A Taste of Syria

Laura Crowley gives you “A Taste of Syria”.

Travelling through Syria gives you the impression that you have come across a yet undiscovered treasure. It is true that some facilities are not up to the luxurious standards that those from Europe have come to expect but that adds to its charm of the destination. The country has so much to offer and the people are very friendly and hospitable.  

Syria is known as the ‘cradle of civilisation’ as there is no civilisation, east or west, throughout the world history that didn't pass through Syria to leave a mark, and also to be deeply affected by Syria's long history. The country controlled the silk route and also boasts Damascus as the longest continuously inhabited city in the world.  

The ancient cities of Damascus, Aleppo and Bosra are all listed on UNESCO's World Heritage list, as is the sensationally beautiful ruined city of Palmyra. Mighty Crusader castles, labyrinthine medieval souks, jewel-like Damascene houses and sacred Umayyad mosques are only some of the treats on offer.  

Culture 
As tourism increases in the country, Syria is becoming more liberal. Women are advised to dress respectably, not showing cleavage and midriff or wearing very short skirts. They are also advised to cover their shoulders. As a woman, however, you do not feel uncomfortable at all walking the streets. Although a Muslim country, alcohol is readily available at hotels and in restaurants in the cities.  

Damascus 
Damascus, Syria's capital, claims to be the oldest continuously inhabited capital in the world. There is hardly a city in the world that has packed so much history into such a small space as the Old City. The Old City is filled with bazaars and blind alleys, minarets, mosques and fountain courtyards, street-cart vendors and coffeehouses. 

The main attractions of Damascus include the Souk al Hamidiyeh, Umayyad Mosque and the world renowned National Museum.  

Hotel options currently include the Four Seasons Hotel, The Intercontinental and Kempinski. For groups of less than 30 people you could also look at converted Inns or homes which are now host boutique hotels.  

Aleppo 
Aleppo has a welcoming and cultural feel to it. The main attraction is the Citadel perched high above the city, as well as a great souk for shopping. In a choice between Damascus and Aleppo, most people would choose Aleppo.   

The older portions of Aleppo were contained within a wall, 5km in circuit with seven gates. The huge medieval castle in the city, known as the Citadel of Aleppo, occupies the centre of the city. As an ancient trading centre, Aleppo also has impressive shopping streets and commercial courtyards. Other must see sights of Aleppo are the Great Mosque of Aleppo, Madrasa Halawiye and Madrasa Faradis. 

Aleppo today retains that air of an Arabian bazaar city, with people going about business as they have done for centuries. The World Heritage–listed Old City was saved from irreparable damage by not succumbing to modernisation. A plan is in place to restore all of the historic buildings in the Old City – still a thriving centre with more than 100,000 residents. This new wave of preservation has brought boutique hotels and restaurants. It has not only saved some classic buildings, but has also given the visitor a real feel for the city as it once was.