Damascus

Damascus is the capital and largest city of the Syrian Arab Republic.

It serves as a major cultural center for the Levant and the wider Arab world. Many people call it the "City of Jasmine" due to its beauty.

It is recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth. The city is the seat of the central government of Syria. It sits in southwestern Syria as the heart of a large metropolitan area.

The geography of Damascus is defined by its strategic and rugged location. The city sits on a plateau above sea level. It is located inland from the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. The eastern foothills of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range nestle the city.

These mountains mark the border between Syria and Lebanon. The range reaches peaks over 2,700 meters high. This height creates a rain shadow effect. This effect blocks precipitation from the Mediterranean Sea. Consequently, Damascus experiences an arid climate. The region can face droughts because of this lack of rain.

Water has always been essential for life in this dry region. The Barada River flows through the heart of Damascus. In ancient times, the river was a vital lifeline. It originated from mountain streams fed by melting snow. This water helped create the Ghouta, an oasis of irrigated farmland. Farmers in the Ghouta grew vegetables, cereals, and fruits.

Roman maps show the Barada once emptied into a large lake. This lake is known today as Bahira Atayba. It is called the "hesitant lake" because it dries up during severe droughts. Today, the river's flow has dropped due to urban expansion and industry. This has left parts of the river almost dry.

The history of Damascus spans several millennia. Evidence shows settlement in the wider Barada basin as far back as 9000 BC. The site of Tell Ramad suggests occupation since 6300 BC.

The name Damascus appeared in Egyptian records in the 15th century BC. It was recorded as "Dimasqu" in the Amarna letters. During the 11th century BC, the Aramaeans arrived and established a kingdom. They called their state Aram-Damascus. They built canals and tunnels to manage the Barada River. These ancient systems formed the basis for the city's water network. The Romans and the Umayyads later improved these irrigation systems.

Damascus has held immense political and religious power throughout history. It was the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate from 661 to 750.

After the Abbasid dynasty took power, the seat of Islamic power moved to Baghdad. However, Damascus regained importance during the Ayyubid and Mamluk periods. Some consider it the fourth holiest city in Islam. The city sits at a crossroads of ancient trade routes. One route connected Egypt with Asia Minor. Another east-west route linked Lebanon to the Euphrates river valley. This location made it a vital hub for commerce and culture.

The city's name has deep roots in many languages. The name is attested in Akkadian, Old Aramaic, and Biblical Hebrew. The English name "Damascus" comes from Greek. It originated from the Syriac word meaning "a well-watered land."

Greek mythology offers different stories for the name. One myth says it was named for the giant Ascus. Another says it was named for Damaskos, a son of Hermes. A third version involves a man who cut down Dionysus's vineyards. In Arabic, the city is called Dimashq. The term "Syria" is also linked to the concept of the "land of the left-hand side."

Modern Damascus is a complex mix of ancient and new areas. The modern city covers 654 square kilometers.

Most of this is urban, while Jabal Qasioun makes up the rest.

The old city is enclosed by walls on the south bank of the Barada. Nearby, neighborhoods like Midan and Sarouja grew near historical roads. In 2017, new development projects were launched. These include Marota City and Basillia City. These projects aim to symbolize post-war reconstruction. Damascus continues to evolve while maintaining its ancient identity.