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 continuously inhabited for thousands of years and now reveal many fascinating layers of history to the interested traveller. Damascus was first mentioned in writing in 2500 BC 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, 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) - hidden courtyards, cool fountains, beautifully tiled walls, atmospheric khans and caravanserais. Damascus has strong links to both Christianity and Islam as revealed at the Great Omayyad Mosque, and was a link on the Silk Road with travellers coming from the ancient oasis of Palmyra. Aleppo, equally ancient and arguably better preserved and more atmospheric, has the largest medieval Citadel in the world and some four miles of covered souks, each specialising in its own trade.

Our local representative has been involved in the restoration of the Citadel and Old Town of Aleppo – indeed he was recently invited to lecture at the Royal Geographical Society on the preservation of Old Aleppo, which is better preserved than Damascus itself.

VJV Special Event - Dining in the Old Town
In both Damascus and Aleppo, we have arranged special dinners with music and dance in traditional houses, which are now restaurants (with one ‘Whirling Dervish’ performance).