The eastern state, which borders Turkey, Jordan, Iraq, Israel and Lebanon, is the Syrian Arab Republic (Syria). The sights of this country have a thousand-year history. On this earth there are many historical, architectural monuments left over from different civilizations. They always attracted tourists from all over the world.
More recently, this country, which stores ancient shrines, was visited by numerous pilgrims. But at the moment, this land is in the flames of a bloody war. Perhaps someone will say that now is not the time to talk about the sights of this region, when his long-suffering people die, or leave their homeland. But we decided to tell you about them in the hope that soon this madness will end, and tourists from all over the world will come to see how beautiful Syria is. Its attractions are unique, many are protected by UNESCO. We will introduce you to some of them.
Damascus
The city that Syria is rightly proud of. We will begin to study the sights of the country from Damascus, the capital of the Syrian Republic. The city is located on the banks of the Barady River. Historians believe that this is one of the oldest cities in the world. The first mention of it dates back to 2500 BC.
Its main attractions include the city walls, which have seven gates leading to the Old Town, and several more gates outside. In addition, this, of course, is the largest Umayyad mosque in the country, numerous tombs and tombs, Salah ad-Din (mausoleum), the ruins of the temple of Jupiter, the city cathedral, St. Paul’s Chapel, Azem Palace, ancient madrassas. Many temples preserve the relics and ashes of saints, sacred relics that Syria treasures. The sights of the city are its parks. The largest in the capital is Tishrin Park, in addition, you can stroll through the shady alleys of Al-Sibbki, Aljahiz and others. Local markets always attract visitors. The most famous of them are Bzuria and Suk al-Hamidiyya.
Crac de Chevalier
Syria is famous throughout the world for many historical buildings. Its sights, for example, such as this fortress, are considered to be monuments of international importance. That is why the Crac de Chevalier is on the UNESCO list.
This is the former hospitaliers residence, which was built on a high hill. The thickness of its outer walls is five meters. For protection, thirteen towers were built and, in addition, an internal wall separated by a moat. Here at the same time could be up to five thousand people.
In ancient times, it was a formidable and reliable fortress, and today it is considered to be one of the most romantic castles. From the height of its walls you can enjoy picturesque views. There is a cafe in one of the towers.
Qasr ibn Vardan
Many historians and researchers are attracted to Syria. Sights, the description of which is found even in ancient documents, allow us to judge how luxurious many of them were. Among them is this palace complex.
It is located in the desert, near the city of Hama. Today it is a ruin. Only the central courtyard, part of the stables, the facade of the palace and its small part, public baths, as well as a church with a nave were partially preserved. The complex was built in the VI century as a protective structure. For its construction, marble and basalt were used. You can understand the purpose of each building from the images that are carved on the stones.
Umayyad Mosque
Many churches, cathedrals, churches and mosques have Syria on its territory. The sights, the photos of which we posted below, are the shrines of the Syrian people. The Umayyad Mosque is the largest and oldest in the world. On its territory is the grave of Salah ad-Din (he was the ruler of the country in the XII century), and the relics of John the Baptist are also stored. There is also a chapel in which the relics of the grandson of the prophet Muhammad - Hussein rest.
The place where the mosque is located, from ancient times was reserved for the construction of religious buildings. First, the temple of Hadad was built here, then the temple of Jupiter, and even later - the temple of John the Baptist. The mosque is richly and beautifully decorated with onyx, marble, colored glass. Doors are open to believers of all faiths. The only requirement for visitors is to take off their shoes at the entrance.
Damascus National Museum
Not only specialists are attracted by Syria (sights). The National Museum of Damascus is located in the heart of the Syrian capital. Here are collected unique exhibits that belong to a variety of eras. For example, in the exposition you can see the world's first alphabet, stone and marble sarcophagi, skeletons related to the Stone Age, very rare statues, letters and coins, jewelry and other antiques and artifacts. In one of the halls, the atmosphere of a Syrian house is reproduced. But tourists especially like to visit the reconstructed ancient Dura-Europos Synagogue.
Syria Attractions: Railway Museum
He is one of the oldest in Damascus. In a small open area there is a collection of “prototypes” of modern railway transport. Among them there are even exhibits made of wood. The models of steam locomotives that remained in Syria from the British have also survived.
The exposition, with more than ten exhibits, needs restoration, which costs a lot of money. But the museum’s management still doesn’t charge entrance fees for visitors.
Sights of Syria. What to see in Syria?
In addition to Damascus, the country has many interesting and memorable places. For example, Palmyra ("city of palm trees"). Once it was an influential antique city, which was an important point on the Great Silk Road. Today it is a dead city located in the Syrian desert.
Several cities in the USA are named after him, and sometimes our St. Petersburg is also called Northern Palmyra. The local attractions include the ruins of ancient buildings: the Bela temple complex, which is surrounded by a high wall, a shopping area, a colonnade, a theater, baths, houses, a triumphal arch, the Palmyra tariff (stele) and much more.
On the territory of Palmyra, archaeological excavations were begun only in the 19th century and they continue to this day. In addition to the picturesque ruins, in the border of the city there is a small residential settlement and a museum. All buildings of Palmyra are under the protection of UNESCO.
Azem Palace
If you are interested in Syria (attractions), the palace of Azem should definitely be seen. This is one of the most impressive secular buildings dating back to the period of Turkish rule. The complex harmoniously combines Arabic and Turkish architectural elements.
This palace allows you to look into the past. As required by Islamic customs, the outside structure seems modest and fairly simple. A high, gray, completely unadorned clay wall surrounds a huge (5500 sq. M.) Square in the central part of the Old Town, not far from the Umayyad Mosque. But as soon as the visitor passes through the gate, a completely different world opens in front of him, full of abundance, beauty, and luxury.
Marble slabs in the courtyard are covered with large flower beds, which are regularly looked after, and citrus trees are planted here. They give shade, and fountains give such a welcome coolness in the summer. On three sides, the courtyard is surrounded by a covered colonnade, from which you can go into the numerous rooms of the luxurious palace.
Palace History
This grandiose building was erected by the governor of the Turkish Sultan in the 18th century. For its construction were bought, and sometimes just confiscated jewelry from the houses of local nobility. Anyone who is lucky enough to see this palace will understand that the post of governor in the old days was very profitable. This is probably why 130 governors in 180 years were replaced in Damascus.
Excursions
The museum offers interesting and instructive tours. In one of the rooms reproduced such a scene. On a soft low sofa, inaccessible and proud, Pasha sits. A red fez decorates his head. At a respectful distance from him, clerks and viziers settled down awaiting orders. And all this is complemented by a magnificent design - the walls are marble, the ceilings are two floors high ... Even in the summer heat, the room is cool. In numerous niches and on consoles there is an expensive earthenware tableware, beautiful products from porcelain and glass.
In the next room you can see the scene of the preparation of the bride for the wedding. This room is also luxurious: inlaid furniture made by famous Syrian joiners, a lot of beautiful dishes, carpets, expensive lamps ...
Hamam Nureddin Shahir
Of great interest to many tourists from different countries is Syria. Sights (Hamamed Nureddin al-Shahir - the most famous in Damascus) are represented not only by museums, temples and palaces, but also by bathhouses. We will talk about one of them later.
The object is located in the old city, near the Al-Hamidiya market. This hamam, who turned almost a thousand years old, is very popular today. Over ten bath attendants work here. The name "hamam" comes from the Arabic word "ham" - "heat". Arabs borrowed the idea of hamam from the Romans, and much later transferred it to the Turks.
Hamam Nureddin Shahir is open until 24:00. But the best time to visit is morning. According to experts, the steam at this time of day is fresh, there is enough space, and the attendants are vigorous and work with full dedication. Women can visit the hammam only on Friday - a Muslim day off.
Madrasah Zachariah
Syria (sights) makes a huge and vivid impression on tourists. Zakharia Madrasah is a mausoleum located in the capital of the country. Here lies one of the most famous sultans who bravely fought in Palestine. His name is Baybars. Many are sure that he is buried in Cairo, but this is an erroneous statement. On the territory of the mausoleum there is also an archive and a school. The building has recently been restored. Mosaics and drawings were restored on the walls. The archive of the mausoleum contains a huge collection of rare books (more than 200 thousand). The building was erected in 1266.