Al-Hamidiyah Souq, Ottoman market in Ancient City of Damascus, Syria.
Al-Hamidiyah Souq is a covered market extending 600 meters through the center of the Ancient City of Damascus, with metal arches rising 10 meters high. The corridor connects Al-Thawra Street to the Umayyad Mosque plaza, guiding visitors through rows of shops and stalls on both sides.
The market was built in 1780 during Ottoman times, following the course of a Roman street that once led to the Temple of Jupiter. Over the centuries, the covered passage served as a major trade route, witnessing different rulers and structural changes.
Families run small shops that trade Damascus fabrics, ground spices, and handcrafted goods, following commercial customs passed down through generations. Shopkeepers pause their work during prayer times, adapting their routines to the rhythm of the nearby mosque.
The corridor runs straight from the street to the mosque plaza, offering a shaded route through the Ancient City that works well on hot days. Visitors can browse shops while navigating through the center, without leaving the cover of the market.
The metal roof shows small holes from past conflicts, through which sunlight enters and creates moving patterns of light on the floor below. These openings also serve for ventilation, allowing air to flow through the long corridor.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
