The Old City of Damascus

Al-sham or the city of jasmine, the old city of Damascus is usually called by these names. Enriching the great history and culture, the old city of Damascus is counted among the earliest cities to be inhabited by people in the past. Located near the Mediterranean Sea and supported by Anti-Lebanon Mountains this old city enjoys a balanced climate. It is spread evenly on a plateau and is 680 kilometers above the level of sea. The city of Damascus is rich in geographic diversity. It has Kassoium Mountains and the tallest of these is the al-Qalamoon mountain ranges. The major river of this city is the Barda River. It flows down from the Anti-Lebanon Mountains and covers the whole city. This River has almost dried. Another river that flows in the Damascus is the Yazeed River.

The main source of water in this city is the natural spring. Damascus is also surrounded by oasis named as Ghoutah oasis. These features of this old city make it a varied land. Apart from varied geographical features this city is densely populated. The surveys predicted a rising population of over a million people. Climate of this city can be regarded as mixed of all seasons. The summers here are hot but less humid. Winters are rainy, snowy and foggy. Thus people enjoy hot days, cool nights in summer and cold, snowy winters. The majority of damascene in this city is Sunni Muslims. This religion is dominant in most parts of this city. But this damascene population in this city also comprise of Christians and Jewish people in minority.

Because of the domination of Muslim religion in this city a visitor will find many mosques here. Some of the famous mosques of this city are The Ummayad Mosque and The great Mosque of Aleppo. The Ummayad mosque is famous throughout the world and is also called as The Grand Mosque of Damascus. This mosque is the world’s biggest and oldest Mosques. This mosque has been always looked upon as a piece of great architecture. The great mosque of Aleppo is also of architectural importance. It has stated that this mosques still contains the remains of the father of john the Baptist, Zechariah.

Apart of great collection of old mosques of this city, churches and various walls are also famous. Some of the most famous churches of the old city of Damascus are the cathedral of Damascus, Virgin Mary’s cathedral, house of Saint Ananias and the chapel of Saint Paul. This city still holds the parts of various historically important walls and gates. Bab-al –Saghir, Bab al-salam and Bab kisan are few of the many important gates of this old city. All these gates hold architectural and historical importance. If you want to visit some of the purely Islamic sites in this city of Damascus, then Sayyidah Zaynab mosque, Saladin shrine and Bab Saghir cemetery are few of the Islamic sites of this city.

From tourist point of view, this city has a lot to offer. The national museum, Al-Salheih, The city of Damascus historical museum, Al-Takeih al-Suleimaniyeh are some of the tourist spots in this city. Open air museum within the garden of national museum is also famous among the tourists. This city is self governorate. There are numerous hotels in Damascus which are available for every class. Five stars, seven stars, and even three stars hotel are available for the tourists. The hotels are not very costly. Almost all hotels of this city have scenic beauty. Traveling to Damascus will not prove heavy on your pocket. If you do not wish to spend large amount on traveling, then some cheap flights to the old city of Damascus are also available. You can plan your trip to Damascus according to your budget.

If you have planned your trip to Damascus then you must make your check list. You can try outdoor games and sports. If you will book your stay in a resort then you will easily get all these facilities. A visit to Damascus will go futile if you did not visit any museum. Damascus is famous for its old ancient museums. You will make your stay at Damascus worth after exploring all of its museums and art houses. Damascus is a beautiful amalgam of modern life and ancient culture and architecture. You will enrich your stay in this city if you adore museums, mosques and ancient art. A visit to Damascus will allow you to explore a beautiful part of Syria.