Travelled over 600kms out of Damascus in a day trip visiting some interesting sights in Syria. Destination of the trip were some historical and interesting tourist sights in Homs, Hama and Tartous (central province). The other objective was to test drive my new car – Toyota FJ Cruiser – which I just acquired onto the highway of Syria and see how it performs. Left my apartment at 9.00 and by 9.30, we were already out of Damascus and driving along the highway towards Homs with mountains on both sides of the highway. There were heavy traffic because it was a long weekend for Syria but it does helps me to be more alert and attentive on the road.
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My first stop was the city of Homs. It is the 3rd most important city in Syria. It lies 160 km to the north of Damascus. Like Petra and Palmyra, Homs was an Arab emirate in the 2nd century B.C. It was also the 3rd station on the 'Silk route' after Doura Europos and Palmyra. It still retains this position of importance today, as the oil pipelines pass through the city.
Among the most significant historic constructions remaining in Homs is the mosque of Khaled Ibn al-Walid, the great commander of the Muslim Arab armies. Two very tall white-stone minarets lend lightness to the imposing structure. The slender colonnade in black and white stone horizontal rows is representative of traditional Syrian architecture. The tomb of Khaled Ibn al-Walid is located in the mosque.
Many churches still stand in Homs from the days of early Christianity in Syria. One of these churches is said to possess the girdle of the Blessed Virgin.The church of St.Elian is unique for its collection of fine frescoes discovered in 1970.These bear inscriptions in Greek and Arabic, and date back to the end of the 12th century. The Nuri mosque also dates back to the 12th century, distinguished for its beautiful entrance.
Sights visited in Hama and Tartous will be continued at the next post.
Among the most significant historic constructions remaining in Homs is the mosque of Khaled Ibn al-Walid, the great commander of the Muslim Arab armies. Two very tall white-stone minarets lend lightness to the imposing structure. The slender colonnade in black and white stone horizontal rows is representative of traditional Syrian architecture. The tomb of Khaled Ibn al-Walid is located in the mosque.
Many churches still stand in Homs from the days of early Christianity in Syria. One of these churches is said to possess the girdle of the Blessed Virgin.The church of St.Elian is unique for its collection of fine frescoes discovered in 1970.These bear inscriptions in Greek and Arabic, and date back to the end of the 12th century. The Nuri mosque also dates back to the 12th century, distinguished for its beautiful entrance.
Sights visited in Hama and Tartous will be continued at the next post.
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