Cities of Islam: Damascus

We will talk to you about the city of Damascus, a city that is the home of prophets, companions, saints, and many others. A city that has hosted unforgettable beginnings and sometimes sorrowful endings…

The Capital of Syria

The city commonly known as Damascus (Dimashk) is considered the center of the region in Syria, which is often referred to as “Sham.” The city center is situated in the southwest region of Syria. Throughout world history, this city has been continuously inhabited and is recognized as one of the oldest cities, with its population surpassing 6 million according to 2018 data. The mountain where the first recorded murder, the story of Cain and Abel, took place is believed to be the Mount Qasioun, located north of Damascus.

Origin of the Name Damascus

The city’s name was first seen in the records dating back to the 15th century BCE, during the period of the 3rd Thutmose. The ancient Aramaic word “Dammešeq” means “well-watered place,” and it evolved into “Damascus” in Greek, later in Latin and English. In the Arabic language, the city is referred to as “Dimašk al-Sham,” commonly known in the Arab world simply as “al-Sham.” The Turkish name for the city is also derived from here.

Religious Diversity

Today, Damascus, which is the most populous city in Syria, is rapidly growing in population. While the majority of the population consists of Sunni Muslims, there are also minorities of Shia Muslims, Christians, and Palestinians residing in Damascus.

Capital of the Umayyad Caliphate

Throughout Islamic history, the city and its surroundings were important administrative, intellectual, cultural, and trade centers. It was captured by the Islamic armies under the leadership of Khalid ibn al-Walid and Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab, making Damascus the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate (661-750).

After gaining the status of the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate, it became the central hub of the Islamic world. However, with the transition of the caliphate to the Abbasids and its relocation to Baghdad, Damascus started to decline and faced various conflicts, including battles during the Crusades.

Ottoman Rule

In 1516, during the Battle of Marj Dabiq, Sultan Selim I (Yavuz Sultan Selim) defeated the Mamluk Sultanate, leading to the Ottoman Empire’s control over Damascus and the entire region. During the Ottoman era, numerous mosques, madrasas, and commercial buildings such as caravanserais were constructed in Damascus to rejuvenate its trade life.

The opening of the Mediterranean ports of Syria to European trade increased commercial activities, and Damascus became a crucial stop on the pilgrimage route to Mecca and Medina, bringing significant economic gains to the city.

Resting Place of the Companions

Notable companions such as Abu Darda, Bilal the Abyssinian, Abu Huraira, and Muawiyah (may Allah be pleased with them all) are buried in Damascus. Referring to Damascus as the “Bed of the Companions” is not an exaggeration. Among the blessed graves in the city, one can find the resting places of the revered wives of the Prophet (peace be upon him), such as Hafsa, Umm Habiba, and Umm Salamah, in the largest cemetery of Damascus. Additionally, many other companions, their descendants, and members of the Ahl al-Bayt are interred in the tombs within this cemetery.

Umayyad Mosque

One of the most well-known historical sites is the Umayyad Mosque. Additionally, among some Muslims, there is a belief that this mosque will be the place where Imam Mahdi and Jesus (peace be upon them) will descend in the latter days. This mosque, closely associated with the city, was constructed in 715 CE during the reign of Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan. This sacred site also served as a place of solitude for the esteemed Islamic scholar Imam al-Ghazali, where he spent eleven years writing his renowned work “Ihya Ulum al-Din.” The Umayyad Mosque is also the custodian of the graves of significant figures such as John the Baptist (Yahya, peace be upon him) and Husayn ibn Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), whose heads were brought to Damascus and laid to rest here after their tragic martyrdoms.

Recent History of Damascus

During World War I, Damascus fell under French occupation, and in March 1920, Syria declared its independence, with Emir Faisal becoming king, and Damascus becoming the capital of Syria. On July 25, 1920, the city was occupied by French forces. In October 1925, after a significant uprising, the city was bombarded by the French. When Syria declared its independence definitively in 1946, Damascus became the official capital. Due to the civil war that began in 2012, the city’s bloody and conflict-ridden history has continued, resulting in the loss of many lives and the destruction of numerous architectural treasures.

Hijaz Railway

Sultan Abdulhamid II deemed it appropriate to establish a railway between Istanbul and the Holy Land to reduce the distance. The Hijaz Railway, constructed between 1900 and 1908 during the rule of Sultan Abdulhamid II, connected Damascus and Medina by rail.

During the construction of the railway, Sultan Abdulhamid II did not want to disturb the people in the holy lands and did not wish to cause discomfort to the spiritual realm of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Therefore, he ordered that felt be placed under the rails to dampen the sound. Silent locomotives were used in the region. The construction of the Hijaz Railway received great attention and appreciation.

Damascus in Turkish Culture

Damascus is one of the most frequently praised cities in Islamic literature. The praise of the prophets and saints who have lived or grown up in this city is among the encouraging factors. In our poems that mention Islamic cities, unity in Islam, historical-cultural traditions, etc., authors have frequently highlighted Damascus. Prominent writers such as Sezai Karakoç, Cahit Zarifoğlu, Necip Fazıl, and Nuri Pakdil have extensively written about Damascus.