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SYRIA
“LAND OF CIVILIZATION”
| LATTAKIA | DAMASCUS | |
| PALMYRA | KRAK DES CHEVALIERS | BOSRA |
In
Syria, the oldest civilizations flourished. Currently there are several
foreign
archaeological teams, excavating parts of the thousands of hill sites in
the land, which still hold the hidden treasures of civilization and the
rich historical wealth from the ninth
millennium
B.C.
Tens of thousands of clay tablets, which have been discovered, are neatly classified in libraries, at Mari, Ugarit and Ebla. These enable the visitor to re-create the beginnings of a civilization which has influenced the whole world.
Historical sites in Syria are as numerous as the stars in the sky. You will discover the early development of human civilisation, cultivation of the land, settling in decorated houses, It was in Syria ( Ugarit ) an alphabet circa 14th century B.C. ( of 30 letters ), and the first written words were discovered
The main mythologies, and later, the main religious and spiritual beliefs, radiated from Syria. I inspiring the world for thousands of years.
Ancient invaders past through Syria, which became the melting pot of all civilizations , from the Sumerians , Accadians ,Babylonians, Assyrians, Arameans, through the Persians, Macedonians, Nabataeans, Romans, Byzantines, Arab, Crusaders, Mongols, Berbers, to the Ottomans and French.
The main language in Syria is Arabic; however Syria is a land of many languages, from many civilisations. You can even hear the Aramaic language, (which was spoken by Jesus Christ) in Maaloula, near Damascus and is still used for prayers in the ancient Syrian church.
Aleppo,
Syria’s second largest city is said to be the oldest city still existing
in the world, famous for its citadel, covered souk
s and white stone
buildings.
Aleppo is rich in historical sites, antiquities, fascinating oriental attractions and charms.
Aleppo
is infamous for its Middle East cuisine. Feast yourself in some of the
old Arabian houses, tastefully restored to their old glory and converted
to wonderful restaurants offering probably, the best cuisine in the
Middle East
Is the pride of old Phoenicia, Ugarit and the Syrian coast. From the crusaders citadels, golden sandy beaches, to nearby mountainous resorts, with their vast forests. You can relax and enjoy the Mediterranean climate or climb to view the magnificent sights.
The capital of Syria and the oldest continuously inhabited capital in the world.
From the days of Abraham, its name features in ancient Egyptian and biblical records, to the Roman and Byzantine eras and afterward as Umayyad capital. Damascus has always played a distinctive role in the history of the Middle East.
Damascus is famous for its national museum, the old souks, Umayyad mosque, churches, Azem Palace and a street called, “Straight” (via recta).
The most famous ancient oasis city in the world, it is mentioned in the Assyrian texts. In the Bible it is referred to as TADMOR IN THE WILDERNESS.
in the glorious reign of queen Zenobia, it became the centre stage of the orient trade routes, having a strategic location between the Roman and Persian domain., However, when Queen Zenobia declared her independence from the Roman Empire, Emperor Aurelian destroyed the city. Its Greco-Roman ruins are extensive.
Standing as high as 2300 feet above sea level stands what is much considered the greatest fortress in the world, Krak Des Chevaliers (Castle of the Knights). With its command over the valley between Homs and Tripoli, and being a model of perfection of medieval fortification, this Castle was never besieged or taken by storm. It only fell through Baibars unique plan involving trickery.
Bosra is most famous for its well-preserved freestanding Roman theatre - the most complete in the world according to some sources. The reasons for its remarkable preservation are probably twofold. The strong basalt stone is particularly durable, but it was this building’s secondary use as a citadel in the Islamic periods from the 7th century through to the mid-11th century AD that saved it from destruction. In the first century AD, before its annexation by the Romans in AD 106, Bosra was the northern capital of the Nabatean kingdom. The city's Nabatean heritage can be seen in some of architectural decorative elements such as the pillar capitols on the 'Nabatean Gate'.