Dimashq

Dimashq, known in English as Damascus, is the capital and largest city of Syria. It sits in the southwestern part of the country along the eastern bank of the Barada River. The city has a long history, with evidence of settlement dating back to the 2nd millennium BCE, and is recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban centers in the world.

Historically, Dimashq served as a major center of administration and culture under successive empires. It was the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate from 661 to 750 CE, a period of notable architectural and scholarly activity. The Old City of Damascus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, containing landmarks such as the Umayyad Mosque, the Citadel of Damascus, and traditional souqs including Al-Hamidiyah.

In the modern era, Dimashq functions as Syria’s political and administrative heart, hosting government ministries, universities such as the University of Damascus, and various industries. Geographically, the city experiences a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Culturally, Dimashq remains a major hub in the Levant, with a historic core that includes mosques, churches, museums, and markets. Since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011, the city has faced significant disruption and damage in some areas, while other parts have remained under government control. The city is served by Damascus International Airport and connected by road to other centers in Syria and the region.