Syria
The Syrian Arab Republic, with its capital in Damascus, is situated in the western region of Asia. It comprises fourteen governorates and spans an area of approximately 185,180 square kilometers. The name ‘Syria’ is attributed to multiple theories; one suggests it is derived from the ancient Assyrian kingdom that once inhabited the area, with the initial ‘Sh’ replaced by ‘S.’ Another theory relates the name to Sam, the son of Noah, which subsequently led to the naming of the capital as ‘Al-Sham.’ Historical discoveries and studies have indicated that Syria is one of the oldest countries housing human artifacts, with a history extending back over two million years. Various civilizations, including the Arameans, Byzantines, and Romans, have flourished on its land, alongside Islamic empires such as the Abbasid, Umayyad, and the Ottoman Empire, which ended following World War I. Furthermore, Syria experienced French occupation but declared its independence in 1920. Its strategic location and fertile lands have led to an attraction toward Syria, making it a repository of numerous historical relics. This article will explore some of the most significant archaeological sites in Syria.
Archaeological Sites in Syria
Syria is home to numerous significant archaeological sites, including:
The Umayyad Mosque
The Umayyad Mosque is located in the heart of Old Damascus, which historically served as a marketplace in ancient times. It was initially a temple dedicated to the Aramean god Hadad. During the first century AD, when the Roman Empire conquered Syria, they constructed a temple in honor of their god Jupiter. This structure was later transformed into a Roman church. With the advent of Islamic rule, particularly during the Umayyad Caliphate, the church was divided into two sections, with one half converted into a mosque. Caliph Al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik later undertook the complete transformation of the building into a mosque, a process that took approximately ten years and was completed in 705 AD, adorned with stunning mosaics.
The mosque features four domes (one large and three smaller ones in the courtyard) as well as three minarets and four entrances. Notably, in 2001, Pope John Paul II visited this mosque, marking a rare occurrence as it was the first mosque entered by Christian clergy in modern history.
Saint Moses the Abyssinian Monastery
This monastery belongs to the Syriac Orthodox Church and was established in the sixth century AD. Located in the Qalamoun region, about 80 kilometers north of Damascus, it is renowned for its stunning architecture, unique wall engravings, and vibrant murals, alongside intricate crosses mounted on the church doors. The monastery underwent restoration in 1556 AD. It features three arcades extending from the west to the east, housing the large mihrab, and is topped with a dome that boasts a large window.
The Citadel of Damascus
The citadel derives its name from its location in the northern part of Damascus. Covering an area of approximately 33,176 square meters, this historic fortress was constructed by Atziz ibn Awq in 1076 AD during the Seljuk era. It was later expanded during the Ayyubid period by Abu Bakr ibn Ayyub, the brother of Saladin, and served as the seat of the caliphate until administration shifted to Egypt. During the Mamluk era in 1506 AD, the citadel became a base for rulers inspecting conditions in Syria. The site is surrounded by a 20-meter deep moat and features three gates and twelve towers.