Bosra Al Sham

This is the town where I came from:

An extraordinary town

Mentioned in the list of Tutmose III and in the letters of Al Amarna (in the archives of the Pharaoh Ahkhenaton, 1334 BC), Bosra, also referred to in the Bible, became one of the leading Nabatean cities (1st century) before being made the capital of the Province of Arabia by its Roman conquerors (106 AD). As a crossroads on the caravan routes and residence of the Imperial Legate, the city flourished and many fine buildings were erected. It still continued to expand and flourish after the decline of the Roman Empire. As the seat of an archbishop, Bosra played an important role in the history of early Christianity - as well as having links with the beginnings of Islam. According to tradition, the uncle of Muhammad greatly enjoyed his conversation here with a Nestorian monk named Bahira, who is said to have predicated the prophetic vocation of his nephew.

The Roman Amphithiatre in Bosra  seats fifteen thousands spectators.

Bosra was the first city in Syria to become Muslim. Her square minarets are no doubt the oldest, still standing, in whole of Islam. The significance of the city as an important halt on the way to Macca, and the prosperity that this brought, lasted until the 17th century. By then the region was becoming unsafe and the pilgrims began to take a less dangerous route further west.

Bosra is simply where Rome, Bizantium and Islam meet. It is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Syria, where an international festival is organized every summer and many countries participate in it.

Bosra Al Sham Hotel. ***** stars.