Damascus, Syria is a city of mystery, calling to mind glittering market stalls and robed mystics. There is an abundance of attractions and an array of memorable moments to choose from here. The reader will learn the best things to see, what to avoid, and how to follow practical precautions in order to have the best vacation possible.
For some, Damascus
is an image, an icon of Islamic mystery and gilded splendor like Baghdad,
its Iraqi neighbor. Damascus
may no longer be a city such as Aladdin would have remembered, but there is
still much to see for which Damascus
should rightly be considered famous.
Syria is a
neighbor to many Middle Eastern countries that evoke Biblical splendors and
Islamic architectural beauty. Palestine
and Israel,
land of the patriarchs of monotheism, Jordan,
Iraq (the land
of Mesopotamia) and Lebanon
all share borders with this ancient city. If you are planning a visit to Damascus,
Syria's capital, be sure
to bring plenty of suntan lotion, cool clothing, and lots and lots of film! But
there are more serious checkpoints you must consider for a safe, successful
vacation.
Practical Precautions
The U.S. State Department gives many extremely important requirements for
traveling to Syria.
Since this is a difficult and unstable area to visit, it will be important for
you to check the current necessities for a Syrian visit, whether for business
or a vacation, such as acquiring an up-to-date passport and VISA. Government
sites like the State Department are helpful in explaining what is needed to
make your trip as safe as possible. Please remember to always be in sync with
the requirements of the Syrian government. When all of these safety checkpoints
are adhered to, get ready to plan your unforgettable trip to Damascus!
What Does it Mean?
What does the name Damascus
originally mean? It is a question that has baffled historians for years. A
select few believe it comes from "damashaq," Arabic for "swift
camel." In the Syrian language, it may mean "red land." The
Latin term "Dumuskus," "musk," may be another possible factor.
No one is sure, but the very name conjures images of long-ago times.
A Little Introduction
Damascus is Syria's
huge, bustling heartland. It's been considered for the title of history's
longest-inhabited, since the year 5000 B.C. was the era of the first recorded
settlement, but no one is certain if it is the oldest. At various times, many
cultures claimed this spot, but finally, in the year 635, the Omayyad Islamic
dynasty conquered the place. The city is separated between the more modern
metropolis, and the ancient Old City.
If you are traveling to see historical sites and are not interested in modern
commercialism, you might want to bypass the downtown area and disregard the
huge downtown with billboards, traffic jams and skyscrapers. That is not the
true feeling of Syria.
However, incase you decide to see the new city for its few attractions, here
are a few things you might want to check out:
Modern Damascus
Martyr's Square.
This is a great place to satisfy your rumbling stomach with a fusion of
restaurants and little places to stop and have a drink in the heat of day
National
Museum.
This is most likely the largest, most informative collection of Syria's
history you will ever see. Ancient pieces sit side-by-side with more
modern Islamic art. The National
Museum also boasts a beautiful
outdoor cafe
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Tekkiye Mosque. This religious
structure was finished in the mid 16th century by the great Suleiman and sports
the architectural grandeur of the Ottoman Empire. The
site has an unusual neighbor; a military museum showcasing ancient weaponry is
also located on the site
Old City
Damascus' architectural and
historical gems are contained within the Old
City. There are many things to see
here, so make sure to set a few days aside if possible. Bringing to mind images
of oriental carpets and bazaar stalls, old Damascus
has kept much of its old charm. This is just a small list of things you'll be
seeing:
Souk al Hamidiyeh.
Enter at the citadel, where you'll see ruins of Damascus'
city wall. Do bazaars capture your imagination? You will soon come to the
Souk al Hamidiyeh, only one of the many marketplaces that run together
throughout the Old City.
Beautiful handicrafts are just a part of the great ethnic items available
here. For a side trip, the Temple
of Jupiter, part of a Roman
monument left over from the days of the Empire, is located in this area.
Make sure to bring a trusty pair of walking shoes, because trekking Old
City could easily while away
the hours. Hopefully you will come home with many intriguing souvenirs and
great memories of one of the Middle East's remaining
portals to the past
Omayyad Mosque.
This impressive sight has existed since the 700s A.D. The land itself was
inhabited by a Syrian pagan temple countless centuries ago, and then
surpassed by a Roman temple. When the building was made into a church, the
Christians soon found they had to share, and both they and Muslims used
different parts of the complex. Today, the striking beauty of the brightly
decorated mosque and its fascinating history entices visitors from all
around the world
Saladin's Mausoleum.
This is actually part of the Omayyad Mosque complex. Many know Saladin, or
Salah-ad-Din, as the Muslim who won Jerusalem
in the 12th century from the Christian crusaders. Perhaps you wish to
admire the achievements this man made that transcend culture, religion,
and time. Please be respectful upon entering the mosque, and comply with
any rules that may be applicable
Al Azem Palace.
This was the home of As'ad Pasha al-Azm. One of the most historical and
most hands-on things to see in Damascus,
the palace provides a great opportunity to take many memorable photos and
soak in the history and beauty of the Middle East.
The palace is restored to its original specifications and has many rooms
showcasing life as it was centuries ago
Al-Zahiriyah Library.
In the Middle Ages, many Arabic countries were known for their love of
learning and the scholars they produced. The Arabs were some of the first
to have hospitals, schools and libraries. Al-Zahiriyah is an example of
their great accomplishments. Also a public school, the library is what
became famous as one of the world's timeless treasures. Its collections
date from ancient times, a true example of the Islamic thirst for
knowledge
A Trip From the Ordinary
If you have extra time to see Damascus
from a different view, go up to Mt. Kassioun
and survey the city as the sultans would have done. A taxi is available for
this trek. I would highly recommend this attraction for its many opportunities
for photographic gems.
The Chance of a Lifetime
Damascus' old world charm will
leave impressions on your heart that will have you longing to return someday.
These activities are only some of the things to see and do in the area, and the
beauty of the majestic river Barada, the ancient monuments and the Arabic
bazaars will take your breath away.
External Links:
Old Damascus - Everything you need to know about the Old City