Maqam Sayyida Ruqayya, Damascus: History, Tradition and the Scholarly Debate
The Maqam of Sayyida Ruqayya is one of Old Damascus's most visited shrines. What tradition holds, what history can confirm and why it is…
The Journal
Deepen Your Connection to Sacred History
Explore the stories, architecture and scholarly legacies of Syria. Written to help you experience every sanctuary with clarity and reverence.
Where to Eat in Old Damascus: A Guide to Damascene Food Culture
Classic Damascene food and the historic eateries near the Umayyad Mosque, from Bakdash's booza to the etiquette of a Damascene table.
Sayyida Zainab Shrine Near Damascus: History and Significance
The shrine of Sayyida Zainab (RA), granddaughter of the Prophet ﷺ, sits south of Damascus. Her role after Karbala, the shrine's history, what is…
Takiyya al-Sulaimaniyya, Damascus: The Ottoman Mosque Built for Hajj Pilgrims
Takiyya al-Sulaimaniyya was built by Suleiman the Magnificent to house pilgrims bound for Mecca. Its history, architecture and place on the Hajj route.
Al-Zahiriyya Library, Damascus: The Mausoleum and Manuscripts of Sultan Baybars
Al-Zahiriyya in Damascus holds the tomb of Sultan Baybars and was once Syria's national library. Its history, its manuscripts and its madrasa of hadith.
Bimaristan al-Nuri, Damascus: The Medieval Hospital Behind Islamic Medicine
Al-Bimaristan al-Nuri in Damascus trained Ibn al-Nafis and stood among the great teaching hospitals of the medieval Islamic world. Now a museum.
Maqam of Shaykh Khalid al-Naqshbandi, Damascus
A short guide to Shaykh Khalid al-Naqshbandi, founder of the Khalidiyya branch of the Naqshbandi Sufi order and his maqam in Damascus.
Imam al-Nawawi: A Visit to His Hometown of Nawa, Near Damascus
Imam al-Nawawi, author of Riyadh al-Saliheen and the Forty Hadith, was born and buried in Nawa, south of Damascus. His life, his works, his…
Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque, Homs: The Resting Place of a Great Companion
The Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque in Homs holds the tomb of one of the Prophet's ﷺ great companions and commanders. Its history and its…