Spices of Damascus
One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a spice souk, Souq al-Bzouriyeh, inside its old walls.
Traded and grown here
Best time: March to May, and September to November, subject to conditions.
Damascus has been a trading city since antiquity. Souq al-Hamidiyya, the great covered market, leads to the Umayyad Mosque, and the Bzouriyeh souk to the east is known for spices, herbs, nuts and sweets.
Spices and trade
Damascene shops sell seven-spice mix, cinnamon, allspice, cumin, mahleb, cardamom and dried herbs. Syrian cooking uses these in stews, kibbeh and rice dishes, and in sweets flavoured with rose water and orange blossom.
The place and its people
The city has Muslim and Christian communities, and its food mixes Levantine and Ottoman traditions. Ice cream with mastic is a local specialty.
Visiting
Check current travel advice before any trip. The old city and Umayyad Mosque are the great landmarks.
A trail idea for Damascus
- Souq al-Hamidiyya Walk the covered market.
- Souq al-Bzouriyeh Look for spices and sweets.
- Umayyad Mosque Visit the great mosque.
- A sweets shop Taste baklava and mastic ice cream.
Written by the EveryMasala desk with AI assistance. Background: "Damascus" on Wikipedia. Opening hours, markets and tours change; check locally before travelling. If something is wrong, tell us.
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