Dūmā, Syria
Region: Rif Dimashq Governorate
Geographic Coordinates: 33.571100, 36.401100
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 30.0°C (50°F to 86°F)
Climate: Dry and hot summers, mild winters with occasional rainfall.
Population: 123494
Language: Arabic
Dūmā is a city situated in the Rif Dimashq Governorate of Syria, Approximately 40 kilometers northeast of Damascus. It has a population of around 250, 000 people and has been inhabited by various civilizations over the centuries, Dating back to ancient times. One of Dūmā’s main attractions is its historic citadel which was built during the Roman period. The citadel served as an important defensive structure for many centuries and visitors can explore its ruins today. The city’s souks are also popular among tourists due to their vibrant atmosphere and wide variety of goods for sale.
Visitors can find everything from spices, Textiles, Jewelry to pottery in these bustling marketplaces. Apart from cultural landmarks, Dūmā also boasts beautiful natural scenery with olive groves, Vineyards and orchards dotting the surrounding countryside. Nature lovers can take leisurely walks through these idyllic landscapes or enjoy picnics in one of the many parks scattered throughout the area. Unfortunately, Like many other cities across Syria, Dūmā has suffered significant damage due to ongoing civil war between government forces and opposition groups.
Despite this situation, The locals have worked hard to rebuild their homes and businesses while international aid organizations have provided essential services like healthcare and education to help them recover. Overall, Dūmā remains an important cultural center in Syria despite facing challenging times due to ongoing conflicts. Its rich history, Vibrant markets, And beautiful natural surroundings make it a fascinating destination for visitors interested in exploring Syria’s cultural heritage.
- The Roman Arch: A well-preserved arch that dates back to the Roman era.
- Al-Nuri Mosque: A beautiful mosque built during the Mamluk period.
- The Citadel of Damascus: An ancient fortress located near Dūmā that dates back to the 11th century.
- Umayyad Mosque: One of the largest and oldest mosques in Syria with a rich history dating back to 634 AD.
- National Museum of Damascus: A museum showcasing artifacts from various periods in Syrian history.
- Mount Qasioun: A mountain overlooking Damascus with stunning views and a popular spot for hiking.
- Azem Palace Museum: An Ottoman-era palace turned into a museum displaying traditional Syrian architecture and art.
- Khan As’ad Pasha: A historic caravanserai (inn) converted into a market where visitors can shop for souvenirs and traditional crafts.
It is important to note that due to ongoing conflicts, many of these landmarks may have been damaged or destroyed over time, making it unsafe for tourists or locals alike to visit them at this time.
- Roman Empire: Dūmā was an important city during the Roman Empire, serving as a military outpost and trading center.
- Caliphate: During the Islamic Golden Age, Dūmā became part of the Abbasid Caliphate and served as a center for learning and trade.
- Crusades: In 1148, during the Second Crusade, Dūmā was captured by European forces led by King Louis VII of France.
- Saladin: The famous Muslim leader Saladin recaptured Dūmā from European forces in 1187 during his campaign to recapture Jerusalem.
- Ottoman Empire: During the Ottoman Empire, Dūmā became an important regional center for agriculture and trade.
- Syrian Civil War: In recent years, Dūmā has been heavily impacted by the ongoing Syrian Civil War with many residents fleeing or being displaced from their homes.
Notable people associated with Dūmā include:
- Ibn Taymiyyah: A famous Islamic scholar who lived in Damascus but frequently visited Dūma where he had family members living there
- Mahmoud Darwish: A Palestinian poet who was born in Al-Birwa village near Haifa but grew up in Deir al-Asad; he spent some time living in Dumayr after being exiled from Israel
- Ahmed al-Khatib : A former member of parliament who represented Dumayr constituency between 2012-2016
- The Citadel of Dūmā: A medieval fortress located on a hill overlooking the city.
- Al-Masjid al-Kabir: A grand mosque built during the Ottoman era.
- The House of Khalid ibn al-Walid: A historic house believed to have been owned by one of Islam’s greatest generals.
- The National Museum of Damascus: Located approximately 30 km from Dumah, this museum houses artifacts from ancient civilizations such as Palmyra and Ugarit.
- Azem Palace: An 18th-century palace built for an Ottoman governor, now turned into a museum showcasing traditional Syrian architecture and lifestyle.
It is important to note once again that these places may not be accessible or safe due to ongoing conflict in Syria.
- Before the civil war in Syria, Dūmā hosted several cultural events and festivals such as:
- Eid al-Fitr, a three-day festival celebrating the end of Ramadan
- Eid al-Adha, a four-day festival commemorating Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son
- Dūmā Festival, an annual event featuring music, dance, food stalls and carnival rides
- Al-Quds Day, celebrated to support Palestine and Jerusalem
- Syrian Independence Day, observed on April 17th each year to commemorate Syria’s independence from France in 1946
- New Year’s Eve Celebration with fireworks and parties throughout the city
- Christmas celebrations for Christian Syrians including midnight mass at churches around Dūmā
- However, it is important to note that due to ongoing conflict in Syria since 2011 many of these events may not be taking place currently or may have been cancelled altogether over time due to safety concerns for civilians living there as well as lack of resources available for organizing such activities during times of crisis.
- Shawarma – a grilled sandwich made with meat (typically chicken or lamb), vegetables, and sauces wrapped in pita bread.
- Kebabs – skewered and grilled meat served with rice or bread.
- Hummus – a dip made from chickpeas, tahini paste, lemon juice, and garlic.
- Falafel – deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans that are often served as a snack or appetizer.
- Fattoush salad – a refreshing salad consisting of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions topped with crispy fried pita chips.
Some of the popular restaurants that used to serve these dishes were Al-Khayyat Restaurant & Cafe’, Al-Madina Restaurant & Cafe’, Al-Sultan Sweets & Pastries Shop’, Abu Adnan’s Bakery & Sweets’.
