The capital and largest city in Syria with a population of over two million,
is built around the Barada River. Allegedly the oldest continually inhabited
city in the world, archaeological finds have recorded settlements from 3000 BC.
Damascus, capital and chief city of Syria, in southwestern Syria, on the
Baradá River, near the Anti-Lebanon Mountains in the southwestern part of the
country. The greater part of Damascus, including the rectangular ancient city,
is on the south bank of the Baradá modern suburbs extend from the north bank.
Damascus has long been an important commercial center.
Damascus is a crowded metropolis of 4 million people and is the chief
manufacturing and trading center of Syria. Most of the main sites of interest
are found in or near the Old City including the workshops that still make Damask
silk brocade, carpets, gold and silver filigree jewelry and beautiful inlaid
woodwork.
In former times it was
famous for dried fruit, wine, wool, linens, and silks. Damask, a type of
patterned fabric, was named for the silk fabrics woven in Damascus. The city was
notable also for the manufacture and transshipment of damascened steel sword
blades, which were exceptionally hard and resilient. Today the city is the
trading center for figs, almonds, and other fruit produced in the surrounding
region. Industries in Damascus include handicrafts, such as the weaving of silk
cloth and the making of leather goods, filigreed gold and silver objects, and
inlaid wooden, copper, and brass articles. Among the city's other manufactures
are processed food, clothing, and printed material.
Despite rapid urbanization, Damascus still retains some of the many orchards and
private gardens that made the city famous. It is a delight encountering groves
of apricot, almond and quince growing so close to the noisy heart of a modern
city. A specialty of Damascus and a treat not to be missed are crystallized
apricots and apricot delights sold in abundance in the city's souqs.
In Damascus, past and present mingle at every turn. In a region where a number
of cities claim the title of "the world's oldest", Damascus
credentials are very impressive. Josephus attributes the building of Damascus to
Uz, the grandson of Noah, from whose father, Aram, the Arameans are descended. A
settlement of the fourth millennium has been excavated in Tell al-Salihiye and
pottery from the third millennium was unearthed in the Old City. In the Ghouta a
system of irrigation canals was dug prior to the second millennium BC and were
expanded by successive rulers.
Do not miss a visit to the Hammam al-Malik al-Zaher (Turkish style steam room,
massage room, and bath). Dating from the 11th or 12th century the baths have
been completely restored and modernized. They cater only to men. It is one of
the few places left in the world where men can still enjoy Arabic coffee and a
narghile (water-pipe).
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