Sanjakdar Quarter… The Heart of Damascus

Sanjakdar is a Turkish name composed of two swords: Sanjak means an administrative district and subdivision of a vilayet (in the Ottoman Empire). Dar: means house or building.  

Some say that Sanjakdar Quarter is the heart of Damascus. It embraces «al Marjeh Square», which includes a number of ancient Damascene markets, some of which date back to hundreds of years.

Its ancient monuments changed after the huge fire had taken place in 1928. It changed a lot today, so it is difficult to define its features. It was the place where cinemas are gathered in the early years of the French occupation of Damascus.

Even though it has been one of the most important districts of Damascus, many of today’s youth do not know the limits of «Al-Sanjakdar Quarter».The limits of this quarter begins south of Al-Sanjakdar Mosque down with the main road connecting to al- Thoura Bridge till al- Shamiya mosque north. It also includes al -Marjeh Square, Al- Qaramani Market, Al -Atique Market and Al Hal Old Market in the west through to the beginning of the Al-Sroujyeh Market east.

Al-Sanjakdar Quarter has been a commercial market. It contains a lot of shops specializing in selling Damascene sweets and dried fruits, as well as hotels, cafes, restaurants and cinemas. The tram line also was passing through it going to al -Midan area (the biggest quarter in Damascus).
displays
In 1928, the southern part of adjacent to Al –Tebn (hay) Market exposed to a large fire caused by the outbreak of a fire from «Cinema Al -Nasr», located at the corner of «Al –Nasiri Quarter», where this place included a number of the cinemas, The flame extended to the neighboring shops, wooden houses and restaurants and a part of the Zahret Damascus Cinema burnt. 

After the fire, Al- Sanjakdar Quarter was re- organized and its features changed, new quarters were opened and new names were given.

Sh. Kh.