Journey through Ottoman splendor in Syria’s Damascus
A collage of photographs featuring Ottoman-era structures in Damascus, Syria, December 12, 2024. (Photo collage by Mehmet Akbas/Türkiye Today)
Damascus, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, stands as a testament to centuries of history and cultural exchange. Among its myriad treasures, the Ottoman-era landmarks shine as enduring symbols of a shared heritage that once united vast regions under a single empire.
From bustling bazaars and grand architectural marvels to intricate palaces and sacred mosques, these sites tell the story of a bygone era where Turkish and Syrian influences intertwined, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s identity.
Historic Ottoman splendors in Damascus
Al-Hamidiyah Souq: Vital cultural and commercial hub
Located within the ancient city walls, the Al-Hamidiyah Souq is one of the most vibrant and busy areas of Damascus.
Built during the Ottoman era, the bazaar offers a wide range of traditional Syrian crafts, silver and gold jewelry, clothing, fabrics and various other goods.
Sulaymaniyya Takiyya
Built during the reign of Sultan Suleiman I, the Sulaymaniyya Takiyya showcases both Turkish and Syrian architectural influences.
This complex, which houses the tomb of Ottoman Sultan Vahdettin, also features a military museum and a crafts market.
Hijaz railway station
An architectural marvel, the Hijaz Railway Station has become one of the key tourist destinations in Damascus.
It was built in the early 1900s by Sultan Abdulhamid II to connect Medina and Damascus via the Hijaz Railway.
Azm or Azem Palace: Glimpse into Ottoman luxury
Constructed by the Ottoman governor of Damascus, Part of Qasr Al-Azm (Azm or Azem Palace) remains one of the most impressive buildings in the city.
Now a museum, the palace displays exquisite examples of traditional Syrian arts and crafts.
Old City: Living museum of history
The Old City, surrounded by the city’s ancient walls, is home to many of Damascus’ most historic sites.
From the Umayyad Mosque at its heart to its palaces, caravanserais, mosques, cafes, markets, and winding streets, the Old City is a must-visit for anyone seeking to understand the city’s rich history.
Journey through Syria, rich Ottoman heritage
In a recent tweet, renowned professor Ilber Ortayli shared his memories of Syria’s Ottoman heritage, recounting his visit to Aleppo in March 1966 with the Turkish-Arab Student Union.
“We crossed the border from Antakya (Antioch/Hatay). The nature was truly beautiful. Aleppo was like a dream, and I felt as though I had stepped into 19th and 20th-century Ottoman Türkiye,” he wrote.
According to Ortayli, Aleppo was a city where various ethnic and cultural elements lived in harmony.
“The city’s markets were vibrant with colors and life, and the flavors offered by local restaurants were unique and rich. Turkish was widely spoken, especially by the older population. There was also a significant Armenian community, likely descended from those who had migrated from the Cukurova region,” he noted.
Ortayli on Arab heritage
Reflecting on his travels to Syria, Ortayli also expressed his admiration for the preservation of cities like Aleppo and Damascus during his initial visits. “Over the 20 years following my first trip, I was amazed at how well preserved these cities were,” he wrote. “However, in the Arab world, you can never be certain of continuity or stability,” Ortayli added.
He lamented that the destruction of these cities was not only the result of conflict but also the responsibility of the current regime in Syria. “What has been lost is not just the physical structures of the cities but the shared heritage and history of all those who lived there for over a thousand years,” Ortayli concluded.
Professor Ortayli’s poignant reflections highlight not only the loss of architectural heritage in cities like Damascus and Aleppo but also the erasure of a shared cultural history that spanned centuries.
His words serve as a reminder of the fragility of history in a region where political turmoil has continually reshaped the landscape.
