Its Arabic name is Dimashq or Sham

Damascus is the oldest continuously inhabited capital in the world. During the third millennium B.C., it   developed a political culture. At the end of the second millennium B.C., the Aramean established their kingdom. In 661 A.D., it became the capital of the first Arab state at the Umayyad period.

 
 

Its Arabic name is Halab

Aleppo plays a vital role in the history of the area since the time of the Acadians and the Amorites. Situated on the silk road, Aleppo is a platform of meetings and exchanges between the East and the West. It has the most beautiful markets (souks) in the world, superb khans, numerous churches and very nice Koranic schools. Its public bathes are reputed. Its citadel is magnificent.

   
 
 

Hama is the oldest city in the world. It was a prosperous kingdom during the Aramean period. The city is famous for its beautiful water wheels (Norias) and green orchards round it. The most important monuments in Hama are: the Great Mosque, Abil-Fida mosque, Al-Nouri mosque and Al-Azem palace.

 
 
 

Homs is the third important city in Syria. It was called Emesa. It witnessed several civilizations: the Canaanites, the Amorites, the Hittites, it was conquered by Alexander the Great, the Seleucids, and the Romans until 636 A.D. when it became part of the Islamic Empire. The discovered traces of man in this county date back to the stone age. Stone tools were found on the banks of the Orontes. Throughout the centuries, it lost most of its magnificence.

   
 
 

Its Arabic name is Tadmor

Plamyra is an emerald in a golden case, an oasis in the heart of the Syrian desert. Its unique situation helped it became the most important center for caravans traveling between Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean. It was inhabited by the Canaanites, the Arameans, then the Romans. In the third century A.D., its queen Zenobia rebels against Rome and makes of Palmyra an architectural jewel. Palmyra is one of the most beautiful sites in Syria. To see the sunrise over its ruins is a must.

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