Why Damascus was an important city?

Criterion (ii): Damascus, as capital of the Umayyad caliphate – the first Islamic caliphate – was of key importance in the development of subsequent Arab cities. With its Great Mosque at the heart of an urban plan deriving from the Graeco-Roman grid, the city provided the exemplary model for the Arab Muslim world.

Where is the ancient city of Damascus?

Syria
The Ancient City of Damascus (Arabic: دِمَشْق ٱلْقَدِيمَة‎, romanized: Dimašq al-Qadīmah) is the historic city centre of Damascus, Syria. The old city which is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, contains numerous archaeological sites, including some historical churches and mosques.

Does the city of Damascus still exist?

Damascus is a major cultural center of the Levant and the Arab world. The city had an estimated population of 2,079,000 in 2019. In southwestern Syria, Damascus is the center of a large metropolitan area. Its population in 2004 was estimated to be 2.7 million people….Damascus.

Why is the ancient city of Damascus in danger?

Endangering Factors-Damascus The City of Damascus is under threat by the Syrian civil war, and meets 5 of UNESCO’s criteria, mostly on the basis of the city having rich cultural and historical importance. UNESCO aims to protect the major monuments such as the Umayyad Mosque, and other important religious structures.

What is modern day Damascus?

Modern Day Damascus is the second most populous city in Syria, with just below 2 million inhabitants behind Aleppo . It is expected that Damascus will become or already has become the most populous city as a result of the civil war, as people flee from Aleppo.

How tall are the ruins of Damascus Syria?

Damascus has a wealth of historical sites dating back to many different periods of the city’s history. Since the city has been built up with every passing occupation, it has become almost impossible to excavate all the ruins of Damascus that lie up to 2.4 m (8 ft) below the modern level.

When was the city of Damascus declared a World Heritage Site?

Many cultures have left their mark, especially Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic. In 1979, the historical center of the city, surrounded by walls of Roman era, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

What was the name of the Roman street in Damascus?

Damascus Straight Street ( Latin: Via Recta ), a Roman street ( Decumanus Maximus) which runs from east to west in the old city, 1,500 metres in length. Citadel of Damascus, built (1076–1078) and (1203–1216) by Turkman warlord Atsiz ibn Uvaq, and Al-Adil I.