II.

Economy

Damascus has long been an important commercial centre. In former times it was famous for dried fruit, wine, wool, linens, and silks. Damask, a type of patterned cloth, gets its name from the silk fabrics woven in Damascus. The city was notable also for the manufacture and export of damascened steel sword blades, which were exceptionally hard and resilient. Today the city is the trading centre for figs, almonds, and other fruit grown in the surrounding region. Industries in Damascus include crafts such as the weaving of silk cloth and the making of leather goods, filigreed gold and silver objects, mother-of-pearl mosaics, and inlaid wooden, copper, and brass articles. Among the city's other manufactures are processed food, clothing, and printed material.