About Damascus:

Damascus (دِمَشق‎ Dimashq) commonly known as( الشام al-Shām) also known as the "City of Jasmine"( مدينة الياسمين‎ Madīnatul Yāsmīn) is the capital and the second largest city of Syria as well as one of the country's 14 governorates. In addition to being the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, Damascus is a major cultural and religious center. Currently, the city has an estimated population of about 1,711,000 (2009 est.).

Located in southwestern Syria, it is the center of a large metropolitan area of 2,4 million people (2004). Geographically embedded on the eastern foothills of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range 80 km (50 mi) inland from the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea on a plateau 680 meters (2,200 ft) above sea-level, Damascus experiences a semi-arid climate due to the rain shadow effect. The Barada River flows through Damascus.

First settled in the 2nd millennium BC, it was chosen as the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate from 661 to 750. After the victory of the Abbasid dynasty, the seat of Islamic power was moved to Baghdad. Damascus saw a political decline throughout the Abbasid era, only to regain significant importance in the Ayyubid and Mamluk periods. During Ottoman rule, the city decayed completely while maintaining a certain cultural prestige. Today, it is the seat of the central government and all of the government ministries. Damascus was chosen as the 2008 Arab Capital of Culture.

The old city of Damascus, enclosed by the city walls, lies on the south bank of the river Barada which is almost dry (3 cm left). To the south-east, north and north-east it is surrounded by suburban areas whose history stretches back to the Middle Ages: Midan in the south-west, Sarouja and Imara in the north and north-west.

Attractive Sites

Khan As’ad Pasha

Khan Asad Pasha is an important monument in the walled city of Damascus, within the Bzouriyyeh Souk. It was built by the governor of Syria, Asad al Azem, in 1752,being used as a storage space in the heart of a busy commercial area by a large number of shop owners. The Khan stands today as a monument that holds within art exhibitions along the year among other activities. A place which speaks in silent prayers only echoes with the tune of Talisman

Maktab Anbar

One of Damascus most beautiful houses is Maktab Anbar which is located in the center of Old Damascus near the Umayyad Mosque. Its construction begun with Mr Anbar and completed by the Ottomans. Recently witnessing restoration works, Maktab Anbar gains back its glamour and continues to charm visitors.

Souk Al Hamidiyeh

Souk Al Hamidiyeh is the largest and most famous. Marketplace in Damascus and dates back to 1863.  The souk stretches for 600 meters and is arched over iron vaulted roof that was added in 1911.  The market is renowned for Damascene textiles, antiques, women's ,clothing and jewelry. Walking through Hamidiyeh is like walking through a story. Its timeless existence finds its beauty through thousands of people who pump life into the souk daily.

Damascus Citadel

The citadel was constructed in the 11th c.ad it was renovated in the 13th c.ad at the ayyoubid reign. It has an almost rectangular form and has an area of about 34000 s.q.m. The Citadel stands as a strong monumental mass defending the old city protective, as the doors of a Damascene house. And as heaven awaited behind its doors, Damascus awaited beyond the towers of its Citadel.

Al-Azm Palace

Located on a sideway of Bzouriyeh souk the  Azm Palace built by As’ad al Azm in 1749 above the ruins of Roman Jupiter temple the magnificant ornamints and the carefult crafted facades blend with its heaven-like wide courtyard Isolated from the busy Souks, the palace creates one experience like no other, an experience that is essentialy Damascene.

Souk Midhat Pasha         

Souk Midhat Pasha (The Long Souq): Founded by the governor of Damascus Midhat Pasha in 1878. It stands above the Roman Street Called “Straight” which used to traverse the city from Bab al-Jabieh to Bab Sharqi, and runs parallel to Souq al-Hamidiyeh.Souk al-Bzouriyeh is a branch of Midhat Pasha St. and apart from containing some of the most beautiful monuments such as Khan As’ad Pasha and Qasr Al-Azm.Its aroma of Damascene spices add a hidden dimension to the place which cannot be photographed- an essence of ancient Damascus.

Umayyad Mosque

The Grand Mosque of Damascus, also known as the Umayyad Mosque is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. Located in one of the holiest sites in the old city of Damascus.The mosque holds a shrine which is said to contain the head of John the Baptist, honored as a prophet by Muslims and Christians alike. The tomb of Salahadine stands in a small garden adjoining the north wall of the mosque.