Syria-The King of Great Civilizations, Monuments and Resting Place of Sacred Religious Personalities

Posted on: December 7, 2022 Posted by: Nabeel Rashid Comments: 2

Syria is considered as the cradle of human civilization, the country where the Great Empires of all time grew and ruled. Syria was home to the following great civilizations of the world in different eras. It include Egyptians, Hittites, Sumerians, Mitanni, Assyrians, Babylonians, Canaanites, Phoenicians, Arameans, Amorites, Persians, Greeks and Romans.

Islam entered Syria during the period of Rasidun Army led by the Muslim Commander Khalid Bin Walid (May Allah be pleased with Him) who was a one of the Companions of Holy Prophet ﷺ (Peace Be Upon Him). Later on, followed by the Umayyads, Abbasids, Ayyubids, Mamluks, Seljuks and Ottomans. This is how Syria becomes The King of Great Civilizations and variety of countless architectural monuments made by different Emperors, provides Syria an eye-catching masterpiece for everyone. The National Museum of Damascus is considered as largest museum in Syria that covers the Syrian history over the period of 11 millennia.

Apart from that there are many other reasons which makes Syria a unique place and centre of attraction. The first ever written “Alphabets of Music “also comes from Syria. The person who discovered the pulmonary blood circulation for the first time was none other than the great scholar Ibn-al-Nafis from Syria. Damascus carries the honour of being oldest inhabited capital city while the city of Aleppo is considered as one of the continuously inhabited cities of the world. (Some researchers claim that this city has been inhabited since the 6^th millennium BC). Syria is considered sacred for Muslims and Christians equally because of the countless reasons which will be discussed in the article later.

MASTERPIECES IN DAMASCUS:

Damascus is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Syria for countless reasons, the oldest capital in the world consists of 125 monuments from different periods of its history including the 4^th most scared Mosque for Muslims known as The Umayyad Mosque.

The grave of Prophet Yahiya (Peace be upon Him), also known as John – The Baptist (In Christianity) is inside The Umayyad Mosque.

The Umayyad Mosque, is also considered the sacred Mosque for Muslims, as it is believed that Īsā ibn Maryium (Jesus- the Son of Mary), at the time of second coming, will descend from heaven on this Mosque at the time of Fajr Prayer (Dawn).

Another highly recommended place to visit is just adjacent to the Umayyad Mosque in the old town of Damascus, the grave of great Muslim hero, Salahuddin Ayyubi, also known as the Conqueror of Palestine, who was famous worldwide for his generosity.

There is yet another eye-catching place located in the mountains of west of Damascus is none other than the grave of Hazrat Habeel (Peace be upon him) – also known as Abel, The son of Adam and Hawwa (Eve). The grave is located inside the Mosque “Masjid Nabi Habil” or “Mosque of the Prophet Abel”, near the Syrian town Suq Wadi Barada.

Hazrat Habeel (Peace be upon him) (Abel) was the son of Adam and Hawwa (Eve), the first person on planet earth to be killed by his own brother Qabil (Cain).

Other famous attractions in Damascus includes historical market known as Al-Hamidiyah Soak or Al-Hamidiyah Market.

MAALOULA:

A small valley between the two mountains. While moving upwards towards, we find the 4^th century AD historical Church of famous Saints Serguis and Bacchus Monastery when Romans officially accepted Christianity as their religion. This Church is adjacent to Safeer Hotel from where entire village can be seen from the top view and at the same time tourists can stay there. In the village, around 4000 locals still speak the language of Jesus(Peace be Upon Him), the language of Aramaic. This beautiful Church was restored in 2016 after the destruction in 2013.

SEDNAYAH:

Sednayah is a historical small city at north of Damascus known for historical Christian Orthodox Church, at the top of the mountain known as “Our Lady of Saidnaya Patriarchal Monastery”. This Historical Church was built during the period of Byzantine Empire in 547A.D. Historical painting kept inside the Church are more than 1000 years old and are still there as it is.

NOTE:

For more details before visiting Syria, you can contact local guide from Syria. Highly recommended, experienced and professional guide Ghassan Al-Raei +963 933 334 416. He is extremely co-operative man, who also helped me a lot in knowing about Syrian culture and Syrian attractions available in 2022 after the restoration process.

ACCORDING TO THE AUTHOR ALAA ABOHADE FROM SYRIA:

KIBBEH BIL SANIEH:

In Syria, Kibbeh bil Sanieh is considered as the national dish. You can also find different modifications of Kibbeh bil Sanieh throughout the Middle East, Egypt, Iran, and some other countries too. The Syrian version of Kibbeh bil Sanieh uses lamb meat for the filling.

YALANJI:

When we talk about Yalanji, the filling is made from rice and different kinds of chopped vegetables.

YABRAQ:

Yabarq is the meaty version of Yalanji. The filling has meat and rice instead of vegetables. Then, it is cooked in lemon juice.

KEBAB HALABI:

Kabab Halabi is a mouthwatering dish from Syria. It is a kind of kebab served with a spicy tomato sauce and Aleppo pepper. This is one of the most common dishes in Syria.

JIBBNEH MSHALLALEH:

Jibneh Mshallaleh is a form of string cheese originating in Syria. It is eaten anytime. Usually served during the breakfast at different restaurants.

FAMOUS DESSERT

KARABIJ HALAB:

Karabij halab, named after Halab – Aleppo’s ancient name, is typically shaped by hand, but it can also be molded in special, carved molds. The dessert is usually accompanied by natef – a type of white cream made from soapwort root – and is traditionally prepared on special occasions and holidays, such as Eid Al-Fitr.

KAAK BI LOZ:

Kaak Bi Loz is a sweet made of ground almonds and sugar, it is a specialty of Aleppo in Syria found in bakeries but rarely found in home kitchen.