Al-Hamidiyah Souq is one of the most famous markets in Damascus in Syria, and the most important and most famous market in the East at all, and the most beautiful and elegant. Historians described it as a spacious and magnificent building, and described it as an industrial commercial city in the heart of Old Damascus. Researchers described it as the jewel of the markets and the most beautiful, and it is completely covered with a roof Iron is full of small holes through which the sun penetrates during the day and is paved with stone - black basalt - and is a meeting place for visitors and tourists from all parts of the world.
Al-Hamidiyah Souq begins at the end of Al-Nasr Street with Al-Thawra Street in the Darwishiyah area. Many such as - Soroujia Market - Al-Buzouriya Market - Al-Sagha Market - Al-Manakhliya Market - Al-Asrounia Market - Silk Market - Brides Market - Al-Qabaqibiya Market - Tailors Market and others. The Hamidiya market ends at the gate of the Damascene Jupiter Temple and its towering columns, and from it to the square in front of the Umayyad Mosque in the heart of the old city.
- History of Al-Hamidiyah Souq:
The market was built in its current form during the reign of Sultan Abdul Hamid I in 1780 AD and took its name Al-Hamidiyah from the days of that Ottoman Sultan. Al-Hamidiyah is famous for its ancient history. Visiting the East is not complete without visiting the most famous traditional markets in the East, Al-Hamidiyah Market. Travelers mentioned it frequently in their visits to Syria and the East. All types of goods of every type and color are sold in the market, the most important of which are heritage industries such as copper, arabesque, shells, fabrics of all kinds, silk and cotton, embroideries, Syrian heritage industries, all kinds of ready-made clothes, adornment tools, shoes, brocade, furniture, carpets, gold, antiques, gifts and antiques.
On April 27, 1912, a major fire occurred that destroyed most of the shops of the Hamidiya market. The fire spread quickly because of the wooden ceiling that covered the market. The fire led to the death and injury of dozens, and losses estimated at ten million dollars. After that, it was decided to replace the roof with another roof in Al-Hamidiyah and other markets in Damascus to avoid the danger of burning.
- Al-Hamidiyah Souq Landmarks :
Al-Hamidiyah Souq extends to one of its branches called Souk (Al-Muskiya), which is a market for books and stationery, until it reaches the columns (Temple of Jupiter of Damascus), which are remnants of a pagan temple built in the days of the Greeks, from which its huge, beautiful alabaster marble columns remain...and decorated with ornate marble cups and an ancient gate. Which connects to a courtyard believed to have been a courtyard of the aforementioned temple, so that the visitor finds himself in front of the main gate of the Great Umayyad Mosque.