Damascus
Weather 17.8 °C 18.9 / 10.2 10-day forecast
US Dollar/Syrian Pound 144.50Buy 145.25Sell Full rates

Welcome to

Damascus

The Oldest Inhabited City in the World

Did You Know: 2026: Post-Assad reconstruction and institutional transition Damascus entered a period focused on reconstruction, restoration of public services, monetary reform and renewed international engagement.

Panoramic view of Damascus showing rooftops and minarets
Damascus · City horizon
10,000+ years of history
1,552,161 population
64 heritage sites
105 km² city area

About the city

Damascus

Dimashq (دمشق), commonly known as Damascus, is the capital of Syria and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The wider Damascus basin has evidence of prehistoric settlement, including Tell Ramad. Damascus has no single securely documented founding date.Damascus developed from settlement in the Barada basin into a major Aramean capital in the first millennium BCE. Roman and Byzantine rule left enduring urban, religious and architectural layers.
1,552,161 Population
105 km² Area
680 m Elevation
64 Heritage Sites
Read more

A city through time

Full timeline
1260 CE: Mongol occupation

The Mongol advance into Syria briefly brought Damascus under Mongol control before the Mamluks defeated the Mongols at Ayn Jalut.

1401 CE: Timur’s conquest of Damascus

1401 CE: Timur's conquest of Damascus Timur captured and heavily damaged the city, producing a major demographic and economic shock.

1516 CE: Ottoman conquest

Sultan Selim I incorporated Damascus into the Ottoman Empire.

1517-1918 CE: Ottoman Damascus

The city developed as an important provincial capital, pilgrimage centre and commercial hub on routes toward the Hijaz.

1860 CE: Damascus civil violence

Intercommunal violence severely affected the city's Christian quarter and became a major event in the modern history of Ottoman Damascus.

Stay in the know

Get the latest updates about Damascus, events, and hidden gems.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Plan your visit

Find hotels, restaurants, attractions, and essential services.