156567Where is the ancient city of Damascus?

156567

Where is the ancient city of Damascus?

The ancient city of Damascus was built in the 3rd century BC and is one of the oldest cities in the Middle East. During the Middle Ages, Damascus was a thriving area of handicrafts (swords and frieze). Among its 125 monumental buildings originating from different historical periods, the Great Mosque of the 8th century is the most spectacular. The ancient city of Damascus, located in the southwest of Syria, at the foothills of the Outer Lebanon Mountains, was built on the slopes of the majestic Mount Kesin.

In 1979, UNESCO listed the ancient city of Damascus as a cultural heritage and included it in the World Heritage List. Both Weibas and Genevans came here to join the traveling caravan. In the 15th century BC, there were records of Damascus. Historically, it was the center of religion, politics and trade. It is now the capital of Syria.

Estate Description

The ancient city of Damascus is located in the southwest of Syria, at the foot of the Outer Lebanon Mountains, built on the slopes of the majestic Mount Kesin. Historically a center of religion, politics and trade, and now the capital of Syria, this city has existed for more than 4,000 years and is one of the oldest cities in Asia and the world. The ancient city of Damascus was built in the 3rd century BC. Among its 125 monumental buildings originating from different historical periods, the 8th century Great Mosque is the most spectacular. The Damascus Mosque (The Umayyad Mosque) was built during the Umayyad Dynasty in 705 AD, so it is also known as the Umayyad Mosque and the Wumayyad Mosque.

The ancient city of Damascus is surrounded by a defensive wall with gates, and its layout maintains the style developed during the Umayyad caliphate. The urban design retains some planning structures from the Roman and Byzantine periods (such as streets oriented according to the four azimuth cardinal points). Canopy markets, caravan enclosures, palaces, light towers and top towers all prove that the ancient city of Damascus originated in the history of Islam. Among its many ancient buildings, the Great Mosque, which records the development of the ancient city in different periods, is the first choice for pilgrims; it is also the holiest place in Islam.

In 1979, according to the criteria (i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi) for the selection of cultural heritage, the ancient city of Damascus was approved by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee to be included in the World Heritage List as a cultural heritage.

Evaluation by the World Heritage Committee

The ancient city of Damascus was built in 3000 BC and is one of the oldest cities in the Middle East. During the Middle Ages, Damascus was a thriving center of craftsmanship, specializing in the making of swords and frieze. Among its 125 monumental buildings originating from different historical periods, the Great Mosque in the 8th century AD, during the Umayyad Caliphate period, is the most spectacular. The Great Mosque was built on a holy site in Assyria.

Urban Geography

Damascus is located 80 kilometers inland from the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by the former Lebanon Mountains, on a plateau 680 meters above sea level. Damascus is located at 33°30’N, 36°18’E (33.5,36.3). Most of Damascus, including the most prestigious old city, is located on the north bank of the Barada River. The new town has been extended to the North Shore. Damascus is surrounded by an oasis, Ghuta (غوطة), with water originating from the Barada River. The Ghuta oasis area has been shrinking due to the rapid development of urban housing and industry, and it is also polluted by urban traffic, industry and sewage.