Oldest Living Cities

Of course, several cities lay claim to being the oldest in the world but there is no doubt that two such claimants, Damascus and Aleppo, have been inhabited for many thousands of years and now reveal many fascinating layers of history to the interested traveller. The name of Damascus was first mentioned in writing in 2500BC and, as Mark Twain put it: ‘no recorded event has occurred in the world but Damascus was in existence to receive it’. Whilst modernity has overtaken the suburbs, the Old City has preserved its original flavour and character with tortuous alleys, hidden palaces and traditional souks.

The best way to experience this rather than just look in from the outside is to stay in the Old City, experiencing and observing its traditional way of life, sampling its specialities and inhaling its wonderful atmosphere. Time to wander and help from an expert guide are essential to discover the ‘Hidden Treasures of the Old City’ (as described by Brigid Keenan in her book of the same name) - hidden courtyards, cool fountains, beautifully tiled walls, atmospheric Khans and Caravanserais. Damascus is built on layers of history with strong links to both Christianity and Islam as revealed at the Great Omayyad Mosque, and was a link with the Silk Road, whose travellers would stop here after the ancient oasis of Palmyra. Aleppo, equally ancient and fascinating, has the largest medieval citadel in the world and some four miles of covered souks to explore, each lively street specialising in its own trade.