Ariha - اريحا (Idlib - ادلب)

Located on the slopes of Arbaeen Mountain, 12 Km from the city of Idlib is the town of Ariha. This town is famous for its delicious cherries and is often used as a summer resort for the northern locals:

Kasab - كسب (Lattakia - الاذفية)

Kasab is a village in the Lattakia province located 65 km north of the city of Lattakia near the Turkish border, located on the Aqra' mountain amongst woods and thickets, 800 m above sea-level. The road leading to it from Lattakia is one of the most beautiful in Syria. It runs through woods and meadows of wild flowers and groves of olive and pine, orchards of apple trees leading to the beautiful forest of Frulloq:


























































Here you can see new buildings being constructed in a picturesque location:




















Behind the white van is a geyser providing a natural source of fresh, cleaned water for the local people. You can see the two people on the right taking away bottles of the water and the people in the white van have stopped by for some as well:




















Tomato plantations in Kasab:

Idlib - ادلب

Situated in the Northwest of Syria is the Governorate of Idlib. This governorate is the link between the coastal region and the inland steppe, as it was the Syrian gateway to Europe and the West through Bab Al Hawa, Door of the Wind.

The historical importance of Idlib is quite important. The area of Idlib holds over 190 man made tells (hills), the most famous of which is at Tell Mardikh, Ebla. The cuneiform tablets found at Ebla prove that this area has been settled since the 3rd millennium BC. Idlib also has an abundance of Dead Cities, some which are well preserved and others that have been forgotten.

The governorate of Idlib is known for its Olive and Olive Oil, its wheat, cotton and fruit, in particular cherries. The main city of the governorate is the city of Idlib, which lies 59 Km from Aleppo at a height of 500 meters above sea level. The city itself is also very ancient as the Roman and Pagan cemeteries indicate. The museum at Idlib is quite interesting and houses many of the artifacts and tablets excavated at Ebla.

Other ruins in the governorate of Idlib include the dead cities of Al Bara and Serjilla, and the church at Qalb Lozeh.

Aleppo the Capital of Islamic Culture

In recognition of the historical, civilizational and cultural status of Aleppo, and in celebration of its historical and civilizational monuments which stand witness to an age-old past of which the roots spread to pre-historical times and stretch through Arab and Islamic eras, the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation -ISESCO- has dedicated its Internet website (http://www.isesco.org.ma/index.asp) to celebrate Aleppo as the Capital of Islamic Culture for the year 1427 A.H./2006 A.D. The aim of this initiative is to spread light on the most prominent features of the cultural heritage and the Islamic monuments of this city, boost the awareness of young generations about its importance, provide knowledge about the treasures of its prestigious past, and highlight its civilizational landmarks and cultural legacy.

Through this link, these civilizational landmarks and cultural heritage are brought to the fore by the Islamic Organisation in its drive to participate in reviving the city of Aleppo, preserve its historical landmarks, and document on the internet the most prominent milestones of Islamic civilization in this city. These landmarks still stand proudly today as a testimony to the contribution of Aleppo to the flourishing of Islamic civilization.

This link will remain open in order to be fed with regular updates considering the vastness and diversity of the subject at hand, and be supplied with new data on the civilizational, cultural and Islamic landmarks. This pulpit will serve to inform the whole world about the most important Islamic civilizational landmarks of the city of Aleppo, and endeavour to motivate coming generations into preserving this heritage and transferring it safely into the hands of future generations.

May Allah grant us success.

Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri
Director general of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation

These landmarks in Aleppo are currently advertising it as being the Capital of Islamic Culture:

This square (Sa'ad Allah square - ساحة سعد الله) in the Aleppo City Centre is the meeting place for people like politicians who visit on behalf of Aleppo's new status as the Capital of Islamic Culture:


















The Leramoon roundabout (دوار ليرامون) on the edge of Aleppo city has signs on its four faces to advertise Aleppo as being the Capital of Islamic Culture:

Al Muhafaza - المحافظة - (Aleppo - حلب)

A semi-modern area with very high standards of living and experiencing a growth in its local economy with new shops and facilities opening. Al Muhafaza is where you will find the famous Al Itihaad Stadium and leisure centre which is the training grounds of the Al Itihaad sports teams particularly the football team which is Aleppo's strongest.



































In this picture you can see a structure which appears to be a bridge. This in fact is going to be a shopping centre with new shops opening soon:

Dowar Al Basil - دوار الباسل (Aleppo - حلب)

This is a beautiful new mosque located opposite the roundabout:

Bridge crossing the Euphrates River (Deir az-Zawr - دير الزور)

Deir az-Zawr - دير الزور

Deir az-Zawr is a city in North Eastern Syria on the Euphrates River and capital of Deir az-Zawr governorate. It has a population of 133,000 (1994 estimate). It is a prosperous farming area, with cattle breeding, cereals and cotton crops. Since the discovery of light crude oil in the Syrian desert it has become a centre for the country's oil extraction industry.
Dayr az Zawr situated 85 km to the north-west of the archeological remains of Dura-Europos and 120km North West of the remains of the ancient city of Mari. During Roman times it was an important trading post between the Roman Empire and India. Conquered by Zenobia, it became part of the kingdom of Palmyra.
The modern town was built by the Ottoman Empire in 1867.
It has a regional level museum, Arabian Cultural Center and has a some academic faculties as Agriculture, Science, Arts & Human Sciences, Education, Law and Medicine with many vocational high schools and professional institutes. Local daily newspaper Al Furat published there.

Roman Theatre (Bosra - بصرى)

Bosra boasts one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres of the Roman world where performances are still held today, including the internationally acclaimed annual arts festival.

Bosra - بصرى

Situated 140 Km south of Damascus in the Horan plain, is the ancient city of Bosra. This city of Bosra, was first mentioned in the Hieroglyphics of Thutmos III and Akhnatoun in the 14th century BC, and 1000 years later was the capital of the Nabatean kingdom under the name of Bousra. Later in the Hellenistic era it bore the name of Boustra.
Bosra, grew the most under the Romans, who paid great attention to it and was named Niatrojana Bostra as the capital of the state of Djezire under the king Trojan. It was later attacked by Zenobia in 268 AD, however she only occupied it for a while and did not leave her mark. In the Byzantine period Bosra became the seat of an archbishop who was in charge of 33 bishops in the area.
In 632 AD, Bosra was the first Byzantine city to fall to the Arab Muslims, and it flourished greatly as a point on both the trade route and the pilgrimage route between Damascus and Mecca. The crusaders failed to take it over but it was their threat that pushed the Ayyubids into converting the theater into a fortress. Bosra survived the Mongol invasion, and later under the Mamelukes the main pilgrimage routes moved westwards and this left Bosra quite abandoned, until the Druze moved here from Lebanon in the 18th and19th centuries.
Bosra is most famous for its magnificent Roman amphitheater, which was later converted into a fortress by the Ayyubids. The original theater, which has been miraculously preserved, seats 15 000 and its stage is 45 meters in length and 8 meters in depth. It has been designed so that all the audience can hear the actors without the use of any special equipment. The theater has been renovated and restored, especially a lot of the columns. There is a large area in front of the stage that might've been used for circuses or gladiatorial matches.
Most of the Ayyubid fortress that envelops the theater remains. It was built by the Ayyubids except for a few towers built by the Seljuks. One of the Ayyubid towers on the outer arc has now been turned into a folkloric museum.
The rest of Bosra is a city resembling the nearby town of Shahba, and like most other Roman cities is built in a grid like pattern. Other vestiges include a monumental arch, the western gate called Bab Al Hawa, the Roman baths, the Mosque of Omar (one of the oldest surviving mosques), the Cathedral of Bosra, the Mameluke baths Hamam Manjak, a Nabatean arch and the basilica known as Church of Bahira. Bahira was a Nestorian Christian monk who met the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم when Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم was 12 years of age, and noticed the seal of prophecy and claimed that he would have a great future.
Also found in the city of Bosra, are the Mosques of Fatima and Mabrak (Mabrak, is where it is said that Muhammad's camel knelt at the spot of the Mihrab). There is an enormous cistern which, at 120 meters by 150 meters is one of the largest the Romans ever built

The Azem Palace (Hama - حماه)

The Azem palace, whcih today has been transformed into a museum, was built in 1740 by Assad Pasha Al-Azem, a powerful governor of Hama and Damascus. The painted ceilings of the rooms located on the higher floor are exceptional.

Traditional Arabian Housing (example in Hama - حماه)

This is an example of traditional Arabic housing. This house is in Hama.
















As these are some of the oldest housing they lack planning and therefore suffer some problems such as condensation which is why they have been redone. It is illegal to knock them down and rebuild so only renovation is allowed. They are upon the most expensive housing in Arabia and as you can see they are usually a large open space in the middle with plants, fountains and a seating area, and rooms all around.

Dhaher Al-Qsyer (Homs - حمص)

Traditional Arabian Housing (example in Damascus)

This is an example of traditional Arabic housing. This house is in Damascus and has been redone.























As these are some of the oldest housing they lack planning and therefore suffer some problems such as condensation which is why they have been redone. It is illegal to knock them down and rebuild so only renovation is allowed. They are upon the most expensive housing in Arabia and as you can see they are usually a large open space in the middle with plants, fountains and a seating area, and rooms all around. Upstairs there are balconies as you can see.

Kalamoun Mountains (Damascus - دمشق)

Teshreen Road (Aleppo - حلب)

Teshreen Road is linked to Nile Road making it very accessible. The housing is of the most common in Aleppo and for being in the Centre of the city it is surprisingly quiet.

Al Jamilieh (Aleppo - حلب)

Al Jamilieh is an old area in Central Aleppo which is clear from the high housing density and the old style shops and architecture.

Temple of Jupiter (Damascus - دمشق)

The Straight Street (Palmyra - تدمر)

Palmyra Citadel

Palmyra - تدمر

Palmyra (Tadmor in Arabic) is in the heart of Syrian Desert, and is often described as the bride of the desert.














Its magnificent remains tell of a heroic history during the reign of Queen Zenobia.
The Oasis, as it is sometimes called, is located near a hot-water spring called Afqa, which make it an ideal halt for caravans moving between Iraq and Al-Sham (present day Syria, Lebanon, Holy Land and Jordan), trading in silk from China to the Mediterranean. This strategic location made Palmyra prosper in a well-established kingdom from the 2nd century BC.
After Romans conquered Syria, Palmyra flourished and became known as city of palm-trees. When Emperor Adrian visited Palmyra, he declared it a free city; in return, people of Palmyra gratefully called their city Adrianapalmyra.
The Severus emperors then, who were originally Syrian, came to rule Palmyra, they treated its people extremely well. Emperor Caracalla declared it a Roman colony, which made it a luxurious one: new constructions, streets, arches, temples and statues were built, making Palmyra one of the greatest cities of Roman empire.
When conflict between Persia and Rome reached its crisis, Rome resorted to ruler of Palmyra for help. This ruler, Auzaina, managed to withstand Persian armies, which led Romans to call him leader of East. But he was soon assassinated in mysterious circumstances, and his second wife, Queen Zenobia, a woman renowned for her exceptionally strong character, took power.
Zenobia ruled Palmyra in a way that astonished both West and East. She was exceptionally intelligent and attractive. She was a gifted linguist, an eloquent speaker of Palmyrian, Greek and Egyptian. Zenobia had a wide knowledge of politics, and in her court, she had many philosophers, scholars and theologians.
Queen Zenobia was soon fired by ambition of getting rid of Roman domination. In 268, during reign of Emperor Aurelian, she decided to conquer all of Rome's territories. He was then very much engaged in internal conflicts as well as external wars. This enabled her to take over whole Syria, conquer Egypt and send armies to Asia Minor, gaining control thereby of all land and sea ways to Far East. She took the title of August, which was only used by emperor of Rome, and she had money coined with her and her son's likeness upon it, without that of Rome emperor.
However, Emperor Aurelian took quick action in settling his internal disputes, and started to plan his revenge on Queen Zenobia. He formed a new army for this purpose, which proceeded through Turkey to conquer Zenobia's army in their first defensive position in Homs. It besieged Palmyra until it fell in 274. Queen Zenobia was defeated and taken captive to Rome, fettered in chains of gold where she poisoned herself.
The destiny of the great kingdom of Palmyra was no better than that of its queen; the city fell prey to looting and destruction. Archaeologists are still working on excavations there in order to uncover queen's palace, which was destroyed by Romans and replaced by a military camp.
Queen Zenobia's ambitious dream is still embodied in the magnificent remains of what she built. Palmyra ruins, which covers an area of 6 square kilometers, requires a full day in order to form an adequate idea of the beauty of the remaining architecture such as Baal-Shamin Temple, Bel Temple, Arch of Triumph, the Amphitheater, the Baths, the Straight Street, the Congress Council and the Cemeteries.

Souq Al Hamidiyeh (Damascus - دمشق)

The most well known shopping centre in Syria and the most popular. It follows a straight line from the west ,where Bab al-Nasr used to be, to the Omayyad Mosque. It dates back to 1863, to the rule of the Ottaman Sultan Abdul-Hamid, after whom the souq was called. What appears to be small white lights on the roof like stars are actually bullet holes from the French when Syria was one of their colonies.

Dowar El Mawt (Aleppo - حلب)

This famous roundabout in Aleppo is well known for the number of accidents that have happened here in the past which is where it gets its name from meaning 'the roundabout of death' in Arabic. It has been enlargened as it turned out the small size of the roundabout was responsible for the accidents and it proved successful and today, as you can see in the picture, it has been decorated with a fountain and plants. Now you also find modern, large restaurants and housing all around.

Dowar El Mawt:

Machqita

Machqita:

Khalid Ibn Al-Walid Mosque (Homs - حمص)

The Khaled Ibn Al-Walid Mosque takes its name from the Arab Muslim leader Khaled Bin Al-Walid who lived in Homs for the last seven years of his life. This building is distinguished by its metal dome which reflects sunshine. It is also famous for its two high minarets and narrow galleries built with black and white stones in a horizontal manner.

Nouria water wheel (Hama - حماه)

Hama is famous for its water wheel, Nouria, which is the World's largest as lies on the Orontes River.

Nouria water wheel:


















Nouria water wheel at night:

Hama - حماه

The Hama province, on the Orontes River.Hama is the centre of an agricultural area that produces cereals, grain, fruit, vegetables; as well as cotton, wool and silk. Industries include cotton textiles, tanning and production of cement.Hama is one of the most beautiful cities in Syria, and famous for its water wheels, nouria. The nourias no longer serve their original purpose of providing water for drinking and irrigation. But they are well kept by the local authorities, and a great tourist attraction. The nourias measure between 10 and 22 metre in diametre, are built from wood starting in the 14th century.

Tartus - طرطوس

The Tartus province, on the coast facing the Mediterranean Sea, and opposite Arwad Island about 3 km offshore.Tartus thrives from being a fishing port, and the largest city and centre of a rich agricultural region. Today, Tartus is the second largest port of Syria next to Lattakia. The city has also seen substantial growth from benefits of its proximity to coastal Lebanon, both trough trade and also the heavy military presence in Lebanon.Among the most important sights of Tartus are the Cathedral of Our Lade of Tortosa from the 13th century, and the Castle of the Templars of late 12th to 13th century.

Homs - حمص

Homs has a strategic position, facing the only natural gateway between the Mediterranean coast and the densely populated interior (with access to Aleppo to the north and Damascus to the south).The main product of Homs is silk. Other important products include jewelry, belts and cloaks. Industries include an oil refinery, production of fertilizers, vegetable oil, refined sugar. The surrounding area produces wheat, corn, millet, cotton, fruits and vegetables, for which Homs is the centre of trade.Homs has a university that opened in 1979, a very important military academy, as well as an agricultural research station.

Homs City:

Public park in Homs (these sceneries are common in Syria's public parks and city centres):

Krak De Chevalier (Homs - حمص)

(French-Arabic: Castle of the Knights), greatest fortress built in Syria, one of the most notable surviving examples of medieval military architecture. Built at Qal'at al-Hisn, Syria, near the northern border of present-day Lebanon, Krak occupied the site of an earlier Muslim stronghold.