. There are also many fine hotels, bookstores,
libraries, restaurants and cafés in this area.. |
|
|