Strolling Damascus

Day 49 12 October 2010 Tuesday

Day 50 13 October 2010 Wednesday

Khan As’ad Pasha, a hotel for passing caravans from 1752. Khans are usually located near the markets or souqs. We have seen several khans along the many trade routes, but most have been consumed by the shops of the surrounding souqs. This one is in beautiful shape and open for tourists and exhibits and performances.

The Azem Palace 1749 was built by As-ad Pasha al Azem. The Pasha (Governor) of Damascus was a very important and powerful position within the Ottoman Empire. He was responsible for the safe travel of pilgrims and their goods going overland to for the Hajj to Mecca, thus had to maintain a good working relationship with the desert Bedouin tribes. Since Damascus was also the foremost arms producer in the area, the Pasha also held control over the blacksmithing artisans and a huge arsenal. With these arms, and the Bedouin tribes as a possible mercenary force, the Pasha was also a huge potential threat to the Sultan. Therefore his term was limited.

Umayyad Mosque built in 705 by Khaled ibn al-Walid converted from a Byzantine cathedral which had followed a Temple of Jupiter. Besides its large size, another exceptional feature of this mosque is the 37m long gold mosaic.

Hammam Nureddin the oldest working bath in the city.
 

Pide making

Brass table carving

Fresh dates



Street side beverage vendor

A small percentage of the busses in Damascus are brightly decorated.