Shahba

Shahba is famous for being the birth place of the Arab Syrian emperor Philip who ruled the roman empire between 244 and 249 A.D. To honor him, the city bore the name “Philipoplis” during the roman period. Philip took a personal interest in the city, he planned it after the roman style, building many palaces, temples, triumphal arches, public baths, a new theatre, and a wall to surround it, as if he wanted to turn Shahba into a replica of Rome itself. Visitors of Shahba museum can see the immense mosaic panels representing ancient Greek myths. Another collection of Shahba’s mosaic panels is in the national museum in Damascus. Remains of the city temple, some public baths of the old wall, as well as the two interesting thoroughfares can still be seen in the town.

Dimashq / Damascus

Dimashq ( Damascus ), the capital of Syria, is the oldest continuously inhabited city the world. The earliest reference to the city appeared in Ebla tablets which confirmed that “Dameskq: ( i.e. Damascus ) existed in the third millennium B.C since then the city has occupied a prominent position in history. It became the center of an Aramaic kingdom during the 2nd millennium B.C in the roman era, Damascus was first among the ten most prominent cities. then it became the center of the Christian faith, where saint Paul lived. it witnessed remarkable prosperity and a number of churches and monasteries were built in it, some of which have survived to the present day. The year 661 A.D marked the beginning of the golden epoch for Dimashq (Damascus), when it became the capital of the Omayyad state and for a whole century it was the center of the youthful Islamic empire, stretching from the borders of china to the south of France. the Omayyads took genuine interest in building the city, organizing its souqs, streets, Ghouta and erecting palaces, hospital and schools in it. Following the fall of the Omayyads, the city went through periods of deterioration and prosperity in the Abbassids, the Fatemite, the Ayoubite, the Mamluk and the ottoman periods and during the French mandate. After independence was achieved in 1946, the city started to regain its importance as a significant national and cultural center in the Arab world. it was named, and rightly so, “ the beating heart of the Arab nation “. The most important tourist sites in Damascus are: The ancient wall and gates, The Omayyad mosque, Qal’aat Dimashq (Damascus Citadel), The Azem palace, The covered souqs,

The ancient wall and gates:

The wall was built in the roman era. there are seven gates in it: Bab Sharqi, Bab Jabieh, Bab Saghir, Bab Tuma, Bab Aljeniq, and al Faradiss. The part of the wall preserving its original form is stretching from Bab Kissan to Bab Tuma.

The Omayyad mosque:

They were built during the ottoman period, the most Important of which are: Souq al Hamidiyeh, Souq Midhat pasha, Souq al Harir and Souq al Bzourieh. Other sites include: Hammam al Noury, Bimaristan al Noury, the tomb of Saladin Ayoubi, St. Paul’s church, the national museum, al Takieh al Suleimaniyeh, Dimashq museum and St. Hananias church.

Qal’aat Dimashq (Damascus Citadel):

It was erected in 1078 A.D by the Seleucides who built houses, baths, Mosques and schools inside it, so it became a city within a city. it was rebuilt in 1202 A.D by al Malek al Adel to become a new castle incorporating the latest inventions in the Islamic architecture.

The Azem palace:

It also stands in the heart of the old city and its Souqs, on the southern side of the Omayyad mosque. The palace was built in the mid- eighteenth century for governor of Dimashq. Masons and builders made of the palace a great example of the damascene architecture. the palace now houses the museum of arts and popular traditions.

The covered souqs:

They were built during the ottoman period, the most important of which are: Souq al Hamidiyeh, Souq Midhat Pasha, Souq al Harir and Souq al Bzourieh. Other sites including Hammam al Noury, Bimarestan Al Noury, The Tomb Of Saladin Ayoubi, St. Paul's Church. The national museum, al Takieh al Suleimaniyeh, Dimashq museum and St. Hananias church.

Halap (Aleppo)

Aleppo is the capital of northern Syria 350 km. to the north of Dimashq (Damascus). Ever since the 3rd millennium B.C, Aleppo has been a flourishing city. it reached the apogee of its glory in the Amorite period (the twelfth century B.C) when it was known as the greater kingdom of Yamhad according to the Hittite cuneiform documents. The city was subject to many invasions because of its strategic importance and position as the meeting point of several commercial roads linking the west, and the east. it was invaded by the Hittites, the pharaohs, the Assyrians, the Persians, the Greeks, and the Romans. It also played a prominent role in the Christian era, when it became parish. A huge cathedral was built in it, which is still standing up till now. Life in Halab (Aleppo) prospered after the Arab Islamic conquest, starting from the Omayyad period, and passing through the Abbasid, the Fatemite, the Ayoubite and the Mamluk periods, until it became the capital of the Hamadani state which was established in 944 A.D by Sayf Al Dawla who rebuilt Aleppo’s famous citadel, which is described as the accumulation of the earlier civilizations. Two great disasters befell the city of Halab (Aleppo), the first when it was invaded by the Mongols in 1260 A.D and the second when it was invaded by Temorlink in 1400 A.D, but it soon regained its prosperity and rebuilt what had been destroyed. As a result, buildings of distinguished architecture were built in it such as the mosques, the schools, the baths, the churches, the khans, the tombs and the “Tkiehs”. Starting from the Mamluk and the ottoman periods, Halab (Aleppo) developed its trade relations with Italy, France, England and Holland. This caused various types of European architecture to be adopted in Halab (Aleppo), especially the “baroque decoration which can still be seen in many buildings today, on the doors, the ceilings, and the windows together with the yellowish fine stones which had been used to build the city since the Hellenistic era up till now. The most important touristic sites in Halab (Aleppo) are: - The citadel, which is considered one of the most important Islamic military buildings. The main parts of the citadel are: the throne room, the bath room, the small mosque and the great mosque. - The walls and the gates dating back to the Islamic eras with their fortified gates such as Bab Hadid, Antakia and Qinnisrin. - The covered Souqs and the commercial khans: dating back to the 15th and 16th century and extending for more than 10 km, the Souqs are named after the various crafts such as the Souq of Siyagh (gold) the Souq of Saboun (soap) the Souq of Attaareen (perfume) etc. and gathered to form what in known as Souq Al Madeena (the city Souq). The khans, which flourished in the Mamluk and the Ottoman periods are in the same area as the Souqs since they were used for the accommodation of traders and their goods, the most important of these khans are: Jumruk (customs) Wazir (minister) and Saboun (soap). Other places to visit in Aleppo include: - The national museum. - The museum of popular arts and traditions. - Al Jami al Kabir (the great Omayyad mosque). - The old schools, churches, mosques, bathes, and ancient houses. - Hammam Yalbougha al Nasiri. - Khan Esh’shouneh (the Souq for traditional handicrafts).

Hama

Hama is a very ancient city which has known most of the successive civilizations of Syria. It was a prosperous kingdom during the Aramian age. The city is famous for its numerous water wheels (Noriahs) which were built by its inhabitants during the roman and Seleucide ages to irrigate its lands and the nearby plains. Therefore, the city was surrounded by rich orchards. The most important ruins of Hama, other than water wheels are Al Jami’ Al Kabir (the great mosque) dating back to the 14th century. Another mosque is that of AbulFida, the famous Arab geographer and historian, with whose name the city is often linked. A third mosque is al Nouri mosque there is also the Azem palace which was built by the governor of Hama in the 18th century A.D The palace is now a museum of traditional arts.

Homs

Homs is the third most important city in Syria. The fact of its being an extremely ancient city is confirmed by the discovery of a close – by archaeological site (Qatana) where cuneiform texts dating back to the 2nd millennium B.C were found. Homs was also mentioned in the tablets of Mari where it was described as the homeland of Arabian horses. This historical city produced many impressive personalities. Bassions, the prince of Homs , through his daughter’s (Julia Domna) marriage to the roman emperor, Septimum Severus (who ruled Rome from 193 to 211) sired three rulers, Caracalla, Helogablus and Alexander Severus. as a result, Homs received great attention and witnessed an age of prosperity, during which many buildings were erected. The remains of these buildings can still be seen today. Like Petra and Palmyra, Homs became an Arab emirate in the 2nd century B.C it was also called the city of the famous Arab Moslem leader Khaled Ibn al Walid, who conquered Homs and spent the last seven years of his life in it. The most important sites in Homs are: - The remains of the citadel erected on a rocky spur to the south of the city. - Two gates of the city’s ancient wall, namely Damascus and Palmyra gates. - The mosque of the Arab leader Khaled Ibn Al Walid and his tomb. - The church of IM Iznar, and church of St. Elien. - The Nouri Mousque. - The museum of Homs.

Al Lathiqiyeh (Lattakia)

Al Lathiqiyeh is Syria’s major sea port on the Mediterranean. The city has retained its importance as a sea port since ancient times. It was one of the five cities built by Saluqos Nicator in the 3rd century B.C he named it after his mother, Laudetia. Not many ancient remains have survived in al Lathiqiyeh, but there are four columns and a roman arch from the time of Septimius Severus, in addition to a beautiful ottoman construction called “Khan Al Dukhan“ , which is now an important museum.

Tadmor (Palmyra)

Tadmor (Palmyra) is situated in the heart of the Syrian desert near a hot water spring called “Afqa”. it was mentioned in the tablets of Mari and in the Assyrian tablets. In the 18th centuries B.C the city was inhabited by the Arameans, the Amorites, and the Nabateans and because of its strategic position, it formed an important economic center and was turned into a kingdom starting from the 2nd century B.C Tadmor (Palmyra) could easily coexist with its two great neighbors, the Persian and the roman empires. It gained control over lands very far from its center and flourished as a luxurious city with its ruler Auzaina acquiring a great status, but he was assassinated in mysterious circumstances, and his wife Zenobia took power. Zenobia was very ambitious and dreamt of conquering all the territories of the roman and seizing Rome itself. indeed, Zenobia managed in 270 A.D to take over the whole of Syria, conquer Egypt and her soldiers reached the Bosphorus strait blocking the sea ways to Rome, but, later the roman emperor Aurelian defeated her and she was killed in mysterious circumstances, and great parts of her capital were destroyed. Tadmor (Palmyra) is located 150 km to the east of Homs. The most important sites in it are: - the Baal temple, the arch of triumph, the agora, the baths, the straight street, the congress council, and the Afqa spring with its hot sulphurous water. the remains of Palmyra are on display at the Tadmor museum, the Dimashq (Damascus) museum and the louver in Paris.

Maaloula

This famous village is some 56 km. from Dimashq (Damascus, 1500 meters above sea level. its houses are engraved in the mountain link a beehive, and they look as if suspended in mid-air. there are two monasteries in Maalula. Deir Mar Sarkis “ the monastery of St. Sergius” built in the 3rd century A.D . at the top of the valley overlooking the village, and the monastery of mar Taqla. located at the foot of the village. The inhabitants of Maalula still speak Aramaic, the language spoken by Christ. Two neighboring villages. Jabadeen and Naja’a also speak same language.

Seydnaya

Some 30 km. from Dimashq (Damascus), Seydnaya is spread out over a hill top, and is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. it has a famous monastery built in 547 A.D . and dedicated to virgin Mary (the name of the village itself is “ Seyda Naya “ ( which means in Syrian “ our lady”) the monastery contains a portrait of the virgin believed to have been painted by St. Luke. a Christian is engraved on the entrance of the church. This teaching, which resembles that of Islam and is obeyed by Moslems when entering their mosques, says: “ take off your shoes, for the grand you are treading on is sacred “.

Qal’aat Al Hosn (Crac Des Chevaliers)

The most famous medieval citadel in the world, Qal’aat Al Hosn is 65km to the west of Homs, 75 km to the south east of Tartus and 650 m above sea level. Qal’aat Al Hosn is considered to be unique for its architecture and its strategic position which overlooks the passage linking the Syrian valleys with the sea. The crusaders therefor rebuilt it in 1142 A.D and they tried to keep control over it until the Arabs under the leadership of sultan Beybars captured it in 1271. The citadel, known in the European literatures by the name “Crac Des Chevaliers” still retains the magnificence of its architecture, its greatness and most of its original parts. Its vastness reflects its strategic importance for it can accommodate two thousand soldiers, their horses and enough provisions to last them five years of siege.

Tartus

It is the second most important Syrian Sea port. The old part of it is stamped with the Phoenician culture and architecture, yet the remaining ruins only date back to the Byzantine and roman eras. The Canaanite, Phoenician. Roman role in Tartus was closely linked with their role in Arwad, the small island 3 km. from Tartus. The island was mentioned in the cuneiform texts dating back to the 2nd millenium B.C and it became one of the Phoenicians most important ports in the first millenium B.C. Tartus close connection with this period is affirmed by the discovery of the Aramean Phoenician city of Amrit to the south of the city. Tartus takes pride in containing the oldest church devoted to the Virgin Mary. Its famous cathedral (now a museum) and its citadel are living proof of the great importance the city acquired during the Christian, the Byzantine and the Arab periods.

Banyas

It is located on the Syrian coast,55km. To the south of Al Lathiqyeh (Lattakia). It was an ancient Phoenician seaport. The Greeks called it “Balanea”. it was famous for its orchards and its export of wood. Today, Banyas is of economic importance because it has oil refinery.

Ebla

Ebla is in Tal Mardikh, 70 km. to the south of Halab and 25 km. to the south of Idlib. The kingdom of Ebla was mentioned in the Akkadian texts dating to the 3rd millennium B.C Ebla was just a name or rather a mystery because the archaeologists were not sure as to the location of its capital and whether it was in southern Syria or in Anadhol until the year 1964when an Italian archaeologist group headed by professor Paolo Matthiae could identify the location of the city of Ebla. after of hard work, a palace dating back to the 3rd Millie B.C was discovered in it, then its great library which contains about 20 thousand clay documents organized and documented in such a way which makes this library the first of its kind in the ancient world. The tablets described the daily life of the city in an extremely ancient period of the (dating back to the 22nd century B.C) and are considered one of the earliest written documents in the 3rd millennium B.C there is no doubt that the translation of these tablets when completed, the new discoveries (two new palaces were discovered lately), and the continuation of the excavations, would lead to a new reading of the history of this region. Other discoveries in the city which include magnificent items of clay and jewelry are now on display at Idilb museum.

The Church of Qalblozeh

The church, one of the most beautiful in Syria, dates back to the 5th century A.D it id considered, together with Qal’aat Sama’an, a unique example of architecture and decoration in the early days of Christianity it contains three wings with columns and of stone, its big arch, its dome and doors are regarded as the finest examples of Syrian art in the Byzantine era.

Qal’aat Sama’an (Saint Simeon)

The citadel is 60km. To the north west of Halap (Aleppo) it was named after the Syrian hermit saint Simon “Sama’an” (390 – 459 A.D ) who lived a life of worship. He used to sit on a stone column from which he preached to his students gathered round him. After his death, his body was moved to Antioch and the emperor Zenon ordered that a church be built in the same place and named after him, it was one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the east. Later on a monastery and many inns for pilgrims were built around it. Following that, walls and towers were built around the church which was turned into a fortress known as Qal’aat Sama’an. It became the center of conflict between the Byzantine and the Hamadanis until the year 986a.d when Sayf-Aldawal al Hamadani finally captured it.

Qasrl’Hirl’Gharbi

It was built by the Caliph Hisham Ibn Abdoul Malik in the 8th century. This palace is square and surrounded by a huge wall. The middle part of the palace’s eastern front was transferred to the national museum in Damascus.

Qasrl’Hirl’Sharqi

It was built by the caliph Hisham Ibn Abdoul Malik in 782 A.D it contains a palace residence for the caliph and for the garrisons. There is a small mosque in it built in the style of the Omayyad mosque in Dimashq (Damascus). There is also, a bath with hot warm and cold running water, which is considered the oldest Omayyad bath.

Afamia (Apamia) and Qal'aatl'Madieq (Madieq Citadel)

Apamia was built by Saluqos Nikator, the first king of the Seleucids in Syria in 300 B.C .He named it after his wife Apamia. The city flourished to an extent that its population numbered half a million in the early days of Christianity. Most of the uncovered ruins in it date back to the roman and Byzantine ages. It is distinguished for its long walls. Its main street and its theater, one of the greatest ancient theaters known in the world. To the west of Apamia stands the Madieo citadel. It has huge towers overlooking the Ghab plain. The citadel witnessed fierce battles during the crusades until Nur Al Din finally conquered it in 1149 A.D The citadel has a khan built by the ottomans. It has recently been transformed into a museum which houses Apamia Ruins and mosaica.

Jableh

Jableh is located on the Syrian coast. Its ancient history is linked to the Phoenician – Canaanite ages. During the roman period. A huge theater, which could seat 15000 spectators, was built in it.

Ugarit

The word Ugarit (the sit-of Ras Shamra near Lattakia) is always associated with the great gift Ugarit offered humanity, namely its alphabet, the first alphabet in the world. This alphabet consists of 28 signs, in comparison with the earlier syllabic cuneiform writing, which employed more than 200 syllables and 300 symbols. It is also worth mentioning that the first “written” melody in history (written by using letters each signifying a special tune) was discovered in Ugarit in the 1950’s when a mud tablet containing the Ugarit worship song was found. The tablet is divided into two parts, one for the words of the song, the other for its melody. This tablet, dating back to the 2nd millenium B.C is now on display at Dimashq (Damascus) museum. The art of architecture in Ugarit proves the continuity of the style of the Arab traditional house as we know it today. Its language is closely linked to the Akkadian and the Aramic Languges, hence its close relation to the Arabic language.

Misyaf

Misiaf is located 50km. to east of Banyas. An Arab citadel, which was captured by the crusaders in 1103 but quickly recovered by Arabs in 1140, is the most important site in it. The citadel is surrounded by orchards of fig, pomegranate, cherry and berry trees.

Qal’aat Salahiddin

Situated near Al – Haffah (4km. away from it) 35km to the east of Lattakia and 410 meters above sea level, Qal’Aat Salah Dddin stands on a rocky spur surrounded by two natural ditches which make it completely isolated if the drawbridge leading to it is drawn. The citadel dating back to the prosperous days of the Phoenician era (10th century B.C) contains some remains from the Byzantine period. It was the subject of conflict between the Byzantine and the Hamadanis until the crusaders captured it. The citadel was described as the most impregnable crusaders fortress and the citadel that could not be conquered, till great Arab Salah Al Ayoubi managed to restore it in 1182 A.D. The citadel contains a small mosque and a minaret. there is a small church near the Byzantine fortification. Later on new artistic ornaments of the Ayoubit architecture were added to it.

Qal’aat Al Marqab (Al Marqab Citadel)

This citadel is only 6 km. to the south east of Banyas, and is 500m above sea level. It is an enormous citadel which seems, with its fourteen towers jotting from its huge wall, like a giant ship anchored on the top of the hill overlooking the sea. The citadel was built with black basalt stone, and was designed to accommodate 1000 people. In addition to the garrison and the provision to last them five years. Al Marqab was the last fortress of the crusaders to be captured by the troops of sultan in 1285 A.D The European knights who surrendered after French fighting were well treated and allowed to withdraw under safe conduct to the sea. Arabic inscriptions commemorating this great victory are carved on one of the towers of the citadel.

Amrit

It is located to the south of Tartus. it contains a unique temple dating back to the 5th century B.C This temple is carved in rock and surrounded by water. Amrit also contains the remains of a big stadium which could seat 11 thousand spectators, and dates back to the 16th century B.C The ancient strains used the stadium for their sports seasons, a practice which was picked up by the Greeks after 8 centuries, and was called the Olympic games.

Safita

Safita is a beautiful town with very attractive scenery. It is surrounded by hills covered with olive trees and flowers on all sides. The most distinguished feature of the town is its white houses with tiled roofs. The houses surround an old castle, which was called “Castle Blanc” during the crusades. The only remaining part of the castle is one of its huge towers, now a chapel where Christians still hold their services.

Ar’rasafeh

The remains of Ar’rasafeh show that it was one of the most beautiful cities in the Arab desert. It is located south of the Euphrates, 170km. to the south east of Aleppo. Its name was first mentioned in the Assyrian tablets. later on, a roman officer by the name of Sergius lived in it and died in the defense of Christianity in the 4th century. To commemorate him the city was called Sergeopolis. when the Omayyad caliph Hisham Ibn Abdel Malik (724 – 743 ad) came to power he rebuilt the city and erected a beautiful palace, parts of which are still standing. The palace was his favorite home in which he died; and he was buried in Ar’rasafeh desert. Other important sites in the city are remains of the church of martyrs “Alshuhada” and church of mar Sarkis.

Albara

Albara is one of the biggest dead cites in northern Syria. It is located near the city of Ariha, and dates back to the roman and Byzantine ages. It contains Islamic tombs and mosques, as well as the remains of some churches.

Arwad

It is the only island in Syria. It was an independent kingdom named Aradus in the days of the Canaanites. Arwad is famous for its Ayoubite tower, and its ancient citadel, now a museum containing the remains of the monuments.

As’sweida

It is the principal city in the province of As’sweida. In the Nabatean period, it was known by the name of “Suda” which means the little black town, because it was built with black volcanic stones. The Romans called it “Dionysias” because it was the town of delicious grapes. The most notable of its ruins are now housed in the As’sweida museum, which also contains a magnificent collection of mosaic. one piece of this mosaic collection represents “Arthims” the goddess of hunting, surrounded by her nymphs, when she is surprised by a hunter while bathing. the statues carved in hard basalt show signs of a mixture of Nabatean, Greek, roman, Byzantine, and Arab influences. There are also in the city the ruins of a 3rd century roman temple surrounded by a colonnade of Corinthian columns.

Bosra

Situated in the Hawran plain, 145km to the south of Dimashq (Damascus), Bosra is an extremely ancient city which was mentioned in the list of Thutmose and Akhntoun .In the fourteenth century B.C it was the first Nabatean city ,and in the second century B.C it reached the apogee of its glory during the Hellenistic period and later in the roman period when it became the capital of the province of Arabia. Bosra continued to play a significant role during the days of early Christianity. It was also linked with the rise of Islam, because one of its inhabitants, Anestorian monk called Bahira, once met the young man Mohammed Ibn Abdullah who was passing with his caravan at Bosra, and predicted his prophecy and the faith he was going to initiate. The most important site in Bosra is its famous roman theatre which is considered as one of the most beautiful and well-preserved roman amphitheaters in the world. The theatre, dating back to the second century A.D, seats 15 thousand spectators, its stage is 45 meters long and 8 meters deep. The city also contains: - Al Mabrak mosque and Omar mosque which is the only mosque remaining from the early days of Islam and retaining its primitive form. - The Moslem Ayyoubite citadel, which now houses two museums one for antiquities and the other for traditional arts. - Parts of the Bahira church , dating back to the Byzantine period. - A cathedral from the Byzantine period with its square dome of 512 meters. - Remains of walls “Nabatean”, a triumphal arch “roman” and the baths “roman”.

Qanawat

Qanawat is situated 7km to the east of As’sweida. During the roman period, it was one of the ten “Decapolis”, a league of commercial cities of which Damascus was the principal one of the greatest interest to the visitor is a cluster of columns which were part of a 2nd century temple dedicated to the god of sun Helios. Another temple from the same period was dedicated to Zeus, was decorated with basalt. only six columns of this temple still remain. On the right side of the valley there are the remains of a theatre.

Salkhad

It is located 38km to the south of As’sweida. The most important sites in it are: the citadel built by the Nabateans and renovated by the Mamluk and the Ayyoubite, and the minaret of an Ayyoubite mosque in the town square.

Deir-Ezor

It is city with a great history and an ancient name “auzara”. it is a city on the Euphrates through which many conquerors, armies, and commercial caravans have passed. Today, Deir-Ezzor has acquired economic importance after the building of Al Furat dam, and the discovery of oil in its vicinity.

Talas’Salhiyeh (Doura Europos)

It was built by Saluqos Nicator in the 4th century B.C Afterwards, it was invaded by the Persians, the Romans and the Palmyreans. It was the first Syrian town on the silk-road leading to Tadmor (Palmyra), Homs and the Mediterranean, and its fortified defenses and castle are still standing up till now. Magnificent mural paintings dedicated to the various gods of Tadmor (Palmyra) and other Friscos dating back to the year 286 A.D were discovered in it (these discoveries are now on display at the natonal museum in Dimashq (Damascus).

Hosn Sleiman

It dates back to the 2nd century B.C, when the inhabitants of Aradus (the present isle of Arwad) built a temple dedicated to Baal Also there are some roman remains close to Hosn Sleiman,.

Mari

Situated in Tal Hariri to the south of Deir-Ezzor, Mari was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Mari. It was discovered by the French archaeologist Andes parrot in 1935 after decades of excavations. Discoveries in Mari include the royal palace and its huge library which contained 15000 tablets written in the Akkadian language describing the political and diplomatic life in the 18th century B.C . The remains of Mari also contain the famous statue of the Goddess of sources, the statue of the governor , the statue of the singer of Mari and other artistic works which are now distributed among the museum of Dimashq, Halab (Aleppo) and Paris (louver).

Halabiyeh and Zallabiyeh

Two fortresses facing each other on the Euphrates; Halabiyeh and Zallabyieh prospered with the flourishing of the Palmyrean civilization. They contain magnificent ruins, some of which date back to the Byzantine period.