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Welcome to Syria
When we talk about Syria, we epitomize the history of human civilization; since it knew how to express itself through the first Alphabet on the eastern coasts of the Mediterranean in the city of Ugarit. The impact of this Alphabet can be found at the library of Ebla, where the works achievements of that city in the fields of conquest, trade and are preserved on clay tablets conserving up to date the story of the silk boat, which sank on the coast of Tartous embracing clay jars with scents, perfumes and silk while it was heading to Europe from China, India and Japan.
If we talk about the great amphitheater of Bosra with its unique works of art, light will be shed on the greatness of the deeply rooted Syrian people since ancient times. The same thing applies when we talk about that wonder of Palmyra, planted in the heart of the palm oasis in the Syrian Desert. Palmyra in addition to Mari were the meeting place and the refuge of cultural, commercial and civilization exchanges competing with Rome and Athens in the fields of power and influence.
 Damascus has been the mother of history and the cradle of civilization since the first dawn of history glowing with its seven gates and fascinating markets, and raising its arms to heaven through its Deeply Rooted minarets and ancient bells. The citadels of Syria are proudly edifices boasting their greatness and dignity embodied in the citadels and castles of Aleppo, Apamea Sheizar, Al Mardiq, Al Marqab, Salah Eldin and Crack Des Chevaliers.
 Homs is the 3rd most important city in Syria. It lies 160 km to the north of Damascus. Homs, which was called Mesa in ancient times, was the third station on the Silk route after Dura Europe’s and Palmyra. Unfortunately, ancient earthquakes destroyed many buildings and citadels in Homs. There remains only one citadel in the south of the city with its Damascus and Palmyra gates.
Damascus: the capital of Syria is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. It has occupied a position of importance in the fields of science, culture, politics, art commerce, and industry from the earliest times. It has been called Al-Fayha'a (the fragrant city), Al-Sham, Jollaq, and Pearl of Orient as Emperor Julian named it. It was mentioned in the Holy Qur'an as the many-columns city of Aram, "...whose like has never been built in the land...”
 Aleppo: This is the second capital of Syria 350 km north of Damascus, and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in history. Abraham (pbuh) is said to have camped on the acropolis which, long before his time, served as the foundation of a fortress where the Aleppo citadel is standing now. He milked his grey cow there; hence Aleppo's name "Halab Al-Shahba". Ever since the 3rd millennium BC, Aleppo has been a flourishing city, with a unique strategic position. This position gave the city a distinctive role from the days of the Akkadian and Amorite kingdoms until modern times.
 Lattakia is Syria's busiest and most modern seaport located 186 km south west of Aleppo. Until the fall of Ugarit, the area was part of that kingdom. This was an important ancient Canaanite urban center and its language has had a marked effect on our knowledge of early religion and literature and Biblical studies. After the division of Alexander's Empire it fell under the influence of the Seleucids and became a major city and port. Seleucus Nicator renamed the city to Laodicea, in honor of his mother, and today's name is a corruption of that Greek name.
 Hama, situated between Homs and Aleppo on banks of the Orontes River, is an important agricultural and industrial center. Except for Damascus, Hama is considered the most picturesque city in Syria and one may wish to take time to relax in its attractive gardens along river banks. Hama has been settled since the early Iron Age. In book of Joshua, Hama is mentioned at the time when the land was divided up between the 12 tribes. It is also mentioned in Kings II as the source for the settlers the Assyrians moved into Samaria, after depopulating the cities of Holy land.
Location: Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Lebanon and Turkey
Geographic coordinates: 35 00 N, 38 00 E
Area: Total: 185,180 sq km (land: 184,050 sq km & water: 1,130 sq km)
Border countries: Iraq 605 km, Jordan 375 km, Lebanon 375 km, Turkey 822 km
Coastline: 193 km
Climate: Mostly desert; hot, dry, sunny summers (June to August) and mild, rainy winters (December to February) along coast; cold weather with snow or sleet periodically in Damascus
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About SIMA
