Damascene Tourism : New Apparel in Antique Look

Whereas people used to spend their summer time in outdoor resorts and restaurants which punctuate the town everywhere, domestic tourism emerged to amalgamate the glorious old history with modernism. 

Tourism in the past was limited to visiting old popular quarters, mosques, shrines, narrow alleys and houses nestled among citrus trees. 

Ancient Damascene popular cafes used to accommodate  a small tray, three cups of coffee and a cup of water. These cafes were limited a few years ago to a number of unemployed people who dawdle away their leisure time playing cards, backgammon, drinking coffee, tea and smoking the hubble-bubble.

 It was also as a shelter away from noisy and nagging wives. These ordinary people have become the frequent visitors to these old cafes where the young, elderly, men and women meet each other without discrimination.

 Under the limelight a storyteller comes later in the cafe, who reflects the immaculate old cultural tradition who used to talk chivalry, and magnanimousness about Antara’s story and other folk tales depicting generosity. 

In spite of the fading of storyteller phenomenon, due to the availability of television and the media, some owners of old Damascene mansions refurbished their old houses to maintain the traditional look in harmony with the ancient Damascene portrait to preserve its uniqueness, by remodeling these treasures into cafes and restaurants serving a smorgasbord of foul and beverage in addition to offering the hubble-bubble. 

Concerts and singers added to these Damascene restaurants a new gesture from all over the world. People come to enjoy their days in Syria sightseeing and visiting these types of restaurants which combine historical features with touches of the modern era.

Where people used to listen attentively to oriental singers accompanied by tambourines and the lute jingling through the evening hours.

The Damascene houses which have become a place for entertainment, are considered as tourist attraction for foreigners and Arabs alike.

F. al-Taleb

E & T : H.SH