Damascus, April 5 (SANA) – The Ministry of Culture organized a “Sports and Heritage” walk on Sunday to commemorate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. The event brought together dozens of participants of various ages for a guided tour of Damascus’s most iconic historical landmarks, blending physical activity with cultural exploration.
Led by Minister of Culture Mohammad Yassin al-Saleh, the walk commenced at the National Museum of Damascus. Participants toured the museum’s various wings and viewed an exhibition by artist Bashir Bashir, while receiving historical briefings on the artifacts spanning multiple civilizations documented across five major sections.
The route continued through Al-Marjeh Square to the Citadel of Damascus. Project Manager Eng. Ahd Diab briefed the delegation on the citadel’s history, noting its construction began in 1076 during the Seljuk era and was later fortified during the Zangid and Ayyubid periods to repel Crusader campaigns.
Moving through the Al-Hamidiyah Souq, the participants visited the Umayyad Mosque. Officials highlighted the mosque’s role as a symbol of religious harmony and civilizational depth since its establishment by Umayyad Caliph Al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik in 705 AD. It was noted that the site remains a cornerstone of Syrian national memory, having witnessed the early sparks of the popular movement against the deposed regime.
The tour concluded at the 350-year-old Azem Palace. Built by the Governor of Damascus, As’ad Pasha al-Azem, the palace stands as a premier example of Islamic architecture, featuring traditional Damascene decorative halls and sections such as the “Haremlek” and “Salamlek.”
Minister al-Saleh stated that the initiative aims to promote societal recovery by fostering physical and intellectual well-being while highlighting Syria’s rich civilizational legacy. He emphasized that the Umayyad Mosque serves as a witness to Syrian unity, noting that the crimes of the deposed regime spared neither mosques nor churches in its targeting of the Syrian people.
Participants, including families and children, praised the experience for strengthening their connection to national identity. They suggested expanding such initiatives to include lesser-known historical sites to further raise awareness among the public and the displaced returning to their cities.
The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, established by the United Nations in 2013, is observed annually on April 6 to recognize the role of sports in promoting human rights, tolerance, and international cooperation.
Kh.A
