An Edible Mosaic™

Everyday Fare With Extraordinary Flair

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • about
    • contact
    • accessibility
    • privacy policy
    • terms and conditions
  • cookbooks
  • recipes
  • explore world cuisine
    • arabic and middle eastern
    • asian
    • british
    • buffalo foods
    • czech
    • dutch
    • ethiopian
    • french
    • german
    • greek
    • indian
    • irish
    • italian
    • jamaican
    • jewish
    • latin
    • polish
    • russian and ukrainian
    • swedish
    • tex mex
    • thai
    • west african
  • web stories
  • my other blog

Home » Travel » Old Damascus & a Few Other Places Around Syria

Old Damascus & a Few Other Places Around Syria

April 28, 2011 by Faith 50 Comments

I am in love with Damascus.  And besides the fact that it’s steeped in history and culture (it’s the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world!), what I love most about Damascus is its people.  Damascene natives are referred to as Shami and they are an amazing group.  They are very talented craftspeople, taking an immense amount of pride not only in their craftsmanship, but in their culture and city as well. 

One of the things I really love about the Shami culture is the old Damascene homes with their lovely characteristic black basalt and white limestone architecture, which makes for a beautiful contrast in colors.  From the outside, Damascene homes look fortress-like, but inside they are open and airy, often with a decorated courtyard that’s open to the sky and contains a tranquil water fountain, blossoming trees, and often jasmine.  A few of my other favorite elements present in many Damascene homes are cool marble floors, huge mirrors adorned in carved wooden frames, intricate mosaic furniture, and ornate Islamic calligraphic wall hangings.

Al Azem Palace was built in the 18th Century and is a beautiful example of traditional Damascene architecture…

Here are a few of my favorite shots of Old Damascus, along with a few other places around Syria…

Bab Sharqi, the Eastern Gate of Damascus

I love the winding, labyrinth-like roads in Old Damascus.  This picture was taken at night when the streets were bathed with glowing yellow streetlights, which resulted in the sepia-like hue you see in this photo.

A Midan street scene at night…

Mount Kassioun overlooks Damascus and has a stunning view of the city at night.  Something interesting about this mountain…do you remember the story about Adam’s sons Cain and Abel in the Bible?  It is believed that this mountain is the place where Cain killed his brother Abel.  Here is the view of Damascus at night from the mountain top…

Al Hijaz Train Station…

On the way to Zabadani, Syria…

The weather really was that dismal and the trees really were that strange shade of green…but it made for a cool picture.

Yarmouk, a Palestinian refugee community in Syria outside Damascus…

Since Mike and I left Syria less than two weeks ago, things there have become significantly more dangerous.  This post is dedicated to the people of Syria.  I ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged: Al Azem Palace, Al Hijaz Train Station, Bab Sharki, Bab Sharqi, Damascene Architecture, Damascus, Midan, Mount Kassioun, Mount Qassioun, Shami People, Sights in Old Damascus, Syria, Travel, Yarmouk

Comments

  1. Lilian says

    May 10, 2011 at 12:07 am

    It was a dream of mine to visit Damascus and Syria, and I was able to in late 2010. So, so beautiful and sad how things have developed. Amazing food!

    Reply
  2. nancy at good food matters says

    May 4, 2011 at 10:26 am

    Faith, I’m glad that you and Mike got to experience a peaceful Damascus on your visit. I loved looking at all your pictures, and couldn’t help but wonder what it must be like now. So much tumult in that part of the world now.

    Reply
  3. LeQuan says

    May 3, 2011 at 3:07 am

    Those buildings and the architecture really are stunning. My hubby would love to look at things like that all day. You took many great shots. I love that night one on top of the mountain. Thanks for sharing, Faith. Glad you guys left before it started getting dangerous.

    Reply
  4. Geni says

    May 2, 2011 at 12:34 pm

    Thank you for sharing such stunning photos of such a historical and beautiful place. It’s such a treat to get to travel through blogs to places I cannot get to right now.

    Reply
  5. Stevie says

    May 2, 2011 at 10:23 am

    Faith

    Your pics are amazing! I knew that Damascus was supposed to be beautiful but had no idea how much! The white and black stone buildings vaguely remind me of the church in Florence with the white and green stone stripes. I’d love to visit Syria sometime.

    Reply
  6. Krista says

    May 2, 2011 at 8:50 am

    These buildings are beautiful. All the more b/c they are steeped in such a rich, old culture. Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
  7. 5 Star Foodie says

    May 1, 2011 at 9:26 pm

    Fascinating destination and your photos are gorgeous. I do hope the situation in Syria improves soon.

    Reply
  8. Jessie says

    May 1, 2011 at 7:51 am

    I will definitely keep them in my thought and prayers. What a beautiful city! My sister would be salivating to see it (she’s an architect). I love the “sepia” picture you took, and the view of the city from the mountain at night. I’m glad you had a wonderful time, Faith! I hope things settle down there soon.

    Reply
  9. Anna Johnston says

    May 1, 2011 at 3:08 am

    I almost can’t get enough of your Syrian travel pics Faith, its a country I’m fascinated with but will probably never travel to, you’ve given us a peep into a very fascinating & foreign land for me. Love the architecture, so interesting.

    Reply
  10. crustabakes says

    April 30, 2011 at 10:50 am

    Beautiful beautiful shots. I love the architectures, the view from the mountain, churches and the road. My thoughts and prayers are also with the people there. It’s definitely a city i would like to visit one day.

    Reply
  11. Ameena says

    April 30, 2011 at 10:14 am

    Damascus looks beautiful! Frankly, I thought it was a lot like India – dirty, a little disorganized, etc. – but it looks a lot like Morocco! So pretty and full of character. I can’t wait to visit!

    Reply
  12. kirsten says

    April 30, 2011 at 10:13 am

    Stunning photos! What a gorgeous place! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  13. Joanne says

    April 30, 2011 at 5:50 am

    I’m not sure when I’ll get to go to Syria (although I WILL someday) but it’s been so much fun living vicariously through you in this post…and it’s only fueled my desire to go even more. Beautiful place!

    Reply
  14. Barbara says

    April 30, 2011 at 5:41 am

    Lovely photos, Faith. Things are quite frightening there now and I’m so glad you didn’t get caught up in any of it.
    BTW: I loved your asparagus risotto post. I’ve often fried risotto with some cheese when I’ve had it left over. Fontina was such a great choice.

    Reply
  15. [email protected] says

    April 30, 2011 at 1:44 am

    Thanks for this visual tour.Awesome pictures of the city and around!I really wish to visit these middle eastern countries some day.

    Reply
  16. sophia says

    April 29, 2011 at 9:25 pm

    What a historically rich place!!! I really just want to leave everything behind and go traveling.

    I’m so glad you’re back, Faith! Just not the same without you.

    Reply
  17. Krista says

    April 29, 2011 at 1:26 pm

    Wow! I just love these, Faith. :-) How I’d enjoy ambling through those shaded streets, feeling that cool marble, seeing those gorgeous lanterns. :-)

    Reply
  18. Lisa says

    April 29, 2011 at 1:10 pm

    Amazing pics!

    Reply
  19. Magic of Spice says

    April 29, 2011 at 12:50 pm

    What amazing pictures…the architecture is fantastic! Thanks for sharing these with us :) Hope you have a great weekend

    Reply
  20. Katerina says

    April 29, 2011 at 12:48 pm

    Beautiful place and beautiful pictures faith!

    Reply
  21. Heavenly Housewife says

    April 29, 2011 at 11:55 am

    What wonderful pictures of such a stunning city!
    *kisses* HH

    Reply
  22. Emily Z says

    April 29, 2011 at 11:31 am

    What beautiful photos, and thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with your readers. I think I could fall in love with Damascus, too, based on your photos!

    Reply
  23. Mary says

    April 29, 2011 at 10:56 am

    I think I’m enjoying your trip almost as much as you are. I love your pictures. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary

    Reply
  24. Dana says

    April 29, 2011 at 8:42 am

    I love all of these beautiful photos of your trip… keep them coming!

    Reply
  25. Lazaro says

    April 29, 2011 at 8:12 am

    Faith,

    First off, you are a fantastic photographer, you’ve taken some amazing photos. What a lovely country, I would enjoy visiting there someday.

    My best to the people of Syria.

    Reply
  26. Nicole, RD says

    April 29, 2011 at 8:09 am

    What a beautiful city. The people of Syria are in my thoughts and prayers. I cannot imagine living in a place not at peace. Scary.

    Reply
  27. Veronica says

    April 29, 2011 at 12:24 am

    That city is indescribably beautiful and I’m so glad you could share it with us in pictures! Amazing.

    Reply
  28. aipi says

    April 28, 2011 at 11:43 pm

    What a mystic n intriguing place- Thanks for the opportunity to see a new place through your eyes.
    US Masala

    Reply
  29. Maria @ Scandifoodie says

    April 28, 2011 at 10:49 pm

    Such an exotic place and beautiful photos Faith!

    Reply
  30. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

    April 28, 2011 at 9:36 pm

    This was so fascinating Faith! I’ve never been there and it was great to see it through your eyes :D

    Reply
  31. Lu @ The Orange Spice Kitchen says

    April 28, 2011 at 9:16 pm

    Were you visiting there? Sorry I was disconnected from the world for a bit. It is sad that there are some many problems over there. What a beautiful city!

    Reply
  32. Reeni says

    April 28, 2011 at 8:21 pm

    It’s full of old world charm and is a beautiful place – love the view at night! I’m glad you’re home safe! The stuff that’s going on is scary.

    Reply
  33. Lentil Breakdown says

    April 28, 2011 at 7:45 pm

    What a treat! I love the first building in particular! Thanks for the peek.

    Reply
  34. Carolyn Jung says

    April 28, 2011 at 7:18 pm

    The arches and tile work are so unique and breathtaking. Thanks for letting us visit vicariously through your lovely photos.

    Reply
  35. marla {family fresh cooking} says

    April 28, 2011 at 5:44 pm

    Faith, such a fabulous journey you went on! Old Damascus is spectacular. Love that the buildings allow in such beautiful natural light-now if we could only set up our photo studios there. Could you imagine??!! Thanks for bringing the exotic travel to us!

    Reply
  36. Jenn L @ Peas and Crayons says

    April 28, 2011 at 5:04 pm

    I will have them in my heart! You took some beautiful photos while you were there! so beautiful and you are sooo talented!!!

    Reply
  37. [email protected] says

    April 28, 2011 at 3:41 pm

    Amazing pictures Faith. I adore historical and cultural cities. The architecture is so elegant. I hope they find better days soon again.

    Reply
  38. BeadedTail says

    April 28, 2011 at 1:17 pm

    What incredible architecture! Looks like a great place to visit and see so many things different than here. Beautiful photos! Hope things get better for the people over there and the danger lessens considerably.

    Reply
  39. coco says

    April 28, 2011 at 1:07 pm

    what an interesting place to visit! I’d love to go there one day, it’s so exotic! :)

    Reply
  40. Erica says

    April 28, 2011 at 12:58 pm

    What amazing photographs. I love the concept of the old Damascene homes and the people sound incredible. I’m glad you guys left before things got more dangerous- but what a trip

    Reply
  41. kim says

    April 28, 2011 at 12:57 pm

    I just love old world places. So authentic and natural. While in Turkey, the local people were so hospitable. Even though we didn’t dine in the restaurant, the owner still offered us Turkish tea! So sweet…glad you had a wonderful trip.

    Reply
  42. Swathi says

    April 28, 2011 at 12:32 pm

    Thanks for sharing wonderful pictures indicating the history and culture.

    Reply
  43. Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook says

    April 28, 2011 at 12:19 pm

    Stunning view! And such beautiful architecture in a city so rich with history! Great captures, looks like an amazing trip.

    Reply
  44. Heidi @ Food Doodles says

    April 28, 2011 at 12:00 pm

    Great pictures! I’m really enjoying them! There is so much history there, it makes things so much more interesting :)

    Reply
  45. [email protected] says

    April 28, 2011 at 11:04 am

    Great photos, Faith, I know so little about Damascus… what an amazing place!

    Reply
  46. Mary says

    April 28, 2011 at 10:05 am

    What wonderful photographs. Those night markets really appeal to me. I love them whereever we go. It sounds like this was a wonderful trip. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary

    Reply
  47. Nutmeg Nanny says

    April 28, 2011 at 9:48 am

    What beautiful pictures! My favorite has to sepia toned picture of the labyrinth style street. So beautiful.

    I’m glad you are home and safe and the Middle East is in my prayers.

    Reply
  48. Karyn (French Charming) says

    April 28, 2011 at 9:46 am

    Gorgeous! The architecture and detail is stunning! Love the street shot with the bunting across the street. How wonderful that you got to visit such an amazing place…sending my thoughts and prayers to the people of Syria.
    xoxo
    Karyn

    Reply
  49. Biren @ Roti n Rice says

    April 28, 2011 at 9:44 am

    Your pictures are simply gorgeous! Thanks for sharing it with us :)

    Reply
  50. Rosa says

    April 28, 2011 at 9:40 am

    Oh, beautiful! I’d love to visit such places.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Hello and welcome to An Edible Mosaic! This is my recipe collection of international favorites and updated American classics with an emphasis on seasonal dishes. Here you’ll find a focus on real foods that sustain body and mind, bring people together, and make a house a home.

 

Affiliate Disclosure

An Edible Mosaic is monetized in part though affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and/or purchase an item after clicking on an affiliate link, I may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use. To learn more, please read my Privacy Policy.

meet faith

I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to email me with questions or comments.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

an edible mosaic cookbook

affiliate disclosure

An Edible Mosaic is monetized in part though affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and/or purchase an item after clicking on an affiliate link, I may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use. To learn more, please read my Privacy Policy.

Home | About | Accessibility | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Contact

Copyright © 2023 | Faith Gorsky, An Edible Mosaic™ | All Rights Reserved