It’s the oldest continuously inhabited capital in the world. It's where the Silk Road once passed and kingdoms prospered, where Nizar Qabbani dwelled and was inspired, where Fairouz stood and sang while war raged next door. It's where culture, history, life and love will never cease. It’s Damascus.
Here are some photos to remind you once more of the beauty and charm of this ancient city.
1. Houses in Damascus are like the city's inhabitants.
They lean on each other. They share walls, roofs and stories.
2. The narrow alleys of Bab Touma, home to some for 2,000 years and counting
From Saint Paul to Saint Thomas to the Romans and now the people of modern Syria who live side by side in this unique and historic neighbourhood. It has been continuously populated since 65 BC.
3. Street food in Damascus is a fiesta for the senses
You will never see a McDonald’s or Pizza Hut, because the streets are filled with local cafes, bakeries and tiny sandwich shops where you can enjoy freshly baked croissants and manakeesh, shawerma sandwiches, oven baked pizzas and the infamous French fries wrap!
4. If the previous photo didn’t quite convince you of the city's culinary delights...
5. Zhoorat is a sight for sore eyes...and a sore throat.
This mixture of dried herbs and flowers is grandma’s go-to remedy for anything from sore throats to aching joints to stressful mind. Just drink Zhoorat and chill.
6. Makes back-to-school season appealing
Who needs a fancy stationery shop when you have “el basta”?
7. Old Damascene houses being restored and turned into hotels
This beautiful house in Bab Sharqui dates back to the 19th century.
8. The basement of this house looks like an ancient cellar in a medieval castle.
The stunning mural infuse the place with hard-hitting nostalgia.
9. Yet another sunset over communities that have coexisted for centuries.
Everyday is a day to be grateful for.
10. Bab Sharqui's cozy restaurants and bustling bars have turned the neighborhood into the “it place” in recent years .
11. How can you not take an Instagram shot of this epic wall, with clever references to Asmahan...and Shakespeare
This is in one of Bab Sharqui's pubs.
12. A visit to Al Tekkiye Al Sulaimaneyyah on the banks of Barada is a must
This complex houses many small handcrafts, silver, textiles and art shops. It is “The” place to shop traditional, handmade Damascean souvenirs and artefacts.
13. This vibrant painting that puts 'scene' in Damascene is of the goods sold there.
14. “If people listened to Oud music for one hour a day, they will be much nicer to each other," this Oud seller told me.
I couldn’t agree more!
15. Balconies in traditional Damascean buildings: spacious and decorated with jasmine vines and roses.
The balcony in Damascus is more than just a outdoors space… it is where families cool down on hot summer nights, where neighbours gather for a gossip over shisha and tea and where Friday mornings are spent with freshly brewed coffee and Fairouz’s songs.