Old Damascus Houses
Damascus has many historic houses with beautiful open courtyards
Centuries old, many historic houses in Damascus are still occupied to this day! One of the most prominent features of such houses is the central open courtyard, with a water fountain, seating for the family and guests, and usually an alcove where residents can entertain guests and cool off in the summer.
Check out this images of historic houses in Damascus!
Mahmoud Zein Alabidin writes:
Courtyard housing is an architectural device with a long history first appearing in the buildings of Syria and Iraq three millennia ago. Arab nomads first made use of the concept of a courtyard during their travels and stay in the desert. They set up their tents around a central space, which provided shelter and security to their cattle. With the development of Arab-Islamic architecture, the courtyard became an essential typological element.
Learn more about the history and architecture of Damascus courtyard houses here. Also, please take a moment to donate $10 to help make Syria Fest a reality!
