Syria, the capital of Damascus: population, area, description

Damascus is the capital of Syria and the second largest city, known for its ancient origins and rich history.

Mention of the settlement begins with biblical times and even a little earlier. Until now, it has not been reliably established when the city appeared. There are suggestions that the capital of Damascus was founded by Adam and Eve. And according to other versions it is believed that it was her building that was the first after the Flood. But historical information says that the earliest mention of the city appears in the XV century. BC. E. Then it was in the possession of the Egyptian pharaohs and was called Dimashk. Since that time, Damascus has become the center of trade and crafts.

The announcement of the capital and the future

Since the X century. BC. E. The city takes on the status of the capital of the Damascus state of the Aramaic people. But after two centuries, the Assyrian invaders conquer these lands. There are executions, routings and from this moment the city becomes a part of Assyria. But this does not last long. In the VI. BC. After the fall of Assyria, Damascus departs to the New Babylonian kingdom, and after it to the Persian conquerors.

It was after this event that the pupils of general schools often asked: "Damascus is the capital of which country?". The exact answer can be found below.

A few centuries later, the detachments of Alexander the Great occupy the city. The Greeks, despite the belligerence, are quite respectful of the buildings and inhabitants of the conquered area. It is at this time that Damascus is growing, improving the quality of roads, urban buildings. After the death of Alexander the Great, the empire is divided into many small possessions. And in 64 BC. E. The conqueror of Gnaeus Pompey annexes the territory of the city to the Roman Empire. Syria is becoming a province.

During this period, the capital of Damascus blossoms as a center of trade, because the major trade routes pass through it. The Romans in every way try to protect the city from robbers and raiders. For what is built around him a wall with seven gates and lead to Damascus artificially created a sleeve from the river Barada. Since 395, after the division of the Roman Empire into the Eastern and Western, this territory departs to Byzantium and remains a part of it until the 7th century.

Since 661, the city has been ruled by the Umayyads, who are beginning to preach Islam. But already in the VIII century the Abassid dynasty came to power and the capital was transferred to Baghdad. Warriors of the new rulers destroy and burn Umayyad buildings, in addition, they destroy the walls built by the Romans.

Hard time in Damascus

From now on, a troubled time for Damascus begins. Power is replaced by Egyptian rulers, conquering Turks, and the crusades are not bypassed by the ancient city. In 1300, Damascus is conquered by the Mongols and carries with it death and destruction. In 1400 Tamerlane almost completely destroys the city and captures its best artisans and gunsmiths. Since 1516, this territory has become one of the parts of the Ottoman Empire and remains in its composition until the XIX century. During this time, the development of the city stands still and it becomes an unremarkable provincial part of the Ottoman Empire. In 1920, Damascus was included in France. And it remains a part of it until 1943, when Syria gets independence and the city is returned to the status of the capital.

Territory and name

The territory of the capital of Syria is located on a plateau. The distance to Damascus from the Mediterranean Sea is about 80 kilometers. The total area is 105 square meters. Km and a small part of the city is occupied by Mount Kasiyun. If you believe the legends, it was in these places that Abel was killed. This fully explains the name of the city - Damascus, which in translation from Aramaic means "blood brother". Until some time, the capital of Syria was surrounded by an oasis, and the river supplied it with water. But gradually, Damascus expanded, the oasis became less and less dirty, and the watercourse of Barad was practically dry at the moment.

Climate

As for the weather, the summer is usually arid, hot, but, as the city rises 700 m above sea level, it carries a life-giving coolness. In winter, the temperature can drop to +6 ° C and even possible snow fall. The hottest month is July. And, it must be noted that even if the day was very warm, at night it would still be pretty cool.

Population and religion

The capital of Damascus is home to 1.75 million people, but this is only according to official estimates. Other sources speak of a much larger population, which reaches almost 4 million.

Religion is an important part of the life of Damascus. Christianity and Islam coexist on this territory. Most of the inhabitants of Damascus belong to the Sunni religion. Christians are only about 10% of the population. In addition to the main religious sites in Damascus, there is a Jewish community.

Damascus is a city that is an important center of Syria

The capital of Syria is not only a historical center, but also, undoubtedly, an industrial one. Here, in addition to trade, originating in ancient times, the food and pharmacological industry is actively developing. Also, the textile industry definitely takes the leading place in the development of the city's economy. A huge contribution is made by various kinds of crafts, which appeared in the deep past. This production of various gold, silver jewelry, carpets, fabrics. Legendary products from Damascus steel still remain interesting for visitors from different countries.

Tourism

Often people ask themselves whether Damascus is the capital of which country, because many have heard positive stories about the culture of this city.

Recently, the development of tourism is actively contributing to the recovery of the economy of Damascus. The city is rich in sights, historical monuments, and the variety of goods attracts travelers from all countries. In addition, the construction of hotels, cafes, restaurants contributes to a comfortable stay in the capital of Syria. What, of course, attracts those who like to relax with the amenities of tourists.

Education

The capital of Damascus is rightly considered the educational center of Syria. Here is the largest and oldest of its university, which opened its doors in 1903. In addition to the country's main educational institution, there are also private institutions: the Syrian Virtual University, the Arab International University, the International University of Science and Technology and others.

Parts of the city

Since the history of Damascus is rich in raids of invaders and battles, the city is full of tracks from the devastations suffered in battles. There are two parts of the city: Old and New. It is the Old Part that is most interesting to visit. Here you can find traces of the surviving wall, built by Roman invaders. Seven gates, preserved in the wall, collect a lot of tourists. In addition, the entire layout of the old part of the city is considered a legacy of the Roman Empire. Narrow streets that originated in ancient times, took shape even under the Roman conquerors. Therefore, Damascus is a city that carries its historical heritage to this day.

sights

One of the most famous landmarks of the city is the mosque of the ancient Umayyad dynasty. In its territory there is a building in which hair from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad is stored, which attracts pilgrims from all corners of the planet. In addition, the mosque is the largest in the world.

In general, the city is rich in religious monuments. Here is the church of St. Anne, located underground; Mosque Takia as-Sulaymaniyah, which is considered the most beautiful mosque in the Arab world and many other attractions.

For fans of the unusual, the Bab-as-Sagyr cemetery, where the burial places of famous personalities are located, will be especially interesting; Cave Magarat ad-Damm in Mount Kasiyun. According to legend, Cain did the murder of his brother. Not far from the cave, you can find the sarcophagus of the murdered Abel. The population of Damascus knows this legend well and is ready to tell it to every tourist.

The National Museum of the city will be interesting with its exhibits, many of which have reached the modern world from the most ancient times. Here you can see frescoes, the first samples of writing. The military museum will demonstrate a collection of a wide variety of weapons. Not only the modern world, but also the Middle Ages.

Of course, worthy to visit the famous markets of Damascus, where you can find wonderful samples of cloth, various types of weapons from the legendary Damascus steel and much more.

In general, the whole of Syria, Damascus in particular, is permeated with history, a mystery of ancient times. Buildings, mosques, churches, the streets of the city themselves make it possible to name the capital one big attraction. It is not without reason that it occupies not the last place in the list of UNESCO as a part of the great heritage of world culture.

How to get to Damascus from Moscow?

In Damascus there is one of the largest airports of Syria of international importance. The time difference with Moscow from the capital of Syria is not. To get to Damascus from the main center of Russia can be a direct flight. The distance on a straight line from Moscow takes about 2,5 thousand km. The international Syrian airport is located 26 km from the city. You can reach it by bus or by renting a car. At present, it is quite easy to get to the capital of a country like Syria. Damascus is worth to visit its attractions!