Damascus Facts & Worksheets

Damascus, frequently poetically referred to as the “City of Jasmine,” is Syria’s capital. It is located in southwestern Syria and has a long history dating back thousands of years, representing human civilization. Damascus is known for its rich cultural history, busy marketplaces, and scenery that blends modernism with timelessness.

See the fact file below for more information about Damascus, or you can download our 26-page Damascus worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

HISTORY

• Damascus has a long history dating back to prehistoric times. It was a trade and agricultural center in the second millennium BCE. Although there is evidence of civilization in the larger Barada region reaching back to 9000 BCE, no large-scale settlement existed within Damascus’ walls up until the second millennium BCE.
• Genesis 14:15 mentions Damascus as existing during the War of the Kings. Damascus (together with Trachonitis), according to the first-century Jewish writer Flavius Josephus in his twenty-one volume Antiquities of the Jews, was founded by Uz, the son of Aram. 
• Damascus was conquered and governed by several empires and civilizations over the millennia, including the Egyptians, Hittites, Arameans, Assyrians, and Persians.
• Damascus was conquered by the Roman Empire under Pompey the Great in 64 BCE. It became prosperous during Roman rule and became a significant commercial town along the Silk Road.
• After Pompey conquered the region, the Romans completely reconstructed Damascus. The Old Town of Damascus preserves the Roman city’s rectangular arrangement, with two main axes: the Decumanus Maximus (east-west; known now as the Via Recta) and the Cardo (north-south), with the Decumanus being roughly twice as long.
• The city was besieged and seized by Shahrbaraz in 613, along with many Byzantine warriors as prisoners, during the Byzantine-Sasanian War of 602-628. It remained in Sasanian authority until near the end of the war.
• Muhammad’s first indirect association with Damascenes occurred when he sent a letter to Harith ibn Abi Shamir, the king of Damascus, via his associate Shiya ibn Wahab. After the Rashidun Caliphate seized a significant portion of Syria’s countryside during the time of Caliph Umar (r. 634-644), Damascus was conquered by the Arab Muslim commander Khalid ibn al-Walid in August-September 634 CE.
• Under the Umayyad Caliphate (661-750 CE), Damascus was the capital of the Islamic empire. During this time, the Umayyad Mosque (Great Mosque of Damascus) was constructed, considered one of Islam’s holiest shrines.
• Damascus fell to the Seljuk Turks and then the Crusaders in the 11th century, but Muslim armies led by Saladin eventually reclaimed it.
• In 1516, it became part of the Ottoman Empire and remained so until the end of World War I.
• When Syria obtained independence from France in 1946, Damascus became its capital. It has subsequently played an essential part in the nation’s political, cultural, and economic development.
• By January 2012, disputes between the regular army and rebels had reached Damascus’ suburban areas, allegedly preventing residents from leaving or accessing their homes, significantly when security operations increased from the end of January into February. After the fall of IS from Yarmouk Camp on May 20, 2018, Damascus and the whole Rif Dimashq Governorate fell totally under government control for the first time in 7 years. 
• Damascus entered the Guinness World Records in September 2019 as the least livable city, getting 30.7 points on the Economist’s Global Liveability Index in 2019.

GEOGRAPHY

• Damascus is situated on a strategic site 680 meters (2,230 feet) above sea level and about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the Mediterranean, protected by the Anti-Lebanon Mountains, provided with water from the Barada River, and at a crossroads among trade routes: the north-south route connecting Egypt with Asia Minor and the east-west cross-desert route linking Lebanon with the Euphrates river valley. 
• The climate of Damascus is semi-arid, with hot, dry summers and warm, rainy winters. Summers are scorching, with temperatures frequently exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), although winters are colder and more pleasant, with temperatures averaging 10-15 degrees Celsius (50-59 degrees Fahrenheit).

CULTURE

• Damascus is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities. As a result, it possesses an enormous number of historical and architectural treasures, including ancient structures, palaces, and religious buildings.
• Damascus has a varied religious environment, with considerable Sunni and Shia Muslim communities, as well as Christians of many denominations. This diversity in religion has aided in developing a culture of religious tolerance and harmony.
• Syrian cuisine is highly represented in Damascus, and the city is well known for its delectable meals. Traditional Syrian foods such as shawarma, kebabs, falafel and desserts such as baklava and ma’amoul are popular. 
• Traditional Arabic music is prominent, and the city holds many festivals and concerts. The city is also well-known for its conventional Arabic calligraphy and artisan handicrafts.
• The traditional attire of Damascus shows the city’s culture and traditions. Women often wear long gowns and headscarves, while males wear traditional clothes such as the dishdasha and keffiyeh.

PEOPLE

• Damascus’s population was estimated to be 2.7 million people in 2004. Damascus had a population of 1,711,000 people in 2011. However, the city’s population was estimated to be 2,503,000 in 2022, rising to 2,584,771 in early 2023. The city’s growth rate surpasses Syria’s, primarily due to rural-urban migration and the inflow of young Syrian migrants attracted by job and educational prospects.
• Islam is the most widely practiced religion in the city. The majority of Muslims are Sunni, with Alawites and Twelver Shi’a constituting a significant minority. Damascus is believed to have about 200 mosques, the most well-known of which is the Umayyad Mosque.
• There is also a small Christian community of several denominations, notably Syriac and Armenian. However, a once thriving Jewish population has declined significantly. The population reduction is due mainly to emigration in the late twentieth century as a result of pressure on Syria to let the remainder of its Jewish people, previously restricted with job opportunities, travel, and other restrictions, leave the country.

HISTORICAL SITES

• Umayyad Mosque (Great Mosque of Damascus)

The Umayyad Mosque is one of the world’s oldest and biggest mosques. It was built during the Umayyad Caliphate in the early eighth century. The mosque is known for its beautiful architectural elements, which include a vast courtyard, elaborate mosaics, and a conspicuous golden dome. It has long served as a source of inspiration for Islamic architectural styles.

• Citadel of Damascus 

This old castle, perched on a hill in the city, dates back to the Roman and Byzantine periods. It has panoramic views of Damascus and a museum with relics from various ages.

• Al-Azm Palace (Qasr al-Azm)

Built in the 18th century, this wonderfully preserved palace is an outstanding example of classic Damascene architecture. It is now a museum displaying diverse Ottoman relics, furniture, and art.

• Mausoleum of Saladin

Saladin, a well-known Muslim military leader instrumental in the Crusades, is buried in the mausoleum. It is a location that is significant in both history and culture.

Damascus Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Damascus across 26 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Damascus. Damascus is located in southwestern Syria and has a long history dating back thousands of years, representing human civilization. Damascus is known for its rich cultural history, busy marketplaces, and scenery that blends modernism with timelessness.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Damascus Facts
2. This is Damascus
3. Unfolding History
4. Just On Lie
5. Decoding Damascus
6. Fascinating Damascus
7. Cultural Treasures
8. Charm of Damascus
9. A Traveler’s Planner
10. Living in Damascus
11. Tourist’s Compass

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Damascus famous for?

Damascus is famous for its rich history and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is also renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship in producing Damascus steel, which is known for its exceptional strength and sharpness.

Where is Damascus located?

Damascus is the capital city of Syria, a country in the Middle East. It is situated in the southwestern part of Syria, near the border with Lebanon.

What historical significance does Damascus hold?

Damascus has a long and storied history dating back thousands of years. It has been an important center for trade, culture, and politics throughout history. Notable historical events in Damascus include its mention in biblical texts, as well as its role in the early spread of Islam and the Umayyad Caliphate.

What is Damascus steel, and why is it famous?

Damascus steel, also known as Wootz steel, is a type of steel that was historically produced in the region of Damascus, Syria. It is renowned for its distinctive wavy or mottled pattern, exceptional sharpness, and durability. The secret to its production was lost for a time but has since been partially rediscovered, with modern techniques attempting to replicate its unique properties.

How has the Syrian Civil War affected Damascus?

The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, has had a significant impact on Damascus. The city has witnessed violence, destruction, and displacement of its residents. It has also experienced damage to its historic sites and infrastructure. The war has disrupted daily life in the city and has had lasting consequences on its population and economy.

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