🏛️Damascus: A Living Museum of Civilizations

Introduction

Damascus, the capital of Syria, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Often called the "City of Jasmine," it stands as a powerful testament to ancient civilizations, with its layers of history, diverse culture, and unique blend of old and new.

Umayyad Mosque

1. Basic Facts and Geography

Official Name: Damascus (Arabic: دمشق‎ – Dimashq)
Country: Syria
Coordinates: 33.5138° N, 36.2765° E
Elevation: ~680 meters above sea level
Population: ~2.1 million (city), ~5 million (metropolitan area) – pre-war estimates (2011), current data varies due to conflict.
Area: ~105 km² (urban area), 1,200 km² (metropolitan area).
Climate: Semi-arid (BSh – Köppen classification)
- Average summer temperature: 30–40°C
- Winter temperature: 5–15°C
- Rainfall: ~130 mm annually.

Damascus is located in southwestern Syria, nestled in the Ghouta oasis near the Barada River, which once provided fertile agricultural lands and drinking water.

2. Historical Overview

Damascus has been inhabited since at least the 3rd millennium BCE, with archaeological finds suggesting settlements as far back as 8,000 BCE. Key historical phases include:

Ancient Era: Founded in the 3rd millennium BCE, mentioned in Egyptian texts (15th century BCE).
Aramaean Period (c. 1100 BCE): Became capital of the Aram-Damascus kingdom (11th–8th centuries BCE).
Roman & Byzantine Rule (64 BCE–395 CE): The city was transformed with wide colonnaded streets like Straight Street (Via Recta) and great temples.
Islamic Golden Age: Conquered by Muslims (634 CE), became Umayyad Caliphate capital (661–750 CE).The Umayyad Mosque remains a symbol of this era.
Ottoman Rule (1516–1918): The city flourished as a provincial capital.
Modern Syria:French Mandate (1920–1946), Gained independence (1946), became Syria’s capital.

Key Historical Sites:

Umayyad Mosque (715 CE) – One of Islam’s holiest sites.
Damascus Citadel (12th century) – A Crusader-era fortress.
Straight Street (Via Recta) – Roman road mentioned in the Bible (Acts 9:11).

Souq al-Hamidiyah
3. Social and Cultural Fabric

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Arab (90%), with Kurdish, Armenian, and Assyrian minorities.
Religions: Islam :(Sunni Muslim majority 75%, with Alawite, Shia, and Druze minorities 5%), Christianity : 20%(Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant).
Languages: Arabic (official), with some use of Armenian, Kurdish, and Syriac among minorities.
Culture: Rich in oral traditions, Islamic art, calligraphy, Sufi music, and crafts like Damascene inlaying and silk weaving.
Education: Home to the University of Damascus (founded 1923), Syria’s largest.

Kibbeh

4. Economic Overview

Before the Syrian Civil War (2011–present), Damascus was Syria’s economic center.

Key Economic Indicators (Pre-2011)

Sector	Contribution to Economy	Notable Data
Industry	25% of GDP	Textiles, food processing, handicrafts.
Commerce	30% of GDP	Souq Al-Hamidiyah (major trading hub).
Tourism	12% of GDP	3 million annual visitors (2010).
Agriculture	10% of GDP	Ghouta: Oasis, Olives, fruits, vegetables ( heavily damaged).

Post-2011 Economic Decline:

GDP contraction: -60% (2011–2020, World Bank).
Inflation: ~300% (2021).
Unemployment: ~50% (2023 estimates).

🔍 Focus: Informal Economy & Market Resilience

According to a 2023 UNDP report, over 50% of Damascus's economy functions informally. Markets like Souq al-Hamidiyah host thousands of small vendors who continue operating despite hardships.

Average monthly salary (2024): $25–$45 (public sector)
Inflation rate (2023): Over 100% (source: World Bank)
Currency: Syrian Pound (SYP)
- Exchange rate (April 2025): ~13,500 SYP = 1 USD

Shawarma

5. Traditional Cuisine

Damascus offers a variety of Levantine dishes:

Dish	Description	Avg. Street Price (SYP)
Falafel	Fried chickpea patties in bread	5,000–8,000
Shawarma	Sliced grilled meat wrap	7,000–12,000
Kibbeh	Minced meat with bulgur shell	12,000–18,000
Yabrak	Vine leaves stuffed with rice	10,000–15,000
Maqlouba	Layered rice, meat, vegetables	20,000–30,000
Baklava	Sweet pastry with nuts	8,000–15,000 per portion

Popular restaurants:

Al Khawali (Old Damascus)
Naranj (Midan)
Beit Sitti (Damascene experience + cooking)

Azem Palace

6. Tourist Attractions

Despite conflict, Damascus still receives regional and diaspora visitors.

🕌 Key Sites:Key Tourist Attractions

Umayyad Mosque (Great Mosque of Damascus)
- One of the oldest and most revered mosques in Islam.
- Features the tomb of Saladin and a shrine of John the Baptist (Prophet Yahya).
- How to Reach: City center, accessible by taxi/bus.
Old City of Damascus (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Roman street grid, ancient city walls, and preserved gates like Bab Touma, Bab Sharqi.
Souq al-Hamidiyah
- Historic covered market known for spices, textiles, and souvenirs.
- How to Reach: Walking distance from Old City.
Azem Palace
- Example of 18th-century Damascene architecture.
- How to Reach: Old Damascus, taxis available.
Sayyida Ruqayya Shrine
- Important Shia pilgrimage site.

Sayyida Ruqayya Shrine

7. Accessibility and Travel Information

Main Entry Point: Damascus International Airport (DAM)
- Limited international flights due to sanctions; regional access via Lebanon (Beirut Airport) or Jordan.
Transportation:
- Taxis and minibuses dominate city travel.
- Ride apps like YallaGo and Shamra have emerged.
Visa Policy:
- Entry requires prior approval for most Western travelers. Arab passport holders generally have facilitated access.
Security:
- Situation has improved in central Damascus, but always check local and embassy advisories.

Old City of Damascus

8. References and Sources

World Bank Report on Syria’s Economy (2021) – Link
UNESCO: Ancient City of Damascus – Link
Syrian Central Bureau of Statistics (Pre-2011 Data) – Archived reports.
Lonely Planet: Syria Travel Guide (2010 Edition) – For historical tourism data.
World Bank Syria Economic Monitor, 2023
UNDP Syria Reports, 2023
https://www.undp.org/syria
Al-Azm Palace Official Website https://damascus-tourism.com/azem-palace
FAO Food Prices in Syria, 2024
Interviews with Syrian expats and local business directories (2023–2024)

Header Ads