I.

Introduction

Damascus or Dimashq, capital and chief city of Syria, in south-western Syria on the Barada River, near the Anti-Lebanon Mountains, about 80 km (50 mi) from Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon. The greater part of Damascus, including the rectangular ancient city, is on the south bank of the Barada; modern suburbs extend from the north bank. Population 2,270,000 (1999 estimate).