The world’s oldest capital city is so ancient that it was inhabited as early as 10,000 BC.
Syria’s capital, Damascus, has claims to be the oldest continuously occupied city in the world. The name of Damascus was first recorded by the ancient Egyptians in the 15th century BC – and is so prominent historically that it’s refferred to 45 times in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible and 15 in the New. In the Middle Ages, Damascus was a major point on the silk road from Asia and gave the name to the woven fibres known as damask.
But the troubled city – known as the City of Jasmine because of its scent – has been totally ravaged by war and often tops grim lists as being the “least liveable” and “least comfortable.” It is located in Syria, a war-torn country in the Middle East where a brutal civil war has been raging since 2011.
The UNESCO website explains more. In an article about the city it said: “Founded in the 3rd millennium B.C., Damascus was an important cultural and commercial centre, by virtue of its geographical position at the crossroads of the orient and the occident, between Africa and Asia.
“The old city of Damascus is considered to be among the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Excavations at Tell Ramad on the outskirts of the city have demonstrated that Damascus was inhabited as early as 8,000 to 10,000 BC. However, it is not documented as an important city until the arrival of the Aramaeans. In the Medieval period, it was the centre of a flourishing craft industry, with different areas of the city specializing in particular trades or crafts.”
Due to ongoing wars, however, The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Syria. President Bashar Al Assad is fighting to cling on to power, while rebel forces and the Islamic State (Isis) have taken hold of large areas.
FCDO’s current advice is listed on its website.
It says: “FCDO advises against all travel to Syria due to the ongoing conflict and unpredictable security conditions. If you are a British national in Syria, leave the country by any practical means.”
That hasn’t stopped people, however, making the journey completely, with some sharing their experiences of the city on travel review website Tripadvisor. Many have talked about the number one listed tourist attraction in the city – the Damascus Umayyad Mosque.
One said: “The Umayyad Mosque is considered a historical architecture masterpiece that reflects the magnificence and greatness of its design. It is characterised by a unique blend of Islamic artistic elements, making it a captivating destination.”
Another added: “The Umayyad Mosque isn’t just a place of worship. It is a journey through time.
“One of the world’s biggest, it whispers stories from history in every exquisite tile and breathtaking arch. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Islamic art and architecture.”
