Damascus - The Oldest Continuously Inhabited City

Damascus, the capital city of Syria, has a long history and is known as the oldest city in the world that has continuously been inhabited by people

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The origin of the name has been controversial. According to some people, the term 'damashaq' means a swift camel and the city was so named because its construction happened quite fast. Some people believe that the city was named after the great grandson of Noah, Damashaq, from the line of his son Sam. The arguments come from the belief that Damashaq was the one who founded the city. There is still another school of thought that states that it was the Romans who called the city Dumuskus, meaning double musk. Some people also said that the name was coined from either dersauk or Dermask, which may be loosely translated to red land.

These are just a few of the numerous versions given as to the origin of the name Damascus. This only goes to show the great interest that the city inspires. The city has a rich culture and traditions. When you visit Damascus, you will have a better understanding of how the people of the region lived some centuries back.

There are many interesting things that you will have the opportunity to see when you visit Damascus. Here are some of them.

Old Town

One of the first places that you should consider seeing is the Old Town. The streets between the old buildings are narrow, where you will find a lot of tranquility. Each of the four parts of the Old Town will give you something to marvel about. They are Muslim, Jewish, Christian and Bazaar.

Umayyad Mosque

The site has been a holy place for many centuries. A shrine dedicated to Hadad, the Semitic sky god, stood here from the 9th century BC. The Romans transformed it to a great temple, whose ruins can still be seen to date. A great basilica was later built here before Caliph Khaled ibn-Walid built the first great mosque.

Umayyad Mosque is among the most revered mosques in the entire Muslim community.

Palmyra and Queen Zenobia

Caravans traveling from Asia to Europe with different types of merchandise, using the Silk road, had to pass through the Syrian desert. As a result, wealthy Arab princes and kings erected castles deep in the desert. These castles offered them resting places when they went hunting deep in the forest.

The desert around Palmyra comprises different landscapes including a desert lake, flat areas and mountains. Get close to the Bedouins and witness how they continue the kind of traditional life of the early times. You will have spectacular views of the desert sky at night.

Bosra Roman Amphitheater

You will find an important archeological site here. The Roman amphitheater is one of the only three in the world that still has their stage walls. It is believed that it could hold as many as 9,000 spectators.

Damascus city is significant to Judaism, Islam and Christianity.

by: Archie Blazer

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