HAMA
- City Information
Hama (Hamath), situated between Homs and Aleppo on the banks of the Orontes river,
is an important agricultural and industrial center. Except for Damascus, Hama
is considered the most picturesque city in Syria and one may wish to take time
to relax in the attractive gardens along the river banks.
The chief attraction of Hama are the great norias (water-wheels). Originating
in Byzantine times, the oldest surviving wheels date from the 13th century. The
norias, which all have given names, were used to raise water from the river into
aqueducts. As this function is now carried out by electric pumps, the purpose
of the wheels today is purely decorative and of historical interest.
Hama's Museum, housed in Beit al-Azem (the Azem Mansion) is a splendid example
of 18th century Ottoman architecture. There are lovely courtyards with central
fountains, mosaics, richly decorated wood ceilings and paneled walls, marble floors
and wax models of various aspects of Syrian life in bygone days illustrating the
sumptuousness of a Pasha's life.
There are numerous mosques and Greek Orthodox churches worth a visit, as well
as the aqueducts and, of course, the Citadel (qala'at Hama) once the site of an
11th century BC royal palace and later a Muslim fortress.
About 50km west of Hama, the great city of Apamea -- one of the three great cities
of the post -Alexandrian Empire -- was the prosperous Seleucid capital situated
in the midst of a thriving agricultural region. Surrounded by farmland, it was
the most important military center of the Helenicised Asia Minor. A full-day visit
is highly recommended.
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