Architectural Wonders in Syria

The Umayyad Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the world. It is located in Damascus. The mosque was most recently restored in 1970. “The mosque holds a shrine which is said to contain the head of John the Baptist, honoured as a prophet by both Christians and Muslims. The head was supposedly found during the excavations for the building of the mosque. The tomb of Saladin stands in a small garden adjoining the north wall of the mosque.” ( Flood, Finbarr Barry 2000) This mosque is Islamic.

 Flood, Finbarr Barry. 2000. The Great Mosque of Damascus: Studies on the Meanings of an Umayyad Visual Culture, Leiden; Boston; Koln: Brill. http://www.islamic-architecture.info/WA-SY/WA-SY-001.htm. (January 3, 2012)

Crac des Chevaliers “was constructed in 1031 along the only route from Antioch to Beirut as a military stronghold.” It is one of the most well known castles in the world. “It can accommodate 5000 soldiers with their horses, their equipment and provisions for five years.” (Travel Tamed, October 6, 2011)The castle is located 700m above sea level making it very well protected from enemies.

Crac des Chevaliers, Syria. http://www.atlastours.net/syria/cracdeschevaliers.html (January 3, 2012)

Travel Tamed. Top 10 Places to Visit in Syria. October 6, 2011 http://traveltamed.com/places-to-visit-in-syria/ (January 3, 2012)

“Seleucus Nicator, the first Seleucid king in Syria,” constructed Apamea in 300 BC.(Apamea, 2011) It is located on the Orontes River bank. In the 12^th century the city was ruined by an earthquake. Although much of the city fell to ruins there is plenty to still see.

Apamea. Famous Wonders. 2011. http://famouswonders.com/apamea/ (January 3, 2011)