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Damascus: one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is an emerald oasis resting in the shades of Ghuta orchards and quenching its thirst from Barada water .
Damascus is a mixture of glorious heritage and modernity. This city stood proudly against the invaders and resisted the Franks’ campaigns that failed to tarnish its pride.
Damascus witnessed many civilizations and coexisted with them, preserving their imprints and monuments. Many poets and travelers praised Damascus and fascinated by its wonders.
Historians called Damascus : Jollaq , Al Fayha , Ash – Sham and attributed it to Demshaq Ibin Canaan. Many others confirmed that it dates back to the time before Ibrahim Al Khalil.
Damascus is the birthplace of philosophers and great architects who left their imprints upon the Roman Empire. The architect, Apollodorus the Damascene, designed the first bridge on the Danube River as well as the great Trajan fourm in Rome. Papinien and Ulpien , the well- Known men of law, were descended from this part of the world.
Old Damascus is surrounded by a wall and towers, in addition to eight gates , six of which are attributed to ancient times whilst the other two are Islamic .
The Umayyad Mosque with its three minarets and columns of the temple of Jupiter the Damascene stand at the heart of the city embracing several historical and archaeological monuments. Important places such as: Sladin mausoleum and schools such as: Al Adelieh , Al Jaqmaqieh (Museum of Arabic Calligraphy ), Al Zaherieh are all situated to the near north of the mosque. To the south: Azem Palace, Khan Asa’ad Pasha and Hammam Nur-iddin are other interesting sites. Saint Hanania church stands to the east of the old City, whereas Saint Paul church is situated at Kissan gate. This was the place where this Saint was descended in a basket from the wall and left Damascus to Europe to Preach Christianity.
In the west of the Old City, Damascus Ayyubid Citadel stands as well as Takieh Sulemanieh with its War Museum next to the National Museum.
At the top of Qasyun mountain , there is Al Arba’een Shrine , where Eve stayed after her son Cain killed his brother Abel, thus became the first victim in history, as the legends go.
Many Damascene houses , hammams khan and historical schools dating back to the successive Islamic periods are scattered inside Old Damascus in addition to An- Nawfara , the popular historical café. It has other locations of interest such as: Al Assad National Library , Tishrin War Panorama , the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in Qasyun Mountain, the Opera , the National Theater , cultural centers as well as several sport complexes.
The Countryside
Many Summer resorts are scattered around Damascus and are famous for their wonderful climate, fresh fruits and tasty food. These include Zabadani, Bukein, Halya, Bloudan, Ayn Al Fijeh, Ma’aloula , Seydnaya, Mua’ret Seydnaya , Jaba’adin with its historical caves as well as As- Sabboura and Ya’afur with their modern villas.
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