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Silver Whisper
Selversea offers a wide range of cruise destinations around the world, including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Pacific, and other enchanting regions. Selversa uses modern ships equipped with the latest amenities and entertainment, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for passengers. Selversa seeks to provide an exceptional cruise experience that combines luxury and exploration, making it a preferred choice for travelers looking for entertainment and comfort during their cruises. If you are looking for a unique and luxurious cruise experience, Selversa may be the perfect choice for you. ...Caribbean, Pacific, and other enchanting regions. Selversa uses modern ships equipped with the latest amenities and entertainment, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for passengers. Selversa seeks to provide an exceptional cruise experience that combines luxury and exploration, making it a preferred choice for travelers looking for entertainment and comfort during their cruises. If you are looking for a unique and luxurious cruise experience, Selversa may be the perfect choice for you.
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Arwad island
Arwad is a small island located off the Syrian coast in the Mediterranean Sea, and is considered one of the most prominent tourist and historical attractions in the country Arwad is considered one of the oldest settlements in the Mediterranean, and was inhabited by the Phoenicians. The island has also witnessed many different civilizations, including Roman and Byzantine. It was an important trading center in different periods of history. The island attracts tourists thanks to its beautiful beaches and clear waters, in addition to marine activities such as diving and boating. Arwad Island is a distinctive destination that combines history, culture and nature, making it a place worth visiting in Syria. ... of the most prominent tourist and historical attractions in the country Arwad is considered one of the oldest settlements in the Mediterranean, and was inhabited by the Phoenicians. The island has also witnessed many different civilizations, including Roman and Byzantine. It was an important trading center in different periods of history. The island attracts tourists thanks to its beautiful beaches and clear waters, in addition to marine activities such as diving and boating. Arwad Island is a distinctive destination that combines history, culture and nature, making it a place worth visiting in Syria.
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Mauritius
Mauritius is a tropical island paradise in the Indian Ocean, where you can enjoy stunning beaches, coral reefs, rainforests and mountains. Whether you want to relax on the soft sand, swim with dolphins, explore the rich culture or hike to the summit of Le Morne Brabant, Mauritius has something for everyone. Experience the diverse influences of Indian, African and European cuisines, music and traditions, and discover the friendly and welcoming people of this island nation. Mauritius is a destination that will enchant you with its beauty, diversity and charm ...oral reefs, rainforests and mountains. Whether you want to relax on the soft sand, swim with dolphins, explore the rich culture or hike to the summit of Le Morne Brabant, Mauritius has something for everyone. Experience the diverse influences of Indian, African and European cuisines, music and traditions, and discover the friendly and welcoming people of this island nation. Mauritius is a destination that will enchant you with its beauty, diversity and charm
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Deir Mar Musa el-Habashi
The ancient Syrian monastery of St. Moses the Abyssinian (Deir Mar Musa el-Habashi) overlooks a harsh valley in the mountains east of the small town of Nabk, 80 km north of Damascus. It is about 1320 meters above sea level. Mar Mousa began, as a 2nd; century Roman outpost tower then in the 5th century became a home for Christian monks. In the 1100, the church was built. Then it was abandoned after the 1800's until 1982 when Father Paolo, a priest made renovating the monastery and the church with its precious frescoes a personal passion among many projects. This ancient Catholic monastery houses world-renowned wall frescos Any wandering traveler is welcome to enter the monastery and stay the night, so long as they participate in community chores and re ...h valley in the mountains east of the small town of Nabk, 80 km north of Damascus. It is about 1320 meters above sea level. Mar Mousa began, as a 2nd; century Roman outpost tower then in the 5th century became a home for Christian monks. In the 1100, the church was built. Then it was abandoned after the 1800's until 1982 when Father Paolo, a priest made renovating the monastery and the church with its precious frescoes a personal passion among many projects. This ancient Catholic monastery houses world-renowned wall frescos Any wandering traveler is welcome to enter the monastery and stay the night, so long as they participate in community chores and respect the monastery rules. While camouflaged among the burnt brown stone of the towering valley walls, the site itself remains an imposing edifice. The monastery is built high onto the mountains rimming the valley, and it takes 30 minutes of walking up a path of narrowly stacked stairs to reach the entrance gate. Each step creates a sensation of walking back in time, with only a single cable cord (used to transport food goods from the valley floor) marring an image that has remained largely unchanged in the last thousand years. However, the medieval ambiance is misleading, for inside the ancient stone walls is a community that has seamlessly woven both modernity and tradition into their lifestyle. Electric lights are turned on following the daily hour of silence, the Monastery’s leader preaches in a room decorated with 800-year old frescos of Christ, Deir Mar Musa is a beacon of hope in a war-torn country, and offers an inspiring layover for travelers who wish to better understand and appreciate the nuances of Syrian culture.asdad
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Santorini
Santorini is an enchanting island located in the Aegean Sea in Greece. It is characterized by its traditional white houses built on both sides of the mountains, and the sparkling sea blue and wheat of the roofs and doors. Santorini is famous for its stunning and romantic views, especially at sunset, which is considered one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. In addition, the island has black sand beaches and marine activities such as snorkeling and traditional boating. It is a wonderful tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world with its unique beauty and overwhelming charm. ...aditional white houses built on both sides of the mountains, and the sparkling sea blue and wheat of the roofs and doors. Santorini is famous for its stunning and romantic views, especially at sunset, which is considered one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. In addition, the island has black sand beaches and marine activities such as snorkeling and traditional boating. It is a wonderful tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world with its unique beauty and overwhelming charm.
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Royal Caribbean
Caribbean Western is a popular cruise itinerary offered by the Royal Caribbean cruise line. This route typically includes stops at various destinations in the western Caribbean region, such as Cozumel in Mexico, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Honduras. Passengers can enjoy a variety of activities on board the ship as well as explore the different ports of call to experience the local culture, cuisine, and attractions. Royal Caribbean is known for its luxurious amenities, entertainment options, and exceptional service, making it a top choice for travelers seeking a memorable cruise experience in the Caribbean. ...te typically includes stops at various destinations in the western Caribbean region, such as Cozumel in Mexico, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Honduras. Passengers can enjoy a variety of activities on board the ship as well as explore the different ports of call to experience the local culture, cuisine, and attractions. Royal Caribbean is known for its luxurious amenities, entertainment options, and exceptional service, making it a top choice for travelers seeking a memorable cruise experience in the Caribbean.
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Zanzibar
Zanzibar is the home of idyllic beaches, balmy weather & warm tropical waters.This archipelago is renowned for clear warm waters, coral reefs and rich marine diversity making it a perfect under-water destination for snorkelling and diving. If it is lazy days along white sandy beaches that you are after- Zanzibar is hard to beat. But, in addition to the perfect beach destination, Zanzibar is also full of options for nature lovers, culture vultures, and adventurers ...s renowned for clear warm waters, coral reefs and rich marine diversity making it a perfect under-water destination for snorkelling and diving. If it is lazy days along white sandy beaches that you are after- Zanzibar is hard to beat. But, in addition to the perfect beach destination, Zanzibar is also full of options for nature lovers, culture vultures, and adventurers
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Poland
Poland is a country in Central Europe with a rich history and unique culture. The capital of Poland is Warsaw, which is one of the largest cities in the country. Poland is known for its beautiful architecture, cold winter climate, and traditional cuisine such as pierogi and sopra. Poland also has a rich history of art, literature, and music. Poland is a country in Central Europe that is distinguished by its rich history and unique culture. The capital of Poland is Warsaw, which is one of the largest cities in the country. Poland is known for its beautiful architecture, cold winter climate, and traditional cuisine such as pierogi and sopra. Poland also has a rich history of art, literature and music ...is Warsaw, which is one of the largest cities in the country. Poland is known for its beautiful architecture, cold winter climate, and traditional cuisine such as pierogi and sopra. Poland also has a rich history of art, literature, and music. Poland is a country in Central Europe that is distinguished by its rich history and unique culture. The capital of Poland is Warsaw, which is one of the largest cities in the country. Poland is known for its beautiful architecture, cold winter climate, and traditional cuisine such as pierogi and sopra. Poland also has a rich history of art, literature and music
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Thailand
Thailand is a dream destination, where magnificent tropical beaches combine with its golden temples and the welcoming of its people with open hearts, for an unforgettable experience that enriches the senses and brings joy to the soul. ...and the welcoming of its people with open hearts, for an unforgettable experience that enriches the senses and brings joy to the soul.
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Georgia
Georgia is a country located in the Caucasus region, between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Its capital, Tbilisi, is distinguished by its mountainous terrain and ancient history. It is famous for its wine production and diverse cultural heritage. Georgia is a tourist destination thanks to its stunning landscapes and sulfurous waters in the Borjomi region. ...pital, Tbilisi, is distinguished by its mountainous terrain and ancient history. It is famous for its wine production and diverse cultural heritage. Georgia is a tourist destination thanks to its stunning landscapes and sulfurous waters in the Borjomi region.
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Saydnaya
Saydnaya, a charming city in the heart of the mountains, is famous for its historic monastery and the Church of the Virgin Mary. The beauty of nature and ancient history form an integral part of its special charm, making visiting it a special experience full of tranquility and inspiration. ...e Church of the Virgin Mary. The beauty of nature and ancient history form an integral part of its special charm, making visiting it a special experience full of tranquility and inspiration.
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Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a charming artistic painting in which the picturesque nature blends in its diversity, between wide plains and towering mountains, to take you on an enjoyable and inspiring journey. ...between wide plains and towering mountains, to take you on an enjoyable and inspiring journey.
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Antalya
Antalya is Türkiye's coastal paradise that blends stunning beaches with ancient historical sites It is the pearl of the Mediterranean that shines with the beauty of its beaches and the blue of its turquoise waters, combining the magic of nature with the fragrant history. ...sites It is the pearl of the Mediterranean that shines with the beauty of its beaches and the blue of its turquoise waters, combining the magic of nature with the fragrant history.
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Russia
If you choose this trip, you have chosen to see, hear and breathe the heritage, beauty, history, culture, economy, development, nightlife and entertainment. A visit to Moscow and St. Petersburg is a visit to Great Russia. ...ture, economy, development, nightlife and entertainment. A visit to Moscow and St. Petersburg is a visit to Great Russia.
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Malaysia
In a world full of crowded tourist destinations, there is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. It is Malaysia, the land of dreams, where nature and culture meet in wonderful harmony. Imagine yourself wandering the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, where towering skyscrapers touch the sky. Then immerse yourself in the rainforests of the Cameron Highlands, where the strange sounds of nature fill you with awe. Malaysia is waiting for you to give you an unforgettable experience. ...is Malaysia, the land of dreams, where nature and culture meet in wonderful harmony. Imagine yourself wandering the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, where towering skyscrapers touch the sky. Then immerse yourself in the rainforests of the Cameron Highlands, where the strange sounds of nature fill you with awe. Malaysia is waiting for you to give you an unforgettable experience.
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Istanbul
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, straddling the Bosporus Strait, the boundary between Europe and Asia. Mediterranean, Istanbul is rich with history. But modern-day Istanbul is as cosmopolitan and dynamic as any global metropolis. No trip to Istanbul is complete unless you're bouncing back and forth between Europe and Asia, but also between past, present, and future ...and Asia. Mediterranean, Istanbul is rich with history. But modern-day Istanbul is as cosmopolitan and dynamic as any global metropolis. No trip to Istanbul is complete unless you're bouncing back and forth between Europe and Asia, but also between past, present, and future
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Palmyra
Palmyra is an ancient city located in central Syria, about 215 km northeast of Damascus. It was an important city on the ancient Silk Road, famous for its thriving culture and unique architecture. Palmyra contains many fascinating ancient monuments, including: Baalashamin Temple: A huge temple dedicated to the god Baalashamin, and it is one of the most famous temples in the ancient world. Column Street: A long street surrounded by more than 1,500 limestone columns. Tower Tombs: Multi-storey tombs carved into the rocks. Palmyra Theater: A large Roman theater with a capacity of about 4,000 spectators. ...mportant city on the ancient Silk Road, famous for its thriving culture and unique architecture. Palmyra contains many fascinating ancient monuments, including: Baalashamin Temple: A huge temple dedicated to the god Baalashamin, and it is one of the most famous temples in the ancient world. Column Street: A long street surrounded by more than 1,500 limestone columns. Tower Tombs: Multi-storey tombs carved into the rocks. Palmyra Theater: A large Roman theater with a capacity of about 4,000 spectators.
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Petra
Petra: a city carved into pink rock Located in southern Jordan, Petra, also known as the “Pink City,” is an ancient city carved into colorful sandstone cliffs. Founded by the Arab Nabataeans in the first century BC, it flourished as an important trading center on the Incense Route. The name "Petra" is derived from the Greek word "Petra" which means "rock". It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It is known for its intricately carved buildings and colorful facades that change with the changing light throughout the day. ... City,” is an ancient city carved into colorful sandstone cliffs. Founded by the Arab Nabataeans in the first century BC, it flourished as an important trading center on the Incense Route. The name "Petra" is derived from the Greek word "Petra" which means "rock". It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It is known for its intricately carved buildings and colorful facades that change with the changing light throughout the day.
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The Citadel of Erbil
Erbil Citadel is located in the heart of Erbil, the capital of the Iraqi Kurdistan region. Dating back over 6,000 years, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited castles in the world. The castle is also known as Hawler Castle, and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Spread over an area of ??104 hectares, the castle is distinguished by its massive stone walls, towers and arched gates. Inside the castle, there are a number of historical buildings, including a mosque, school, public baths and a museum. The Erbil Castle Museum is home to an impressive collection of artefacts illustrating the history of the castle and the surrounding area. The castle is the center of Erbil's cultural life, regularly hosting concerts, art exhibitions and festiv ...ing back over 6,000 years, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited castles in the world. The castle is also known as Hawler Castle, and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Spread over an area of ??104 hectares, the castle is distinguished by its massive stone walls, towers and arched gates. Inside the castle, there are a number of historical buildings, including a mosque, school, public baths and a museum. The Erbil Castle Museum is home to an impressive collection of artefacts illustrating the history of the castle and the surrounding area. The castle is the center of Erbil's cultural life, regularly hosting concerts, art exhibitions and festivals. It is also a popular place for tourists and visitors who want to explore the history and culture of Kurdistan. Visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of Erbil city and its surrounding areas.
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Syrian Beer
Have you heard about Syrian beer story ? although brands like Heineken and Amstel are popular and available in hotels, restaurants and most shops in different parts of cities like Damascus, Aleppo, Latakia, Tartus and Qamishli. Production of the country's two local brands, al-Shark (from Aleppo) and Barada (from Damascus) was halted in 2011 due to the outbreak of war. Al-Shark Beer, (or al-Chark) is a product of the state-owned Al-Shark Company for Food Stuff Products in Aleppo. It was founded in 1954 and fully owned by the government of Syria Barada Beer, is a product of the state-owned Barada Beer Company in Damascus. It was founded in 1977 and fully owned by the government of Syria. Afamia Beer of Syria, founded in 2010 and launched in 2017 by Afami ...and available in hotels, restaurants and most shops in different parts of cities like Damascus, Aleppo, Latakia, Tartus and Qamishli. Production of the country's two local brands, al-Shark (from Aleppo) and Barada (from Damascus) was halted in 2011 due to the outbreak of war. Al-Shark Beer, (or al-Chark) is a product of the state-owned Al-Shark Company for Food Stuff Products in Aleppo. It was founded in 1954 and fully owned by the government of Syria Barada Beer, is a product of the state-owned Barada Beer Company in Damascus. It was founded in 1977 and fully owned by the government of Syria. Afamia Beer of Syria, founded in 2010 and launched in 2017 by Afamia Beverages Company; . Afamia brewery has invested in state-of-the-art equipment and technology along with European expertise and raw material to produce Syria's first premium beer Arados Beer, launched in 2017 by the Arados brewing factory in Safita, Tartus Governorate, with the help of experts from the Czech Republic. It is the latest company for beer production in Syria, . Arados brewery of Safita represents the first mass-produced domestic beer since production of al-Shark and Barada ceased, following the outbreak of the war in Syria.
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Korek Mountain
It is a mountain in town of Rawanduz, Erbil in Iraq Kurdistan, 50 kilometers from the Iranian border . Mount Korek is a tourist attraction with, an Iraqi company has built an approximately 4 kilometer long Teleferic (cable car) from its Bekhal Bottom station to Mount Korek. The mountain is developed as an international destination. The company has developed 132 villas and several rides in this project, which is called "The Korek Mountain Resort & Spa". There are also restaurants and cafes. The resort is a summer retreat providing cool environs when the whole region reels under high temperatures. During winters, it turns into a Ski Resort.The Resort is one of the top 10 destinations to visit in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. ... . Mount Korek is a tourist attraction with, an Iraqi company has built an approximately 4 kilometer long Teleferic (cable car) from its Bekhal Bottom station to Mount Korek. The mountain is developed as an international destination. The company has developed 132 villas and several rides in this project, which is called "The Korek Mountain Resort & Spa". There are also restaurants and cafes. The resort is a summer retreat providing cool environs when the whole region reels under high temperatures. During winters, it turns into a Ski Resort.The Resort is one of the top 10 destinations to visit in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
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Baalbek
This Phoenician city, where a triad of deities was worshipped, was known as Heliopolis during the Hellenistic period. It retained its religious function during Roman times, when the sanctuary of the Heliopolitan Jupiter attracted thousands of pilgrims. Baalbek, with its colossal structures, is one of the finest examples of Imperial Roman architecture at its apogee. The complex of temples at Baalbek is located at the foot of the south-west slope of Anti-Lebanon, bordering the fertile plain of the Bekaa at an altitude of 1150 m. The city of Baalbek reached its apogee during Roman times. Its colossal constructions built over a period of more than two centuries, make it one of the most famous sanctuaries of the Roman world and a model of Imperial R ...g the Hellenistic period. It retained its religious function during Roman times, when the sanctuary of the Heliopolitan Jupiter attracted thousands of pilgrims. Baalbek, with its colossal structures, is one of the finest examples of Imperial Roman architecture at its apogee. The complex of temples at Baalbek is located at the foot of the south-west slope of Anti-Lebanon, bordering the fertile plain of the Bekaa at an altitude of 1150 m. The city of Baalbek reached its apogee during Roman times. Its colossal constructions built over a period of more than two centuries, make it one of the most famous sanctuaries of the Roman world and a model of Imperial Roman architecture. Pilgrims thronged to the sanctuary to venerate the three deities, known under the name of the Romanized Triad of Heliopolis, an essentially Phoenician cult (Jupiter, Venus and Mercury). The importance of this amalgam of ruins of the Greco-Roman period with even more ancient vestiges of Phoenician tradition, are based on its outstanding artistic and architectural value. The acropolis of Baalbek comprises several temples. The Roman construction was built on top of earlier ruins which were formed into a raised plaza, formed of twenty-four monoliths, the largest weighing over 800 tons. The Temple of Jupiter, principal temple of the Baalbek triad, was remarkable for its 20 m high columns that surrounded the cella, and the gigantic stones of its terrace. The adjacent temple dedicated to Bacchus is exceptional; it is richly and abundantly decorated and of impressive dimensions with its monumental gate sculpted with Bacchic figures. The Round Temple or Temple of Venus differs in its originality of layout as well as its refinement and harmonious forms, in a city where other sanctuaries are marked by monumental structures. The only remaining vestige of the Temple of Mercury located on Cheikh Abdallah Hill, is a stairway carved from the rock. The Odeon, located south of the acropolis in a place known as Boustan el Khan, is also part of the Baalbek site, and considered among the most spectacular archaeological sites of the Near East. Baalbek became one of the most celebrated sanctuaries of the ancient world, progressively overlaid with colossal constructions, which were built during more than two centuries. Its monumental ensemble is one of the most impressive testimonies of the Roman architecture of the imperial period.
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Qanawat
The city of Qanawat or Kanatha is an ancient Syrian city located seven kilometers northeast of al-Suwayda. Located in the south of the Syrian Arab Republic, ninety-five kilometers southeast of Damascus, an altitude of more than one thousand two hundred and fifty meters from the surface the sea Qanawat city divided into two parts, a southern upper city, and a northern lower city, which was built entirely of black basaltic stones, giving it an attractive and strange appearance. The name Kanatha, the ancient name of the city of Qanawat, was found on ancient Roman coins and inscriptions, as it was written next to the names of the emperors and leaders who ruled this area at the time, so the name Septima Kanatha was named after Emperor Septimius ...of al-Suwayda. Located in the south of the Syrian Arab Republic, ninety-five kilometers southeast of Damascus, an altitude of more than one thousand two hundred and fifty meters from the surface the sea Qanawat city divided into two parts, a southern upper city, and a northern lower city, which was built entirely of black basaltic stones, giving it an attractive and strange appearance. The name Kanatha, the ancient name of the city of Qanawat, was found on ancient Roman coins and inscriptions, as it was written next to the names of the emperors and leaders who ruled this area at the time, so the name Septima Kanatha was named after Emperor Septimius Severus, and the name of Gabina Kanatha is relative to Emperor Gabinus. The activity of the inhabitants of the city of Kanatha extended to all parts of the Roman Empire, where a Greek scripture monument was found at a site near the city of Lyon, France, bearing a memorial to one of the merchants of the then Kanatha called Tim bin Saad, and this confirms the arrival of the people of the city of canals with their trade to different parts of Europe. A Syrian-German mission excavated a number of discovered buildings in the region, and they were able to discover during this period many important archaeological temples, Remains of Christian temples, dating back to the Byzantine and Roman period, in addition to many of rock carvings that indicate the life of these civilizations. In addition, they discovered the small theater, which was designated for concerts and accommodated more than three thousand people. The site of the northern tombs, which was one of the results of recent excavations, and found many of pottery, glass vessels, silver and bronze coins, chains made of beads, bronze bracelets, rings, in addition to gold foil, basaltic sculptures, statues, and Greek writings.
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Hama
The city is 200km to the north of Damascus and 60km to the east of Banyas. It is a very ancient city, which has flourished continually since ancient times, and has known the successive divinations of the Fertile Crescent. Hama has a long heroic history in defending Syria against foreign invasion. One of the outstanding battles was that of Qarqar, where the Assyrian army was defeated in 853B.C. Unfortunately, few of its ancient relics have been preserved. However, Hama is well known for its enormous waterwheels (norias) on the Orontes, which are as old as Hama itself. One of the ancient buildings in Hama is al Jami al kabir (the great mosque), which dates back to the 14th century and includes two tombs of two emirs who ruled Hama in the 13th century. Anothe ..., which has flourished continually since ancient times, and has known the successive divinations of the Fertile Crescent. Hama has a long heroic history in defending Syria against foreign invasion. One of the outstanding battles was that of Qarqar, where the Assyrian army was defeated in 853B.C. Unfortunately, few of its ancient relics have been preserved. However, Hama is well known for its enormous waterwheels (norias) on the Orontes, which are as old as Hama itself. One of the ancient buildings in Hama is al Jami al kabir (the great mosque), which dates back to the 14th century and includes two tombs of two emirs who ruled Hama in the 13th century. Another mosque is that of Abu al Fida, named after Hama`s Sultan who was a famous Arab geographer and historian. The city is often linked with his name. A third mosque is the al Nuri mosque, which was built in the days of Noureddin al Zanki in 1129; on its wall appear inscriptions in both Arabic and Greek. Hama is particularly famous for its traditional industries, especially textiles and cotton cloth.
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Aleppo
A historical masterpiece vibrant with life and beauty, embracing ancient stories and a rich culture that attracts hearts and captivates eyes, a place that combines the magic of the past with the splendor of the present. Aleppo is a historical city in Syria, considered one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. It is located in northwestern Syria and is considered the second largest city in the country. Aleppo is famous for its rich history and deep cultural influence. Aleppo has been an important trading center throughout the ages and a major trading stop on the Silk Road. ...that attracts hearts and captivates eyes, a place that combines the magic of the past with the splendor of the present. Aleppo is a historical city in Syria, considered one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. It is located in northwestern Syria and is considered the second largest city in the country. Aleppo is famous for its rich history and deep cultural influence. Aleppo has been an important trading center throughout the ages and a major trading stop on the Silk Road.
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Izraa
Situated 85 Km south of Damascus is the town of Izraa'. This town is known for its two churches dating back to the 6th century, which are considered as the oldest continuously used churches in Syria. Izraa' was quite an important city in the Roman period, and later became a center of Christian importance. St. George's church was built in 515 on the site of a previous temple; a Greek inscription on its western entrance says: The House of Evil was turned into the House of God. Hymns of cherubs replaced sacrifices offered to idols and God settles here in peace, where people used to anger him. The church, made of basalt, is considered one of the main monuments of world Church architecture. After an earthquake in th ...ts two churches dating back to the 6th century, which are considered as the oldest continuously used churches in Syria. Izraa' was quite an important city in the Roman period, and later became a center of Christian importance. St. George's church was built in 515 on the site of a previous temple; a Greek inscription on its western entrance says: The House of Evil was turned into the House of God. Hymns of cherubs replaced sacrifices offered to idols and God settles here in peace, where people used to anger him. The church, made of basalt, is considered one of the main monuments of world Church architecture. After an earthquake in the early 20th century seriously damaged the church’s dome, St. George's is thought to be the oldest building in Syria which has been continuously a site of Christian (Greek Orthodox) worship. For this reason it was visited in 1890 by Nicholas II, the last Emperor of Russia when he was Crown prince; the prince financed the construction of the current dome.
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Bosra
Bosra (Dara province) Situated in the vast Hawran plain, some 145 kilometers south of Damascus. It is an extremely ancient city mentioned in the lists of Tutmose III and Akhenaten in the fourteenth century B.C. The first Nabatean city in the second century B.C, it bore the name Buhora, but during the Hellenistic period, it was known by the name of Bustra. Later the Romans took an active interest in the city, and at the time of Emperor Trajan it was made the capital of the Province of Arabia (in 106 B.C) and was called Neatrajana Bustra. The city saw its greatest period of prosperity and expansion then, became a crossroads on the caravan routes and the official seat and residence of the Imperial legate. After the decline of the Ro ...south of Damascus. It is an extremely ancient city mentioned in the lists of Tutmose III and Akhenaten in the fourteenth century B.C. The first Nabatean city in the second century B.C, it bore the name Buhora, but during the Hellenistic period, it was known by the name of Bustra. Later the Romans took an active interest in the city, and at the time of Emperor Trajan it was made the capital of the Province of Arabia (in 106 B.C) and was called Neatrajana Bustra. The city saw its greatest period of prosperity and expansion then, became a crossroads on the caravan routes and the official seat and residence of the Imperial legate. After the decline of the Roman Empire, Bosra played a significant role in the history of early Christianity. It was also linked to the rise of Islam, when a Nestorian monk called Bahira, who lived in the city, met the young Muhammad when his caravan stopped at Bosra, and predicted his prophetic vocation and the faith he was going to initiate. The oldest Islamic square minarets (still standing) are found in Bosra, whose prosperous role as an important halt for pilgrims on the way to Mecca lasted until the 17th century. The most interesting part of the city today is the famous Roman Theater built in the second century A.D, which seats 15 thousand spectators, and is considers one of the most beautiful and well preserved of Roman amphitheaters in the world. The stage is 45 meters long and 8 meters deep. Every summer, it hosts Arab and international performers who entertain audiences during the Bosra Art Festival against a majestic background of Roman columns and arches. The city itself contains a great number of Roman ruins, a part of the Byzantine Bahira church, as well as the Al Mabrak Mosque, which is said to have been erected on the site where the Prophet s camel stopped to rest. There is also the Omar Mosque, which is the only one of its type remaining from the early days of Islam, and it retains its 7th century primitive form. An important Muslim citadel, dating back to the Ayoubite and Mamluk period still stands, and one of its towers now houses a museum of Antiquities and Traditional Arts. In addition, the city has: Remains of walls (Nabatean) A triumphal arch (Roman 3rd century) Baths (Roman 2nd century) Al Birkeh (a huge pool: 155by 122 meters) (Nabatean) A Nabatean temple dating back to the first century A.D A Cathedral (Byzantine, 4th century)
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Maaloula
50 km north of Damascus; Maalula is situated at an altitude of more than 1500 meters. By far, the most important Christian site in Syria is the magnificent village of Maalula. The word Maalula means entrance in Aramaic, probably referring to the gorge in between the mountains. Maalula is the one of the few remaining villages in the world that still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ. St Sergius Chapel There are two chapels above the village whose loyalty is divided between the Greek Catholic and the Orthodox churches. The first chapel, which is of the Greek Catholics, is on the escarpment left of the gorge; the St. Sergius convent (Mar Sarkis). This tiny chapel, probably built on the site of a pagan temple, has architectural elements which go bac ...st important Christian site in Syria is the magnificent village of Maalula. The word Maalula means entrance in Aramaic, probably referring to the gorge in between the mountains. Maalula is the one of the few remaining villages in the world that still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ. St Sergius Chapel There are two chapels above the village whose loyalty is divided between the Greek Catholic and the Orthodox churches. The first chapel, which is of the Greek Catholics, is on the escarpment left of the gorge; the St. Sergius convent (Mar Sarkis). This tiny chapel, probably built on the site of a pagan temple, has architectural elements which go back to Byzantine period. Mar Sarkis is designed after the pattern of the martyrion (a shrine dedicated to a martyr) and is dedicated to Mar Sarkis (St. Sergius), a Roman soldier who was executed for his Christian beliefs. This chapel is considered one of the oldest, if not the oldest, in Christendom. On the plateau behind the church, there are also remains of ancient rock-cut tombs. St Thecla Monastery Downward into the village, on the right of the gorge, is the other chapel, a Greek Orthodox institution dedicated to St Thecla (Mar Takla), it's located in the lower monastery. Thecla was the daughter of a Seleucid prince and a young disciple of St. Paul. She is believed to be buried in the mountain just above the monastery. On the top floor is a modern church with a dome and a cave into which filters water with miraculous properties. Thecla was being pursued by soldiers of her father to capture her because of her Christian faith. She came upon a mountain, and after praying, the mountain split open and let her escape through. The town gets its name from this gap or entrance in the mountain. There are three major festivals: the Holy Cross Festival on September 14; the Festival of Mar Takla on September 22; and the festival of Mar Sarkis on October 7. Hundreds of visitors attend these celebrations and they enjoy some of the most imaginative festivals in the whole of Syria.
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