Sights in Syria

About Syria

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The image of Syria in the west is still one of a place little known and possibly dangerous. However, the experience of travellers is one of friendly people and of romantic sites including mountaintop Crusader castles and Roman ruins in the desert in this ancient land that is referred to by many as "the cradle of civilisation".
History - Ancient Syria emerged ten thousand years ago & included Jordan, Israel and Lebanon. It was the cradle of three great civilisations: Amorites, Canaanites & the Phoenicians who all settled the coastal regions.

Noaria's of Hama

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Hama, situated between Homs and Aleppo on banks of the Orontes river, is an important agricultural and industrial center. Except for Damascus, Hama is considered the most picturesque city in Syria and one may wish to take time to relax in its attractive gardens along river banks.

Hama has been settled since the early Iron Age. In book of Joshua, Hama is mentioned at the time when the land was divided up between the 12 tribes. It is also mentioned in Kings II as the source for the settlers the Assyrians moved into Samaria, after depopulating the cities of Holy land.

The chief attraction of Hama are the great norias (waterwheels). Originating in Byzantine times, the oldest surviving wheels date from the 13th century. The norias, which all have given names, were used to raise water from the river into aqueducts. The purpose of the wheels nowadays is purely decorative and of historical interest.
Hama's Museum, housed in Beit Al-Azem (Azem Mansion) is a splendid example of 18th century Ottoman architecture. There are lovely courtyards with central fountains, mosaics, richly decorated wood ceilings and paneled walls, marble floors and wax models of various aspects of Syrian life in bygone days illustrating the sumptuousness of a Pasha's life.

There are numerous mosques and Greek Orthodox churches worth a visit, as well as the aqueducts and, of course, Hama Citadel which was once a site of an 11th century BC royal palace and later a Muslim fortress.

People and Customs

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ancients

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Aleppo Citadel, Placed on a hill in the heart of Aleppo City. One of the most famous castles in the history.

Bosra amphitheatre

Bosra amphitheatre and the towers of Ayoubi castle around it

The Columns In Afamia

The Main Gate in Daraa

Other Sights

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Azem palace in old Damascus. One of the most memorable places in Damascus, used to be the palace of Asa'ad Elazem one of the Syrian old leaders.

Menjak Bath In Daraa. An old public bath, Turkish style

The Norias In Hama, this waterwheel is still used to generate power and its one of the most spectacular sights ever.

Al-Hijaz Train Station in Damascus, an old station used to be the start point of pilgrims to go to Makkah and Medinah in Saudi Arabia.

Mosques

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Omayyad Mosque In Damscus in an overt view

Omayyad Mosque In Damscus, Built in 705AD - 86Hij

"Sayyeda Zaynab" Mosque, headed by tens of thousands of prayers every year

Statues

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Saladin's Statue in Damascus, Located on the gates of Damascus Castle

Old Market

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Old Damascus Market (Souq Al-hamadiyah). One of the oldest shopping marts in the world with the oldest top cover stretching along the market of about 700 meters.

Back alleys

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Ancient ways in Aleppo

This is back alley in Damascus, Syria. All houses are based on old Arab houses.