When traveling to Damascus in Syria there are many tourist attractions visitors must take in. As one of the oldest cities in the world Damascus has a wealth of must see tourist sights and activities. Any visit to Damascus whether for the day, a week or a month must include visits to Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, one of the oldest and greatest mosque’s in the world. The Azem Palace is also a must do when visiting Damascus. As the governors palace under the Ottoman Empire the castle turned museum showcases life under the Ottomans and allows tourists visiting Damascus to see some of the traditions and daily life of 18th century Ottomans.
Umayyad Mosque
The Great Mosque of Damascus was the first large scale building project begun by Islamic people. Completed in 715AD the Umayyad Mosque was, after Mecca, on of the central uniting features for early Muslims, due to its beautiful architecture, and because of its size the idea that Islam could accomplish great things.
The original temple that became the Great Mosque of Damascus was a Christian church, and after the Islamic conquest of Damascus both Muslims and Christians worshipped in different sections. But eventually the building proved too small for the Muslim worshippers, so a deal was made between Muslims and Christians. The church would become wholly controlled by the Muslims, in return all other churches in Damascus would be protected, and a new church honouring the Virgin Mary would be built for the Christians.
Over the centuries the Umayyad Mosque has been renovated several times due to fire, earthquake and age, but the original beauty of the Great Mosque of Damascus is still a must see for tourists. Fusayfusa’a mosaics and marble are the most common materials used in construction. The fusayfusa’a were broken into fragments and coloured glass, gold and silver were mixed with it to form a sparkling material that lines the upper walls of the Great Mosque of Damascus, with floral and geometric patterns. The fusayfusa’a was also used to help create scenic panels mimicking the Barada River and fruit trees. The marble forms the lower parts of the walls, and is heavily veined creating unique patterns throughout the mosque. Ornately carved marble separates the fusayfusa’a mosaics and the simple marble wall. The carved marble is called the ‘great golden vines’, because the carvings look like grape vines.
Christians are still allowed to pray at the Great Mosque of Damascus, a small temple at the back of the mosque is set up to honour St. John the Baptist. Provided that non-Muslim tourists and Christian worshippers are respectful and follow the rules they may wander through the Umayyad Mosque. Visitors to Damascus must see this mosque and enjoy one of the great cultural tourist attractions of Damascus.
Azem Palace
Visitors to Damascus must see the 18th century Azem Palace. Originally built for the Ottoman governor of Damascus, Assad Pasha al-Azem, the palace is now the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions. When it was built water from the Barada river was diverted so that the castle garden would always be watered, even during the hottest desert summer. Ancient Roman columns were brought from Bosra to line the entrance to the castle, and tourists to Damascus can see first hand how they have been maintained over the centuries.
Today the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions uses the Azem Palace to showcase the work and life of the Ottoman Empire Governors, making it a popular tourist attraction. Each room within the palace has been remodelled and specially decorated to match the 18th and early 19th century styles and traditions. The government offices showing the old fashion fountain pens and government documents may be of interest only to historians, but the living quarters are very intriguing. Within the living quarters of Azem palace are rooms showing how 18th century Damascus prepared for weddings, religious holidays and daily life. The elaborate gardens are a must see for tourists interested in exotic flowers. The gardens are always open to the public and shows a variety of flowers, trees, and shrubs unique to Syria.
Visiting Syria
These are merely two of the dozens of tourist attractions available for visitors to Damascus. When visiting Syria tourists must put these two stunning attractions on their to must do list, or they will miss out on some of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the world.
- For tourists visiting other parts of the world check out China's Farmers Markets.
- Also avoid beautiful women in bars, it may be a bar scam.
- Go here for more excellent info on the Great Mosque of Damascus.
Daniel Clarke - Dan Clarke is a freelance writer and English teacher living happily with his wife and daughter in Nanjing, China. He moved to China 4 ...
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