Переводчик Исмаил Сахаж Исам

Syria’s main tourist gateway, Damascus International Airport was opened in the 1970s and handles flights from around the world as well as internal flights to other Syrian cities. The airport features two duty free stores as well as restaurants and cafes for a quick snack and drink, and there are several stores where you can buy last minute souvenirs. Situated about 26 kilometers (16 miles) south east of the city center, passengers can make the journey into the city by taxi, rental car or bus, bus being the most affordable option and they usually run 24 hours a day.

Azm Palace (also known as Qasr al-Azm) is a beautiful example of the architecture of traditional Damascene houses with its extensive ornate details, both inside and out, and use of different natural stones to give the façade a variety of color tones. Originally built in 1750 for the Ottoman governor of Damascus, the palace was renovated between 1945 and 1961 before becoming the home of the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions. Whether or not the museum is of interest, a visit to this ornate building is highly recommended for its architectural beauty and importance.

Although today there is not much remaining of the old city walls of Damascus, many of the gates into the city do still exist. Among these is Bab Tuma, meaning Thomas’ Gate which was named for Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Christ. Bab Tuma is also the name given to the borough around the gate in Old Damascus which, in the 16th century, became the seat of the Greek Orthodox and Greek Catholic Churches for Syria, Lebanon and Southern Turkey.

Despite being closed since 1920, the beautifully ornate Hejaz Railway Station in central Damascus still stands today as a reminder of its past glories. Designed by Spanish architect Fernando de Aranda and opened in 1913, the station was the starting point for the Hejaz Railway that ran to Medina and was part of the Ottoman railway network. The beautiful architecture on the outside is impressive, though head inside (if open) to see the untouched interior with its lovely stained glass windows and museum exhibits about the building and the railway’s past.

Towering over the city of Damascus is Mount Qasioun, standing 1,151 meters (3,776 ft) at its highest point. Steeped in religious significance, the mountain is said to be the site of numerous religious events. These legends include it being the home of the first human-being, Adam, and as the place where Cain killed Abel. It was also believed that prayers would be immediately answered if made on Mount Qasioun. Today it gives visitors a good vantage point from which to see the whole city and the coast and there are several restaurants on its peak.

The National Museum of Damascus is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and culture. The museum has extensive collections based around the Prehistoric Age, Ancient Syria, Classical Age, Islamic Age and Contemporary times and is most revered for its 2nd century AD wall paintings that were uncovered at the Dura-Europos Synagogue in Eastern Syria – one of the oldest synagogues in the world. Other exhibits include the world’s first alphabet, rare statues from Roman, Greek and Byzantine times, and contemporary works of art from the Arab world. The entrance to the museum is quite unique – it is the façade of an Islamic palace that was reconstructed here.