Syrian Travels II

Here are some pictures from the Damascus portion of our trip.

Damascus is the capital of Syria and it's largest city, with a population of around five million. Like Aleppo, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with settlement in the area going back 5000 years. The old city is surrounded by walls like in the picture above. Originally built in Roman times, the walls have been destroyed and reconstructed a number of times throughout the centuries.

Nighttime in Souq al-Hamidiyya, the main souq in the old city. It was constructed in the mid 18th century.

A vendor in the souq selling juice in colorful style.

At the end of Souq al-Hamidiyya stand the remains of the 3rd century Roman Temple of Jupiter, an area now lined with juice vendors.

Two women in the large square just outside the souq.

Inside the courtyard of the Umayyad Mosque, located on the other side of the square from the souq. The mosque was built in 705 AD, on the site of a church, which was built on the site of the Temple of Jupiter. According to Islamic tradition, it is here where the second coming of Jesus will take place.

A close-up of the main entrance to the inside of the Umayyad Mosque.

Inside the Umayyad Mosque.

The minaret, lit up at night.