Syria, Hama: history and description

In the past few years, the Arab Republic of Syria has not come down from the front pages of newspapers. Hama - one of the largest cities in the country, is also often the focus of media attention. The glory of the center of the fighting spread throughout the world. However, this ancient city has a rich history without the Syrian Civil War. Here there were significant battles, intrigues, the formation of the empires of antiquity.

The ancient city of Ham

To estimate the antiquity of Khama, it is possible at least by the fact that the city is mentioned in the Bible. In translation from the ancient Arabic name means "fortress" or "stronghold". The first settlements of people belong to the Neolithic. Somewhere in the 1000s BC, the city was established on the site of modern Hama. Its founders, the Arameans, were a serious force in the Middle East. The center of their cultural and state power was in Damascus and Hama. Later here the Canaanite kingdom was founded, whose territory is controlled by modern Syria. Hama was the capital and was rapidly developing. The region is very fertile land, which is especially important for the countries of the East, where there are often deserts. The presence of the river also favorably affected the development of the province.

Development

The city was at the intersection of important trade routes. That is why rich merchants constantly contracted here. They built luxurious houses and temples. Many of them survived until the 20th century. In the times of Alexander the Great, Khama became the object of his increased attention. He captured the city and gave it a Greek name. During this period, the province began to expand. After the fall of Macedonia, the territory passes under the control of the Byzantine Empire. However, she also could not control the region for a long time. In the middle of the 7th century, the Arabs capture the city and return to its former name.

The beginning of conquests

In the 12th century, another crusade began , the goal of which was Syria. Hama became the path of the Crusaders. Soldiers of God conquered the city in 1108 and controlled it for a whole century. This period left an imprint on the further history. After a century under Christians, the province was conquered by the Sultan Saladin. Since then, the active planting of traditional culture began here.

After the conquest of Saladin, Ham was several times transferred to various empires. For a long time, the province was controlled by the Ottoman Empire. During the First World there were heavy fighting, following which the city entered the Levant. After the Second World, an independent state of Syria was formed. Hama became a part of it. And it became one of the most developed cities.

Hama Province, Syria: Problems of Islamism

The tragic history and conflict of cultures played a role. In Hama, various religious sects have always been strong. In 1982, in the Middle East, the radical movement "Muslim Brotherhood" is gaining momentum, the epicenter of the mutiny is Khama. At that moment, Syria is experiencing a deep crisis. The army and militia units are being thrown out to suppress the insurrection. Storming the city led to numerous victims. Also as a result of the fighting, well-known noria-wheels, which were used for irrigation, suffered. However, the luxurious palace of Qasr Azem survived.

Already in 2011, the province was again swept by acute political events. Here began anti-government speeches, which soon led to the outbreak of civil war. Almost immediately after the outbreak of hostilities, the majority of opponents of the Assad regime turned out to be radical Islamists. Terrorist organization IGIL has captured several settlements and is actively fighting in this direction. The army of Assad several times succeeded in conducting a successful offensive. However, by early 2016, militants are still holding a stubborn defense.