Hammam Nur al-Din

Damascus

The largest and best-known khan of the Old City, built between 1751 and 1753 by As'ad Pasha al-Azm, governor of Damascus, in Souq al-Buzuriyah. Its vast hall is roofed with domes on massive piers in alternating black and white stone; once an inn for merchants and their caravans, it now hosts exhibitions and cultural events.

Damascus

A mosque on the site of al-Jawziyya Madrasa, founded in the 13th century by Muhyi al-Din Yusuf, son of the scholar Ibn al-Jawzi; the father of Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya was its superintendent (qayyim), which gave his son his famous name. It stands in Souq al-Buzuriyah near Azm Palace.

Damascus

An old covered souq running south from the Umayyad Mosque to Straight Street, fragrant with spices and herbs, where sweets, sugared almonds and soap are also sold. Landmarks such as Azm Palace, Khan As'ad Pasha and the Nur al-Din bathhouse open onto it.

Damascus

An Ottoman palace built in 1749 by As'ad Pasha al-Azm, governor of Damascus, and one of the finest examples of Damascene architecture, with planted courtyards, decorated halls and banded stonework. Since 1954 it has housed the Museum of Popular Traditions; it stands by Souq al-Buzuriyah, south of the Umayyad Mosque.

Damascus

A historic caravanserai inside the Old City of Damascus, in the Hariqa quarter, about 100 m from Azm Palace. The Old City of Damascus has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

Damascus

A restaurant of Damascene cooking in a building styled on the old houses of Damascus. It is known for kibbeh labanieh, yabraq (stuffed vine leaves) and mixed grill platters.