1. Ancient One of the oldest cities in the world
Damascus is an ancient city with a long and storied history. It is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with evidence of human habitation dating back to 9000 BC in the Barada basin and the 2nd millennium BC in the area of Damascus itself. This makes Damascus one of the oldest cities in the world, and a testament to its resilience and longevity.
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Advertisement2. Damascus added to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Danger list
The ancient city of Damascus, which has been around since the 2nd millennium BC, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Danger list in 1979 due to the threat of destruction or loss. This list was created to protect and preserve cultural and natural heritage sites around the world that are at risk of being lost or destroyed. Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and is home to a variety of cultural and religious sites, including the Umayyad Mosque, the Street Called Straight, and the Azm Palace.
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3. A City of Diversity
The city of Damascus is home to a diverse population, with over 2,000 mosques reflecting the majority Muslim population, while at least 10% of the population is Christian and there is even a small Jewish community. This religious diversity is a testament to the city's long and varied history, which has seen it become a major cultural and religious center in the Middle East.
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4. Damascus Stock Exchange: Trading Hub
The bustling city of Damascus is home to the only stock exchange in Syria, the Damascus Stock Exchange. Established in 2009, the exchange is a hub for trading stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments. It is the only stock exchange in the country, and is a major source of capital for businesses and investors in Syria. The exchange is regulated by the Syrian Securities Exchange Commission, and is open to both domestic and foreign investors.
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Advertisement5. The City with a Long and Storied History
The city of Damascus has a long and storied history, with its name originating from the Aramaic phrase "a well watered place". This phrase was then imported into English and Latin from Greek, and has been used to refer to the city ever since. Located in Syria, Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with evidence of human habitation dating back to at least 11,000 years ago. It is also one of the holiest cities in the world, being the birthplace of several major religions, including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.
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6. The Second Largest City in Syria
Damascus, the second largest city in Syria, is home to an estimated 1.7 million people as of 2009. Located just south of Aleppo, the city is a bustling hub of activity, with a rich cultural history that dates back to the 2nd millennium BC. It is known for its ancient souks, mosques, and monuments, and is a popular tourist destination.
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7. The ancient city steeped in history
The ancient city of Damascus is steeped in history, having been mentioned in the book of Genesis in the Bible. It is believed to have been around during the time of the War of the Kings, a conflict that took place in the Middle East in the early 2nd millennium BC. Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with evidence of settlement dating back to at least the 2nd millennium BC. Today, it is the capital of Syria and a major cultural and religious center in the Middle East.
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Advertisement8. Alexander's conquest of Syria
In 332 BC, the great conqueror Alexander the Great invaded Syria and occupied the city of Damascus, along with the entire country. This marked the beginning of a period of Greek rule in Syria, which lasted until the Roman conquest in 64 BC. The city of Damascus has since been a major cultural and political center in the Middle East, and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
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9. Umayyad Mosque: Damascus' Ancient Giant
The 'Umayyad Mosque' in Damascus is one of the oldest and largest mosques in the world, having been built in the 8th century. It is a stunning example of Islamic architecture, featuring a large courtyard surrounded by four minarets and a prayer hall with a magnificent golden dome. The mosque is a popular tourist attraction, and is home to a number of important religious artifacts, including the head of John the Baptist. It is a symbol of the city's rich history and culture, and a reminder of the importance of faith in the region.
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10. 8th most expensive city in the world for office space
In 2009, Damascus was listed as the eighth most expensive city in the world for office space, according to a real estate adviser. This made it more expensive than cities such as London, Tokyo, and New York, and placed it among the most expensive cities in the world for businesses to rent office space. The high cost of office space in Damascus reflects the city's strong economy and its status as a major commercial hub in the Middle East.
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