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IntroductionSacred Sites IndexSyria MapSyria BooksSyria PhotosSyria ReligionSyria HotelsDead CitiesAleppoDamascus
Roman Syria and the Near East


Lonely Planet Syria & Lebanon


Lonely Planet Middle East


Art and Architecture of the Ancient Orient


The Monuments of Syria: A Guide


Syria: A Historical and Architectural Guide

Syria

Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a Middle Eastern country that shares borders with Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Turkey. Syria has been home to a multitude of cultures and religions over its long history, from the Hittites, Canaanites, and the inhabitants of Ugarit to the Romans, Christians (Paul was famously converted on the road to Damascus) and finally Muslims, who have been the majority in the country since the 7th century.

Modern Syria is officially secular and Syrian Christians are generally able to live and worship in peace alongside their Muslim neighbors. Given its rich religious heritage, it is no surprise that Syria abounds in fascinating religious sites: ruined pagan temples dedicated to Baal and Jupiter; ancient monasteries and synagogues; and mosques, churches and shrines that are still full of worshippers.

Syria Country Guide

English Name: Syria Local Name: Suriyah (Al Jumhuriyah al Arabiyah as Suriyah) Time Zone: EET (UTC+2); Summer: EEST (UTC+3) Calling Code: 963 Currency: Syrian pound (SYP) Area: 185,180 sq km (95th in world) Population: 20,178,485 (58th in world) Languages: Arabic (official); Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian widely understood; French, English somewhat understood Religions: Sunni Muslim 74%, other Muslim (includes Alawite, Druze) 16%, Christian (various denominations) 10%, Jewish (tiny communities in Damascus, Al Qamishli, and Aleppo)

Syria Sacred Sites Index Browse our illustrated index of sacred sites and religious places Syria Map A detailed interactive map of Syria with major cities and religious sites marked, plus links to travel maps and more Syria Books A hand-selected gallery of books on Syria specially chosen for Sacred Destinations readers Syria Photo Gallery Explore our large collection of quality photos from Syria Religion in Syria An overview of the primary religions of modern Syria. Syria Hotels Search availability, view photos, read reviews, and get a great deal on a hotel room in Syria

Featured Destinations in Syria (List All Destinations) Dura Europos This important archaeological site has been called the Pompeii of the Syrian Desert. It was abandoned in the 3rd century and is home to the oldest surviving house-church and synagogue ever found. Basilica of St. Sergius Rasafa Now an isolated ruin, this 5th-century Byzantine church was dedicated to the famous St. Sergius, a Roman soldier martyred c.303. The church was a major pilgrimage site in the Byzantine era. Great Mosque of Damascus (Umayyad Mosque) Damascus This historic 7th-century mosque stands on a site that has been sacred since 1000 BC. It has medieval mosaics on the facade and a shrine to John the Baptist inside.

Syria City Guides Aleppo Located in northern Syria near Turkey, Aleppo competes with Damascus for the title of the oldest continously inhabited city in the world. Its historic center is a World Heritage Site. Damascus Damascus, in southwestern Syria, is widely believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Its historical importance has led to the Old City's designation as a World Heritage Site.

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