Damascus, April 18 (SANA) Marking World Heritage Day, Damascus University organized a heritage-themed marathon through the historic center the Old City on Saturday, in an effort to draw attention to the country’s cultural legacy and its potential role in future tourism and recovery.
The event, led by the university’s Faculty of Tourism in coordination with the Ministries of Tourism and Culture, carried the slogan “Syrian Heritage: A Gateway to Tourism and Peace.”
Participants traced a route beginning at the National Museum of Damascus, moving through the narrow streets of Old Damascus and passing major landmarks including the Umayyad Mosque and Azem Palace, before concluding at the House of Saint Ananias.
Organizers said the marathon was designed not just as a sporting event but as a public showcase of Syria’s rich archaeological and cultural heritage. Students specializing in tourism accompanied visitors along the route, offering historical context and insights into the significance of the sites.
Officials framed the initiative as part of broader efforts to revive interest in Syria’s tourism sector and reinforce the image of Damascus as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
The old city has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a status organizers highlighted as central to the event’s message.
World Heritage Day is observed globally each year to promote the preservation of cultural and natural heritage, a theme echoed by participants and officials throughout the day’s activities.
Kh.A / Abd.Rah
