An ancient Assyrian state with a rich history, unique architecture, where functioning mosques, hammams and medieval markets coexist next to ancient ruins - this is all Syria, a unique and amazing Middle Eastern country, washed by the waters of the Mediterranean, Cyprus, Levantine seas and adjacent to Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan , Iraq and Israel.

Despite centuries of history these places, the modern statehood of today's Syria is barely 70 years old. But not about that will be discussed in the article. We have to get acquainted with the geography and ancient history of the state, find out what is the area of ​​Syria in thousand km2, what are the features of the landscape of this country.

Acquaintance

From the fourth millennium BC. these blessed lands began to be inhabited by permanent settlers. Centuries changed, states were formed, flourished, died, new ones were formed, and the Syrian square was never empty. The excellent climate with warm mild winters and sunny but not exhaustingly hot summers is always attractive. Comfortable mild dry weather stands here throughout the year. Only from November to March, with the onset of winter, rare rains of short duration are shed. Winter temperatures are +7-9˚С, in summer - 25-30˚С. Desert and mountainous areas surprise tourists with cold nights; in winter, the thermometer often shows temperatures below zero.

The favorable location of the country, including a narrow coastal plain with a coastline of 183 km, and vast desert plateaus, and mountains that protect from western hot winds, seem to be specially created for people's lives. Therefore, the capital of the country, Damascus, which has existed for more than one millennium, is one of the oldest cities on Earth, constantly and densely populated. Today, according to official figures, about 2 million people live in it.

Historical reference

These ancient lands occupied by Syria have seen many states that flourished here at different times. After the decline of Egyptian rule, the state of Ebla was formed on the banks of the Euphrates, subsequently conquered by Akkad. Then many small states arose on this territory, only since 661 Islam was established in the region, and Damascus became the official capital of the famous Syrian area of ​​​​thousand km2 changed over time.

In the Middle Ages, the region was ruled by the Crusaders. Their states were conquered and plundered by the troops of Tamerlane in the 15th century, and since that time Syria has become an integral part of Ottoman Empire. The country became independent only after the end of the 2nd World War in 1946. Founded about 5 thousand years ago, today Damascus - main city country whose full name is the Syrian Arab Republic. Official official language- Arabic. The area of ​​Syria is more than 185.2 thousand km2. According to this indicator, the state is in 87th place in the modern world.

Syria: area and population

According to 2015 data, 18.5 million people inhabit the country. make up 46% of the total population, but the lack of stability in the country today does not allow us to say for sure. More than 70% of the population professes Islam, Christians in Syria are about 10%.

Despite the predominant majority of the Arab population, among the inhabitants of the country there are Kurds (9%), Armenians (2%), Assyrians (0.3%), representatives of Caucasian nationalities (0.3%).

Landscape

The area of ​​Syria is very impressive, and the terrain is diverse: mountainous landscapes are replaced by lowland rivers. The legendary Tigris and Euphrates flow throughout its territory. The length of the Euphrates is 680 km. The water arteries of the country are not only large, but also historically famous rivers.

Mount Hermon is located on the occupied Israel today at around 2814 m above sea level. Lake of rare beauty Al-Assad is the largest body of water in the country, covering almost 675 square kilometers.

Cities and history

The Arab Republic has amazing, almost fabulous sights. Syria Square contains a huge layer of history that continues to live in monuments and buildings. The legacy of previous civilizations is enormous, each of which has left traces of its former power. These lands witnessed the glory of Alexander the Great, the conquests of Tamerlane, the courage of Saladdin.

Damascus is the oldest of the capitals of the world, which arose at the crossroads of trade routes and became the center of the Mediterranean eastern trade. To the south of the capital is the city of Bosra, built of black basalt. The attraction of the city is the Roman theater, turned into an impregnable citadel.

Aleppo, the second Syrian city after Damascus, is famous not only for its amazing historical monuments, but also for the fact that it is inhabited mainly by Christians.

It is impossible to list all the wonders of these unique lands. Doesn't have of great importance, what is the area of ​​​​Syria, the only important thing is that almost all of it is a real open-air museum.

The Syrian Arab State is a young country that is easy to spot in the very center the globe, in the Eastern Hemisphere. It is located on the Eurasian continent in southwestern Asia. Spread just north of the equator in the Middle East.

In the west, her lands are washed by waters mediterranean sea, all other borders are land. detailed map Syria exhibits angular, jagged outlines that bear witness to a long and complex history. The advantageous position in the center of the Arab world led to an impressive role in the trade, economic and political processes of the region.

Main natural wealth The state is a fertile land on which citrus crops grow well in a hot climate. Their imports and exports occupy a significant share of the country's trade turnover.

Syria on the world map: geography, nature and climate

In terms of size, the state of Syria on the world map occupies 87th place. Its area is 185,180 km². Neighbors with five countries. The longest borders with Iraq and Turkey are in the east and north. In the south and southwest, it borders on Jordan, Israel and Lebanon. The nearest major sea island is Cyprus.

Relief

Includes mountain ranges, deserts and gentle plains. The southwestern part lies on a hill. The coastal zone consists of soft hills descending to the seashore. This zone is considered the most fertile and densely populated due to the quality of soils and the presence of precipitation.

Mountains are represented by chains Jebel Ansaria, Anti-Lebanon And Jebel al-Zawiya. Between them stretched a vast valley Al Ghab with rich black earth soils. Here flows the largest river Orontes. All mountain ranges gently descend in an easterly direction inland and smoothly flow into desert lands.

The eastern plateau consists of low mountains and alternating sand hills. Deserts in the north, northeast and south Homs And Hamad.

To the southeast is the fertile Jazira region, bordering Iraq. The Euphrates River flows here, cereals are grown. Discovered reserves are of economic importance natural gas and oil.

Water resources

There are relatively few rivers and lakes in the vast territory of Syria. The map of Syria in Russian allows you to see the following objects:

• River Euphrates. It flows from north to south from Turkey to Iraq through the whole country;
• Tabqa Dam on the Euphrates in Jazira, with an area of ​​about 640 km²;
• Barada River. Drains from Anti-Lebanon and disappears into the sand dunes;
• Orontes River in the West;
• Mediterranean Sea in the West.

Climate

The weather is dry almost all year round. Most of Syria receives less than 25mm of rain in 12 months. It rains in the west, southeast, occasionally in other areas. January is the coldest month in winter. The thermometer sets the temperature to 7-10°C. In summer, the hottest time is July. The average temperature is 26-30°C. The natural maximum is fixed at around 45°C, the minimum is 2°C.

Nature

The fauna is relatively poor. Among the typical representatives of the animal world there are antelopes, foxes, wild boars, jackals. Hares, hyenas come across. Two species of animals that live only in the Middle Eastern lands are noteworthy:

1. Syrian brown bear. Small, coffee color. There are only 150 individuals;
2. Syrian hamster. The rodent lives near Aleppo, Turkey. Demanded as a pet.

Storks and herons winter here.

IN flora Aleppo pine stands out with a limited habitat. Citrus trees, grapes, figs, olive trees grow well on fertile lands. Greenery is mainly represented by cypress, plane tree, ficus, magnolia, laurel. There are very few beech and cedar forests. In the deserts, flora characteristic of the arid climate grows: saxaul, thorns, tamarisk.

Map of Syria with cities. Administrative division of the country

The country is divided into 14 governorates or territorial units. Each region is governed by a local parliament. It is noteworthy that Quneitra Governorate is annexed by Israel and partially controlled by the UN. In total, there are about 90 large cities and almost 6.5 thousand small settlements in the country.

A map of Syria with cities in Russian allows you to see several large urban centers:

• Aleppo. The largest city in Syria, in the most populated governorate. Located in the northwest, 120 km from the sea. One of the fastest growing Middle Eastern cities. The city has been known since the 6th millennium BC;
• Damascus. The capital of Syria is the oldest state center in the world. It ranks second in size, following Aleppo. It is located in the southwestern part of the country, near the eastern Lebanese ranges, on the Barada River.
• Hama. Built on the banks of the Orontes River, in the center of Syria. An important industrial center of the state. Fifth largest. It has a vast area of ​​black earth. It is famous for its mild Mediterranean climate.

Despite the youth of the state, the territory is famous ancient history. Its age exceeds 8 thousand years. It was here that the main biblical events took place. On this land, the paths of the three main world religions intersect: Christianity, Judaism and Islam. It is this factor that has played and still plays a huge role in the life of every Syrian.

Syrian Arab Republic.

The name of the country comes from the name ancient state- Assyria.

Syria Square. 185200 km2.

The population of Syria. 16,700 thousand people

Location of Syria. Syria is a state in Western, stretching from to. In the north it borders with, in the east - with Iraq, in the south - with, in the west - with and.

Administrative divisions of Syria. 13 governorates (governorships) and the equivalent municipality of Damascus.

Form of government in Syria. Republic.

Head of State of Syria. President elected for a term of 7 years.

Supreme Legislature of Syria. People's Council (unicameral parliament), whose term of office is 4 years.

Higher executive agency Syria. Government.

Major cities in Syria. Aleppo, Homs, Latakia, Hama.

State language of Syria. Arab.

Religion in Syria. 90% are Muslims, 10% are Christians.

Ethnic composition of Syria. 90% - Arabs, 10% - Armenians.

Currency of Syria. Syrian pound = 100 piastres.

Useful information for tourists

Breakfast is served early, often at 6 am. It is a light meal of olives, cheese, yogurt and Turkish coffee. The most important is lunch, the time of which is scheduled for 14.00, after which they rest. It starts with appetizers, which are called mezze, then comes the turn of chicken or lamb goulash, salads, vegetables, bread, and ends with pies and fruits. Late in the evening they start dinner, usually a light one, unless it is a holiday or Ramadan. After each meal, they drink very strong and sweet Turkish coffee and tea. Hospitable Syrians often do not let the guest get up from the table until everything on the table has been eaten. There is even an Arabic proverb according to which the amount of food consumed by a guest reflects the strength of his affection for the host.

It is customary to give tips only in expensive hotels and restaurants, usually 5-10% of the cost of service.

(Syrian Arab Republic)

General information

Geographical position. Syria is a state in Western Asia, stretching from the Mediterranean Sea in the west to Iraq in the east at the center of ancient trade routes between Europe, Asia and Africa. In the north, the country borders on Turkey, in the south - on Jordan, in the west - on Lebanon and Israel (Golan Heights). The length of the Mediterranean coast is 180 km.

Square. The territory of Syria occupies 185,200 sq. km.

Main cities, administrative divisions. The capital of Syria is Damascus. The largest cities: Damascus (1,500 thousand people), Aleppo (1,500 thousand people), Homs (580 thousand people), Al-Ladhimiya (300 thousand people). Administrative-territorial division of the country: 13 governorates (governorships) and the municipality of Damascus equated to them.

Political system

Syria is a republic. The head of state is the president. The head of government is the prime minister. The legislature is the unicameral People's Council.

Relief. Most of Syria is a desert plateau with low mountains, falling from west to east. To the west are two mountain range, forming the mountains of Jebel Ansaria (height up to 1,562 m) along the Mediterranean coast, the mountains of Kurd-Dag, Jebel Zawiya, Anti-Lebanon (height up to 2,814 m) and Jebel el-Sheikh (the Arabic name for the Hermon mountain range, most of which is now in Israel). In the south of Syria, the black basalt massif of Jebel Druz rises. The seaside lowland with evergreen vegetation and luxurious beaches is 10-20 km wide. You can swim in the warm sea almost all year round. The east of the country is a hilly steppe, semi-desert and desert with occasional oases. The northeastern part is occupied by the Jezire Desert.

Geological structure and minerals. The bowels of the country contain reserves of oil, phosphates, manganese, chromium.

Climate. The climate on the coast is subtropical Mediterranean, with wet mild winters (average January temperature + 12°С) and dry summers with an average temperature of +26°С. It is colder in the mountains, snow falls in winter. In the interior, the climate is dry continental, it is characterized by large seasonal and daily temperature fluctuations, for example, in winter the temperature can vary from + 10 ° C at night to + 20 ° C during the day, and in summer the maximum temperature reaches + 45 ° C, + 50 ° C .

Inland waters. The Euphrates River flows through Syria from northwest to southeast for 680 km. In ancient times, a little to the south, in Mesopotamia (or Mesopotamia, between the Euphrates and the Tigris), the oldest earthly civilization was born. Another full-flowing river, the Orontes, flows through the country, 570 km long, in Syria - 325 km.

Soils and vegetation. The slopes of the mountains are covered with forests (oak, pine, cypress, laurel), which occupy about 3% of the country's territory. As the height increases, the forests turn into alpine meadows. Other trees include poplar, tamarisk, chestnut and eucalyptus. Palm trees can be seen in the Palmyra oasis.

Animal world. The fauna of Syria is rather poor. Of the predators, one can name a panther, a jackal, a striped hyena. There are antelopes, gazelles, onagers (wild donkeys). Lots of reptiles and rodents.

Population and language

The country's population is approximately 13.5 million people: from 80% to 90% (according to various sources) are Arabs. There are about 100 thousand Bedouins. National minorities are represented by Kurds, Armenians, Turks and Circassians. The official language is Arabic (Syrian dialect). in Aleppo and others big cities they speak Armenian, in some villages east of the Euphrates they speak Turkish. In two or three villages, the language of the Bible, Aramaic, has been preserved to this day. The locals understand English language, older generation-French.

Religion

The dominant religion in Syria is Islam. Of the 82% of Muslims, Sunnis make up 68%, Shiites - 14%. Shiites are divided into several sects: Alawites (Nusayris) - 11.5%, Ismailis - 1.5%. About 3% are Druzes.

Brief historical outline

About 800 thousand years ago, primitive people came to Syria from Africa. About fifty ancient settlements have been excavated on the territory of Syria. Early Paleolithic objects were found in Sitt Marco, Ras Shamra and Latamna, and the oldest human remains of the Middle Paleolithic (Mesolithic) period were found in the caves of Dederia. English archaeologist Leonard Woolley in 1927-1928. excavated the city of Ur on the Euphrates, the legendary home of the forefather Abraham. The royal tombs he discovered gave a wealth of information about the life of the Sumerians, about their funeral rites. But the most striking discovery was that cultural layer with the remains of the tombs turned out to be an absolutely clean layer of clay about two and a half meters thick. The only possible conclusion was made: an unprecedented flood occurred in ancient Sumer. It is possible that a real flood, described in the “Tale of Gilgamesh” older than the Bible, found on clay cuneiform tablets, served as the basis for the biblical story of Flood. The lists of ancient kings and the texts of treaties and laws were deciphered on clay tablets. Archaeological excavations and deciphered texts proved: in the IV millennium BC. e. in the Euphrates valley and, in particular, in the territory of modern Syria, the tribes of the Canaanites (Amorites) lived. At the end of III - beginning of II millennium BC. e. early slave states emerged in the region.

In the XVI-XIV centuries. BC e. There were almost continuous wars in Syria. Syria was conquered in turn by the Egyptians, the Mitanni empire (which controlled Jezira), the Hittites, then the Arameans, by the 1st millennium BC. e. spread their influence over almost all Southwest Asia. The Hittites, whose empire was destroyed around 1200 BC. e., were forced out into Northern Syria and the valley of the Upper Euphrates and created there new Hittite kingdoms with centers in Aleppo, Karchemish, Hama, Arpad. At the beginning of the X century. BC e. on the territory of Syria, the Aramaic Damascus kingdom arose, from the VIII century. which was part of Assyria (from about the 9th century BC), then the Neo-Babylonian (in the 7th century BC), the ancient Persian kingdom of the Achaemenids (until 333 BC) and the Hellenistic state of the Seleucids. Another Aramaic kingdom, created in Ham, was also conquered by Assyria in the 9th century. In 333 BC. e. in Northern Syria, the troops of Alexander the Great defeated the huge army of the Persian king Darius III. After the death of the great commander, the empire was divided. The East went to the commander of Alexander Seleucus Nicator (the founder of the Seleucid dynasty). The Greeks founded the cities of Antioch, Alamea, Dura-Europos in Syria.

In 64 BC. e. The Romans crushed the Kingdom of Palmyra, which stretched from Egypt to Asia Minor and occupied a large part of modern Syria. Antioch became the capital of the new Roman province. IV-VII centuries. n. e. Syria was a prosperous province Byzantine Empire. IV-V centuries. Christian churches were built, new rich cities arose. In 532, Syria was invaded by the Persians, and after the war of the Byzantines and the Sassanid Persians in 603, in 611, the Persians again poured into the country, finally expelled from Syria in 627. When in 636 the Arabs defeated the Byzantines at Yarmuk, Damascus surrendered. In 639, Aleppo, Antioch and Latakia were captured, and then the whole country.

In 661, Mu'awiyah, the Arab governor of Syria and the founder of the Umayyad dynasty, seized power and moved the capital to Damascus. Until 750, Damascus remained the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate. It was during this period that the spread Arabic, most of the population converted to Islam and Islamic art was born. In 750, supporters of Abu al-Abbas, who laid the foundation for the Abbasid dynasty, overthrew the Umayyad dynasty. In 762, the capital of the Arab Caliphate was moved to Baghdad, and the role of Syria noticeably decreased. In 868 Ahmad ibn Tulun (founder of the Tulunid dynasty), the ruler of Egypt, conquered Syria. In 934, Damascus, like Egypt, passed into the hands of the Ikshid dynasty, who were soon expelled from northern Syria to the south of the country and Egypt by the Arab dynasty of the Hamdanids (later the Fatimids). Until 975, the Hamdanids also ruled in Aleppo, until they were expelled by the Byzantine emperor John I Tzimisces.

In the X-XI centuries. a significant part of the country was captured by the Seljuk Turks. XI-XIII centuries - era crusades. In 1097-1098. the crusaders besieged and took Antioch, and then founded the principality of Antioch - one of the many principalities and kingdoms (including Jerusalem), founded by the crusaders in the East. Since that time, fairly well-preserved castles and fortresses of the crusader knights have remained on the territory of Syria. The power of the crusaders was not stable. In 1173, Salah al-Din (known in Europe as Saladin) captured Damascus and united Egypt and Syria, ushering in the Ayyubid dynasty. In 1187, at the Battle of Hattin, he captured Jerusalem. Since 1265, the crusaders began to be ousted from the East. In 1268, Sultan Baybars captured Jaffa in Palestine and Antioch in Syria. In 1271, the fortress of the Crusaders fell, in 1285 - the fortress of Markaba, in 1303 - the island of Aruad - the last stronghold of the Crusaders in Syria.

From the 13th century until the beginning of the 16th century. Syria was ruled by the Egyptian Mamluks - the soldiers of the Egyptian sultans, recruited from slaves of Turkic origin, and in 1250 seized power in Egypt and ruled Egypt and Syria until the Turkish conquest in 1517. In 1400, Syria was invaded by the Mongols, in 1401 troops Tamerlane captured and burned Damascus, exterminated its inhabitants. In 1453, the Turks captured Constantinople, securing their victory over Byzantium and quickly conquering Southwest Asia. In 1516, under Selim I, the Turks captured Egypt and Syria, and until 1918 Syria was part of the Ottoman Empire (named after Osman, the creator of the emirate, and then the empire). The most significant events of this period: 1812. - uprising of the Janissaries, who managed to take Damascus and Aleppo; 1860 - the extermination of Christians in Damascus. During World War I, Turkey, and therefore the entire Ottoman Empire, was an ally of Germany. To expel the Turkish troops from the territory of Southwest Asia, Sheikh Faisal joined forces with the British and French troops. In 1917, Faisal entered Damascus, and in 1920 he founded an Arab kingdom.

After the defeat of Germany and its ally the Ottoman Empire in the First World War, the League of Nations in 1920 gave France a mandate to govern Syria. French rule was marked by numerous uprisings, the most powerful of which was the Druze uprising in 1925, which ended with the bombardment of Damascus captured by the rebels. In the summer of 1941, British, French and Jordanian troops entered Syria to overthrow the pro-fascist regime. As a result of a powerful national liberation movement, the French military authorities in November 1941 were forced to recognize the independence of Syria. In 1943, the first national government was formed, and on April 17, 1946, all foreign troops were withdrawn from the country. From 1945 to 1954, several coups d'état took place in Syria. General Zaim's coup took place after the first Arab-Israeli war in 1948 (which in Israel is called the War of Independence).

In February 1958, Syria and Egypt merged into the United Arab Republic (UAR), whose president was Egyptian President Nasser, but in 1962 Syria withdrew from the union and became an independent Syrian Arab Republic (SAR). The head of the republic is the president, the legislative power in the country belongs to the parliament. In 1963, the Ba'ath Party came to power, whose motto was "Unity-Freedom-Socialism". The subsequent period was marked by rapprochement with the Soviet Union, the nationalization of many sectors of industry. In 1967, during the Six Day War with Israel, Syria lost the Golan Heights. In 1970, General Hafez al-Assad, who had previously been Minister of Defense, came to power and united several political parties in the Progressive National Front. The rest of the parties were banned. In 1992, he was elected president for the fourth time for seven years, almost unanimously. The period of Assad's rule, which undoubtedly brought stability to the life of the country, was overshadowed by another Arab-Israeli war-War doomsday, which not only failed to return the Golan, but the Israeli army was 40 km from Damascus, and Syria suffered serious economic damage.

Brief economic essay

Syria is an agro-industrial country. Grain and leguminous, technical (cotton, sugar beet and cane, tobacco) crops are cultivated. Fruit growing, vegetable growing, viticulture, melon growing, olive groves. Extensive animal husbandry. Fishing. Extraction of oil, phosphates, salt. Textile and food industry. Chemical, leather and footwear, oil refineries. Handicrafts. Export of oil, oil products, cotton, agricultural products, textiles.

The monetary unit is the Syrian pound.

A Brief Outline of Culture

Art and architecture. In the context of the rise of the national liberation movement in Syria, a new art was born. Even the names of paintings by artists Farid Kardus "Awakening of the Arabs" and Nazem Jafari "Peoples welcome the unity of the Arabs" can judge its orientation. The first Syrian artists studied in Italy, France and Germany, since 1950 art exhibitions began to be held periodically in Damascus, and in 1956 the "Syrian Society of Art" was founded. The favorite subject of the realist Nazem Jafari was the urban landscape of Damascus. Genre artists Mahmud Jalal (Peasant Woman with a Straw Tray) and Nassir Shaur (Portraits of Peasant Women) created poetic and pure images of Syrian women. Naim Ismail in his work relies on the traditions of medieval miniatures, even in works on everyday topics ("Market", "Village Road", etc.). Some of the contemporary artists of Syria have also experienced a strong influence of Western European abstractionism.

Syria or Syrian Arab Republic- a state in the Middle East, in the eastern Mediterranean, bordering Lebanon and Israel in the southwest, Jordan in the south, Iraq in the east and Turkey in the north. It is washed by the Mediterranean Sea in the west. The area is 185.2 thousand km².

The Ansaria mountain range divides the country into a humid western part and an arid eastern part.

The fertile coastal plain is located in northwestern Syria and stretches for 130 km from north to south, along the Mediterranean coast from the Turkish to the Lebanese border. Almost all of the country's agriculture is concentrated here.

Most of the Syrian territory is located on an arid plateau dotted with the mountain ranges of Dajabl-ar-Ruwak, Jabal-Abu-Rujmayn and Jabal-Bishri. The average height of the plateau above sea level ranges from 200 to 700 meters. To the north of the mountains is the Hamad desert, to the south - Homs.

In the east, Syria is crossed by the Euphrates River. In 1973, a dam was built in the upper reaches of the river, which caused the formation of a reservoir called Asada Lake.

Climate

Climate in Syria subtropical Mediterranean on the coast and dry continental in the interior. The average temperature in January is from +4..+6°C in the eastern regions to +12°C on the coast, in July - from +33°C to +26°C, respectively. At the end of summer in Syria, the hot east wind "Khamsin" blows, sometimes developing into sandstorms.

The best time to travel around the country is in spring from March to May or in autumn from September to November, when the weather conditions are most favorable. The beach season lasts here from May to November.

Population

The population of Syria is 22,198,110 (2009). Most of the population is concentrated along the banks of the Euphrates and on the Mediterranean coast. The average life expectancy is 70 years.

Arabs (including about 400 thousand Palestinian refugees) make up more than 80% of the population of Syria.

The largest national minority - the Kurds, make up 10% of the population. Most Kurds live in the north of the country, many still use the Kurdish language. There are also Kurdish communities in all major cities.

3% of the population of Syria - Assyrians, mostly Christians, also live in the north and northeast of the country.

In addition, up to 400 thousand Circassians (Circassians) and about 200 thousand Armenians live in Syria, as well as about 900 thousand Turks live on the border with Turkey in the cities of Aleppo (Haleb), Latakia and in the capital.

Religion

90% of the population of Syria are Muslims, 10% are Christians.

Of the Muslims, 75% are Sunnis, the remaining 25% are Alawites and Ismailis, as well as Shiites, whose number has been constantly increasing since 2003 due to the flow of refugees from Iraq.

Among Christians, half are Syrian Orthodox, 18% are Catholics (mainly members of the Syrian Catholic and Melkite Catholic Churches). There are significant communities of the Armenian Apostolic and Russian Orthodox Churches.

About 100-200 Syrian Jews also live in Damascus and Lattakia, the remnants of a 40,000-strong community that almost completely fled to Israel, the United States and other countries. South America as a result of the pogroms of 1947, which began after the announcement of the UN plan for the division of Palestine.

Language

The official and most widely spoken language is Arabic. IN northern regions countries often use the Kurdish language. The most widely spoken languages ​​also include Armenian, Adyghe (Circassian) and Turkmen. In some areas there are various dialects of Aramaic.

Among foreign languages the most popular are French and English.

Currency

Monetary unit of Syria- The Syrian pound (SYP or S£), often referred to as the Syrian lira. Has denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 (coins) and 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 (banknotes).

It is almost impossible to pay with foreign currency anywhere. You can exchange it in hotels, exchange offices and banks, where the exchange rate is usually the most profitable. No commission is charged for cash exchange. Private currency exchange is officially prohibited, but in fact it is widespread. Reverse exchange of pounds is almost impossible.

Banks are usually open from 8:30 to 13:00-14:00 from Saturday to Thursday, on Thursdays banks are open only in the morning. Exchange offices are open from 8:30 to 19:00-20:00 on the same days.

Credit cards are accepted by a fairly limited range of establishments: they can be used to buy airline tickets, pay in large stores, in some offices of car rental companies and large hotels. It is almost impossible to get cash from a credit card in Syria.

Traveler's checks are accepted only at the office of the Commercial Bank of Syria, while a commission is charged for their cashing.

Communication and communications

Telephone code: 963

Internet domain: .sy

Tourist police - 222-00-00, police - 112, ambulance - 110

Phone codes of cities

Damascus - 11, Aleppo - 21, Latakia - 41, Hama - 33, Homs - 31

How to call

To call from Russia to Syria, you need to dial: 8 - beep - 10 - 963 - area code - subscriber number.

To call from Syria to Russia, you need to dial: 00 - 7 - area code - subscriber number.

Fixed line

Pay phones are located in all public places and work with both cards and coins. You can call abroad from hotels (through operators) and from specialized call centers (a call from most hotels is usually 25% more expensive).

mobile connection

Mobile communications in Syria are based on the GSM 900/1800 standard.

Internet

The Internet in Syria is subject to censorship, access to some sites, such as Facebook.com or Youtube.com is closed.

shopping

Shops are open from Saturday to Thursday from 9:30 to 14:00 and from 16:30 to 21:00. Many private shops operate on their own schedule. Many shopping is good in the markets, the best of which are in Damascus and Aleppo. In this case, of course, it is recommended to bargain.

In Syria, many valuable products of local artisans made of mother-of-pearl, wood, fabric, leather and silver are sold. Local souvenirs: spices, silver and gold jewelry, woodwork, silk scarves, national costumes, olive oil, sheepskins and sweets.

Unlike other countries, "duty free" shops in Syria are everywhere, not just at the airport. Any goods purchased in "duty free" must be taken out of the country and used only outside of it. The goods in the store are usually packaged, marked with the name of the buyer and delivered to the airport for the departure of the flight, where they are handed over to the buyer.

Sea and beaches

Numerous beaches stretch along the coast of Latakia. The swimming season in the local shallow, and therefore well warmed up waters, lasts from May to November. The beaches are sandy, comfortable, well suited for families with children: there are practically no big waves here.

Story

The history of Syrian civilization dates back at least to the fourth millennium BC. Archaeologists have proved that Syria was the cradle of most of the ancient civilizations of the world. Already in 2400-2500 BC. e. the huge Semitic empire with its center in Ebla stretched from the Red Sea to Transcaucasia.

Syria in its history fell under the dominion of the Egyptians, Canaanites, Arameans, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Armenians, Romans, Nabataeans, Byzantines, Arabs and Crusaders, before eventually falling under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Syria occupies an important place in the history of Christianity - according to the Bible, Paul adopted the Christian faith in Antioch, where the first church was founded.

Islam gained a foothold in Syria in 636 when Damascus became the capital of the Arab Caliphate under the Umayyads. At this time, the Caliphate was already a powerful state, stretching from Iberian Peninsula to Central Asia. Damascus became the cultural and economic center of the entire Arab world, already in the 8th century being one of the largest cities peace. In 750, the Umayyads were overthrown by the Abbasid dynasty, after which the capital of the Caliphate moved to Baghdad.

In the middle of the XIII century, Damascus became the provincial center of the Mamluk Empire. In 1400, Syria was attacked by the Tatar-Mongols. Tamerlane defeated the Mamluk detachments, destroyed Damascus and took all his wealth to Samarkand.

In 1517, Syria fell under the rule of the Ottoman Empire for several centuries. Shortly after the defeat in the First World War, the Ottoman Empire collapsed.

In 1920, the Syrian Arab Kingdom was founded with its center in Damascus. Faisal of the Hashemite dynasty, who later became the king of Iraq, was declared king. But the independence of Syria did not last long. A few months later, the French army occupied Syria, defeating the Syrian troops on July 23 at the Battle of the Maysalun Pass. In 1922, the League of Nations decided to divide the former Syrian dominion of Turkey between Britain and France. Great Britain received Jordan and Palestine, and France - the modern territory of Syria and Lebanon (the so-called "League of Nations mandate").

In 1936, a treaty was signed between Syria and France providing for the independence of Syria, but in 1939 France refused to ratify it. France itself was occupied in 1940 German troops, and Syria came under the control of the Vichy Regime (Governor - General Dentz). Nazi Germany, having provoked a rebellion by Prime Minister Geilani in British Iraq, sent units of its air force to Syria. In June - July 1941, with the support of British troops, the Free French unit (later renamed Fighting France), led by Generals De Gaulle and Catru, entered Syria during a bloody conflict with Dentz's troops. General De Gaulle, in his memoirs, directly pointed out that the events in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon were directly related to German plans on the invasion of the USSR (as well as Greece, Yugoslavia and Crete), as they had the task of diverting the armed forces of the allies to secondary theaters of military operations.

On September 27, 1941, France granted independence to Syria, leaving its troops on its territory until the end of World War II. On January 26, 1945, Syria declared war on Germany and Japan. In April 1946, French troops were evacuated from Syria.

Shukri al-Quwatli, who fought for the country's independence under the Ottoman Empire, became the president of independent Syria. In 1947, a parliament began to operate in Syria. The main political forces were the pro-presidential National Socialist Party of Syria (at the moment it operates only in Lebanon), the Arab Socialist Renaissance Party and the then underground Communist Party of Syria.

In 1948, the Syrian army took a limited part in the Arab-Israeli war launched by an alliance of Arab states.

March 15, 1956 between Syria, Egypt and Saudi Arabia was signed an agreement on collective security against possible Israeli aggression.

On February 22, 1958, in the wake of the popularity of the pan-Arab movement, Syria and Egypt united into one state - the United Arab Republic with its center in Cairo. Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser became the president of the new state, but the Syrians also held many important posts. However, Nasser soon dissolved all Syrian political parties. Large-scale nationalization begins in Syria Agriculture and then industry and the banking sector. On September 28, 1961, a coup d'état took place in Damascus under the leadership of a group of officers, Syria again declared independence. Nasser decided not to resist the separatists, so the UAR lasted only 3 and a half years.

After the withdrawal of Syria from the confederation, the country was headed by liberal Nazim Al-Qudsi. He returned many nationalized enterprises to their former owners. On March 28, 1962, a coup again took place in the country under the leadership of the same group of army officers. Al-Qudsi and his prime minister were arrested. After 5 days, supporters of the former regime overthrew the interim government, and Al-Qudsi again became the president of the country.

On March 8, 1963, a military coup again took place in Syria, as a result of which the Arab Socialist Renaissance Party (PASV), sometimes called the Baath (ar. "revival"), came to power.

In 1964 a new constitution was adopted, which fixed the leading role of the PASV. The country was headed by Amin Hafez, who launched radical socialist reforms. In particular, the nationalization of the main sectors of the economy was again carried out.

On February 23, 1966, Syria was shaken by the fifth coup in 4 years, led by Salah Jedid and Hafez al-Assad. Amin Hafez was overthrown, but the PASV remained in power, and the socialist path of Syria's development remained largely unchanged.

In November 1970, as a result of the "corrective movement" in the PASP, which was headed by H. al-Assad, Saleh Jadid's group was removed from power. Thus, Syria became the main ally Soviet Union in the Middle East. The USSR provided Syria with assistance in modernizing the economy and the armed forces.

In 1967, during the Six Day War, the Golan Heights were occupied by Israel. In 1973, in the Yom Kippur War, Syria unsuccessfully tried to reclaim them. By decision of the UN Security Council, at the end of the 1973 war, a buffer zone was created separating Israel and Syria. At the moment, the Golan Heights are controlled by Israel, but Syria is demanding their return.

In 1976, at the request of the Lebanese government, Syrian troops entered the country to stop the civil war. The war ended in 1990, when a government was established in Lebanon that maintains friendly relations with Syria. Syrian troops left Lebanon only in 2005 after the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Syria supported Iran in the Iran-Iraq war of 1980-1988.

After the death of Hafez al-Assad on June 10, 2000, who had led the country for almost 30 years, his son Bashar al-Assad became president.

According to some reports, during the Israeli-Lebanese war in 2006, Syria supplied weapons to Hezbollah. With this, in particular, the still strained relations of Syria with some Western countries are connected.

golan heights

The territory of the Golan Heights makes up the Syrian province of Quneitra, with its center in the city of the same name. Israeli troops captured the Golan Heights in 1967, and until 1981 the region was under the control of the Israel Defense Forces. In 1974, the UN Emergency Forces were introduced into the region. Directly along the eastern border of the province of Quneitra, a demarcation line was drawn and a demilitarized zone was created. The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force is based in the area.

In 1981, the Israeli Knesset passed the "Golan Heights Law", which unilaterally proclaimed Israeli sovereignty over the territory. The annexation was invalidated by the UN Security Council Resolution of 17 December 1981 and condemned by the UN General Assembly in 2008.

The center of the Israeli Golan was the city of Katzrin. The majority of the non-Jewish population in the Golan are Druze who retain Syrian citizenship (they are granted the right to acquire Israeli citizenship). In Syria, they enjoy some privileges, in particular, they are guaranteed free higher education.

In 2005, the population of the Golan Heights was approximately 40 thousand people, including 20 thousand Druze, 19 thousand Jews and about 2 thousand Alawites. largest locality in the area - the Druze village of Majdal Shams (8800 people). Initially, only UNDOF personnel had the right to move freely between Syria and Israel. But in 1988, the Israeli authorities allowed Druze pilgrims to cross into Syria so that they could visit the temple of Abel, located in the neighboring province of Dara. Also, since 1967, Druze brides who decide to marry a Syrian are allowed to move to the Syrian side, moreover, they already lose their right to return.

Syria and Israel are de jure at war, as a peace treaty between these countries has not been signed so far.

In August 2007, for the first time since 1967, Israel began to phase out its military presence in the Golan.

The name Syria comes from the ancient Greek name of the colonies of Assyria, formed from the Semitic word "Sirion". The area on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea south of Cilicia, between Egypt and Mesopotamia, including Commagene, Sophene and Adiabene, is described by Pliny the Elder as "former Assyria." By the time Pliny completed his main work, Natural History, this region was divided by the Roman Empire into several provinces: Judea (later Palestine, modern Israel, the PNA and part of Jordan), Phoenicia (modern Lebanon), Mesopotamia and Hola Syria.

Entry to Syria will be denied to Israeli citizens and travelers with any proof of visiting Israel (including those with stamps in their passports that tourists put in their passports when crossing the land borders of Egypt (Jordan) and Israel). If you have an Israeli stamp in your passport - you need to get a new passport or choose another country for travel.

The best time to travel around the country is in spring from March to May or in autumn from September to November, when the weather conditions are most favorable. The beach season lasts here from May to November.

Hospitality is one of the most important Syrian traditions. Such an invitation should not be refused so as not to offend the owner - in most cases, such invitations are made with all their heart. It is considered impolite to refuse an offer of coffee.

Women traveling alone may receive too much attention from Syrian men. However, this attention is usually limited to looks or feeble attempts to engage in conversation.

Syrians, like all Arabs, eat with their right hand. It is considered appropriate to take food from a dish with your hand or pick up sauce from a plate with a flat cake. It is not customary to eat standing up or on the go, as well as to look into the face of a person busy eating. Bread is usually broken by hand. You should also take food, money and things with your right hand.

During the handshake, you should not look into the eyes of the interlocutor, and you should not keep your other hand in your pocket or wave it vigorously in the air (especially with a cigarette). You can not bypass the worshipers in front. Shoes should be removed when entering mosques and houses.

Photograph government agencies, palaces, military and transport facilities are prohibited. In Christian churches, you must ask permission before shooting (usually there are no objections). But in mosques it makes no sense to even ask: you can’t take pictures there. Also, do not take pictures of local women without permission. Documents (and even better - their photocopies) should always be carried with you.

In addition, while in Syria, do not forget about the hot climate and the active sun: you need to use sunscreen, drink more fluids and protect your eyes with sunglasses.

Local tap water is usually chlorinated and relatively safe to drink, but it is still best to drink bottled water.

The Koran forbids the use of alcohol, but in Syria this issue is practically not raised. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased at any store, restaurant or bar, but you should not drink them in front of everyone. Restrictions on the sale of alcohol are introduced during Ramadan.

Since the fall of 2009, a ban on smoking in public places has been in effect in Syria. Smokers caught with a cigarette or pipe in cafes, bars and restaurants now face a fine of 2,000 Syrian pounds ($46). The ban also applies to smoking hookah. The owners of establishments on whose territory violators are caught will also be fined, and in some cases even prosecuted. In addition, a number of restrictions on advertising of tobacco products have been introduced.

The country, although a socialist leaven, is Muslim, so you need to dress appropriately. Clothing should be modest. In Damascus and in the cities near the coast, they still look at this through their fingers, but in the conservative cities of the center of the country, and even more so in the outback, they treat inappropriate outfits with obvious hostility. And in Hama, they can throw stones at all. No tight clothes! Women should cover their arms and legs. Men will have to give up shorts and sleeveless T-shirts.

It is best to avoid political conversations with "locals" to avoid possible problems. Problems may arise, first of all, just among the "locals" - since there are a lot of policemen in civilian clothes and also informers (informers) around.

In any major city in Syria there is a Tourist information center where you can get all kinds of information and free maps of the country and its individual parts. In Damascus, Tourist Information is located opposite the Russian Cultural Center, on 29 May Street, the city's main street. In Aleppo Tourist information center you will find near the Central Bank, on the edge of Alrais platz.

How to get to Syria

Attention! Currently, almost all international air and railway communications with Syria have been suspended due to a protracted civil war in this country.

By plane

There are direct regular flights between Russia and Syria. Moscow and Damascus are connected by regular flights of Aeroflot (on Thursdays and Sundays from Sheremetyevo-2) and Syrian Airlines (on Tuesdays and Saturdays from Vnukovo). Flight time is about 3.5 hours.

Many European air carriers also fly to Syria.

Flights to Damascus from Almaty, Kyiv and Minsk are operated by Turkish Airlines.

By train

Weekly trains run from Aleppo to Istanbul (Turkey), from Damascus to Baghdad (Iraq) and Tehran (Iran) - via Aleppo, as well as to Amman (Jordan). The fare to Istanbul and Tehran varies from $45 to $70 one way in the car the highest category. The fare to Jordan is about $5.

At the same time, traveling to Amman by train can only be recommended to fans of rail travel who have a significant supply of free time. We are talking about the ancient narrow-gauge line (Hijaz Railway), built by the Turks. average speed train movement is 30 km/h, thus, the distance between the two capitals (300 km) is covered all daylight hours with a transfer in the border town of Daraa (trains depart from Damascus at 8 am and arrive at their destination at 22:00).

The Dara - Amman train departs once a week on Saturdays at 18.00. The fare by train is slightly lower than by bus (train - $5, bus - about $7-8), and the time spent on the bus is half as much. However, in cities such as Istanbul and Tehran, it is best to follow the train.

By bus

Damascus and Aleppo have good bus links with neighboring states.

Buses run from Aleppo to Turkish Hatay (Antakya) and Istanbul, as well as to Beirut, Cairo and Baghdad. From Damascus you can get by bus and fixed-route taxi to Beirut, Jordanian Amman with Irbid and Iraqi Baghdad. The fare in border transport from Damascus is: Beirut (up to 20 times a day) - $ 8-10 on a fixed-route taxi and $ 4-5 on a bus, Amman (10-15 times a day) - $ 10 on a fixed-route taxi and $ 8 on a bus.

In addition, there are fixed-route taxis from Damascus and Aleppo to major cities of neighboring states: Tripoli (Lebanon), Irbid (Jordan), Antakya (Turkey) and many others.

Airport tax for departure from Syrian airports - 32 USD (1500 SYP). Since the summer of 2009, some airlines began to include this tax in the ticket price.

When leaving (land and sea borders) from Syria, a fee of 12 USD (550 SYP) will be charged.