The most important monument in Damascus (دمشق), and perhaps the entire country, is the magnificent Umayyad Mosque (الجامع الاموي). No single historic site symbolizes the rich and varied cultural heritage of Syria as does this remarkable mosque. It has served as a place of worship continuously for several millennia, a holy place for over a thousand years even prior to the arrival of Islam. While …
The Great Mosque of Aleppo (جامع حلب الكبير) is the largest and most well-known religious monument in the old city of Aleppo (حلب). Construction of the original mosque at this site began under al-Walid Bin Abd al-Malik (الوليد بن عبد الملك), the Umayyad caliph from 705 until his death in 715. The building was completed during the reign of his successor and brother, Suleiman Bin …
Great Mosque of Hama (جامع حماة الكبير) is the most impressive religious site in the city, despite being almost entirely reconstructed after the 1982 conflict. Dating back to the 7th century, the mosque was converted from a Byzantine church under Abu Aabideh Bin al-Jarah (أبو عبيدة بن الجراح) during the Umayyad period. That 6th century church was converted from an even earlier Roman temple, originally …
Qasr al-Heir al-Sharqi (قصر الحير الشرقي) is remote desert palace complex dating to the late Umayyad period. Construction began in 728 under Hisham (هشام), the tenth Umayyad caliph. While it was once believed that the site had Roman or Byzantine origins, it appears more likely that stonework was transported from other locations by the Umayyads, or that they employed Christian craftsmen. The site may have …
Bosra (بصری) is one of Syria’s most incredible historic sites and should be considered a must for any visitor. Perhaps more than any place in Syria, Bosra (بصری) provides major historic monuments from multiple periods of Syria’s history. Fascinating Roman and Byzantine ruins combine with incredible early Islamic architecture to create one of the most unique sites in the world. Getting There: Bosra (بصری) is very easy …
Jebel Seis (جبل سيس) is perhaps the most dramatic site in the entire country of Syria. Located in the far southeast corner of the Damascus Region (ريف دمشق), it may also be the most remote site in the country. The historic remains are composed of an Umayyad-era fortress and settlement at the location of an extinct volcano. Getting There: Getting to Jebel Seis (جبل سيس) without private …
