Al-Midan

Midan-Jezmatiyeh Street

Al-Midan (Arabic: حي الميدان‎) is a neighbourhood located in Damascus, Syria, just south of the old walled city of Damascus very near the modern city centre. Its streets and alleys are full of heritage and history due to the age of the neighbourhood. Throughout history, its people fought alongside their brothers from other neighbourhoods to protect Damascus. Also, there are many great Damascene scholars who were born here. Today, the neighbourhood is best known for being the most conservative one in Damascus.

Etymology

The name Midan is derived from Midan Al Hassa (Arabic: ميدان الحصى‎) or the field of gravel. The neighbourhood was located between two subBarada streams and when it rained heavily, the land gravel deposits filled the streams and consequently, the neighbourhood.^[1]

History

Al-Midan started during the Mamluk rule over Damascus. It took its final form about 400 years ago during the Ottoman empire and has not experienced any major changes since. It is considered the Southern Gate of Damascus and was created as a trading center by the people of Damascus for them to be closer to the people of Horan and to improve trade and economic relations between them.

During the French occupation, the people of this neighborhood fought fiercely for their freedom. It was and still is (compared to other neighbourhoods in Damascus), very conservative. The people of Midan revolted aggressively against the French and thus suffered heavy bombing during the Syrian Revolt of 1925-1927.^[2]

Midani Sweets

Midan cuisine and sweets

Midan is known throughout Syria and the surrounding countries for the delicious sweets it offers. Hundreds of years of cooking and making the best foods and sweets have made this neighbourhood extremely famous. In fact, some of the stores that are based in this neighbourhood are now worldwide and are loved by everyone Some examples of these stores are Daoud Brothers Sweets and Abu Haidar Sweets. Some of the sweets for which Midan is famous for Baklava, Barazek, Knafah, Namorah.

See also

• January 2012 al-Midan bombing

References

1. ^ http://www.discover-syria.com/bank/162
2. ^ http://www.syrianhistory.com/content/conservative-al-midan-neighborhood-damascus-1920s