It is no wonder that Syria is the Cradle of Civilizations which flourished throughout history: monuments, archaeological sites, impregnable castles, citadels and dead cities narrate the glorious history of ancient nations. It is a wonderful panorama of natural colors and images: seacoast, mountains, forests, rolling hills, fertile valleys, plains and steppes. The basaltic and the limestone ruins tell about a marvelous architectural art. Corinthian columns the Khans spread all over the Silk Road, the castles still towering from the Medieval Ages, and the mosques and palaces are all witnesses of a great rich history.
Syria has always been a center where East and West meet with their varied civilizations. The tourist can feel the East and the West through this and the open-minded, warm welcoming ever smiling Syrians. Syria extends over 185.180 km with a 183 km coastline on the Mediterranean Sea forming its western gate.
Syria consists of four big areas:
The coastal region with its moderate climate.The mountainous region, which consists of two chains: Latakia mountains in the west, Al – Zawia mountains in the east and Al – Ghab valley in between, which is crossed by the Orontes river with Lebanon's eastern mountains and the AL Haramoun mountains in the south.The interior plain region consists of Aleppo and Al Jazerah valleys where the Euphrates runs, in addition to the Homs and Hama valleys. The Syrian Badiat : located in the middle and to the east of Syria.
Area: 185, 180 sq km Population: 17.000.000 inhabitants (official estimate of 1995), with a density of 81.0 per sq km. Capital: Damascus, with an estimated population of 4,500,000 (official estimate 1995); the Second City is Aleppo with about 2,000,000 inhabitants.
Governmental Regime: Syria is a republic in which the President is elected for seven years by referendum. He appoints The Prime Minister and the Cabinet. The Legislative Council consists of 250 deputies and is elected every four years by national elections.
The climate
Syria varies from Mediterranean at the coast to dry in the interior region. The geographical location of Syria and its climate variation made it possible for about 3500 kinds of plants to grow. There are also different kinds of animals such as camels, wild rabbits, hyenas, jackals, falcons, eagles, gazelles, wolfs and not to forget the Arab pure race horses. Only one visit to Syria will make you see wide horizons of human life spread over a deep – rooted history. Since ancient times and almost before ten thousand years B.C., this land was a center for human civilization. When you visit its museums and see its treasures and ruins, you will feel that you are reading an encyclopedia telling you about the human civilization and its development.
The Governmental System
Syiria is a republic where people elect their President (one candidate only) every seven years and members of the Peoples Assembly, every four years. The Syrian president nominates the Prime Minister and the current president of Syria is President Dr. Bashar AL Assad.
The Cultural Movement
Through these museums, we will go deep into the great and luxurious temples and standTourists can enjoy wandering through Damascus' famous historical souks such as: Al Hamidieh, Madhat – Pasha in the Street called Straight, Souk Al Hareer, Al Khayateen, Al Bzourieh where the scent of the Syrian spices is in the air, in addition to Al Sagha where Al Bimarestan An – Nuri (Museum of Arabic Medicine and Sciences) is situated nearby. The Syrian souks are either traditional or modern . Old Souks still have their traditional touches where the handicraft skills are passed from father to son. These souks are famous for valuable textiles such as hand-printed cloth, brocades, local silk, Damesco, Aghabani garments ornamented with gold and silver, as well as carpets and rugs patterned with Arabic designs and charming colors. This is in addition to handmade products such as: gold, silver, brass, ceramic, pottery and blown glass, as well as wood carvings inlaid with mother of pearl, mosaic and oriental ornamentation, leather products and gold and silver jewelry.
The Food
Many restaurants and snacks are available everywhere in Syria where visitors can enjoy delicious Syrian cuisine such as: Kibbe, Mutabbal, Hommos, Tabbouleh and drinks such as: Lemon Juice, Licorice, Tamarind, Ayran (yogurt), Julep, and hand beaten ice cream mixed with pistachio.
