Damascus, the capital of Syria, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Its history stretches back over 11,000 years, with layers of empires, cultures, and religions woven into its streets. From the Arameans to the Romans, from the Umayyads to the Ottomans, Damascus has been a melting pot of civilizations.
Long before it became a flashpoint in modern conflicts, Damascus was a thriving trade hub. The Arameans established it as a key city along the Silk Road, and later, the Romans made it a provincial capital. The famous Straight Street, mentioned in biblical texts, still cuts through the Old City, a testament to its enduring legacy.
The Umayyad Caliphate chose Damascus as its capital in the 7th century, transforming it into a center of Islamic learning and culture. The Umayyad Mosque, built atop a Roman temple and a Christian basilica, symbolizes this layered history. Its stunning mosaics and grand architecture reflect the city’s golden age.
The 20th century brought drastic changes. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Syria fell under French mandate, leading to decades of struggle for independence. Damascus became the heart of nationalist movements, finally gaining sovereignty in 1946. However, the post-colonial period was marked by political instability, coups, and the rise of the Ba’ath Party.
Hafez al-Assad seized power in 1970, establishing a regime that would dominate Syria for decades. His son, Bashar al-Assad, inherited this authoritarian system, which prioritized control over reform. Damascus, as the seat of power, became both a symbol of state authority and a target for dissent.
In 2011, the Arab Spring reached Syria. Protests erupted in Damascus, initially demanding reforms but quickly escalating into a full-blown civil war. The regime’s brutal crackdown turned the city into a battleground, with neighborhoods like Jobar and Daraya suffering heavy bombardment.
For years, Damascus was a city divided—government-held areas remained relatively stable, while opposition-held suburbs faced relentless sieges. The Ghouta chemical attack in 2013 shocked the world, highlighting the horrors of urban warfare. Despite international outcry, the Assad regime, backed by Russia and Iran, maintained its grip on the capital.
Today, Damascus is a city of contrasts. The Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, still stands, though many historic buildings bear scars from the war. Reconstruction efforts are slow, hampered by sanctions and a collapsing economy. Meanwhile, displaced Syrians from other regions flood into the capital, seeking safety but often finding hardship.
Damascus is no longer just Syria’s capital—it’s a strategic prize in a broader geopolitical struggle. Russia’s military intervention in 2015 turned the tide in Assad’s favor, while Iran’s militias entrenched themselves in the city’s outskirts. The U.S., though largely withdrawn, still maintains a presence in the northeast, keeping the conflict alive.
Millions of Syrians have fled the country, but many still linger in Damascus, trapped between war and an uncertain future. The international community, once vocal about Syria’s plight, has largely moved on, leaving Damascus to grapple with its scars alone.
Despite everything, Damascus endures. Its people, known for their warmth and hospitality, continue to rebuild their lives. The scent of jasmine still lingers in the air, and the call to prayer echoes from ancient minarets. The city’s soul remains unbroken, even as its future hangs in the balance.
Damascus serves as a stark reminder of what happens when power goes unchecked and the world looks away. Yet, it also stands as a testament to human resilience. Whether it can reclaim its former glory depends not just on Syrians, but on whether the world chooses to remember—or forget.