
Weird & Unusual Attractions in Ḩamāh, Ḩamāh, Syria
1. Iron Wooden Mosque (Hama)
A mosque built entirely of ironwood trees in the early 20th century, showcasing unique woodworking skills and resistance against termites.
- Ironwood Resistance: Mosque stands for over a century with no termite damage due to the durability of ironwood.
- Woodworking Skills: Incredible craftsmanship showcasing the mastery of local woodworkers.
- Religious Significance: A place of worship and historical significance for the community.
2. The Crocodile City (Al-Bassel)
An abandoned city turned crocodile sanctuary with over 200 crocodiles living in the canal system.
- Crocodile Sanctuary: Provides protection and shelter for endangered crocodiles.
- Historical Site: Offers a unique blend of history and wildlife conservation.
- Unique Photography Opportunities: Allows visitors to take extraordinary photos with the crocodiles.
3. The Whirling Dervishes Show (Hama)
A unique performance by Sufi dancers based on the Mevlana tradition, featuring music and spinning dance moves.
- Cultural Experience: Offers a rare glimpse into the rich Sufi culture.
- Spinning Dance Performance: Features hypnotic and mesmerizing spinning dance moves.
- Spiritual Significance: Symbolizes the Sufis' spiritual ascent to God.
4. The Hanging Churches (Masyaf)
A group of three churches built on top of each other, each one hanging from the one below.
- Architectural Marvel: Showcases an exceptional example of stacked architecture.
- Religious History: Holds significant historical and religious importance for the community.
- Scenic Views: Offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
5. The Desert Castle (Qalaat al-Madiq)
A unique blend of Byzantine and Umayyad architectural styles in a desert oasis, featuring intricate carvings and beautiful frescoes.
- Archaeological Site: Provides insights into ancient cultures and civilizations.
- Artistic Beauty: Features exquisite carvings and frescoes showcasing exceptional artistic skills.
- Oasis Experience: Offers a chance to experience the serene beauty of a desert oasis.
6. The Syrian Textile Museum (Hama)
A museum dedicated to traditional Syrian textiles and weaving techniques, displaying a vast collection of ancient fabrics.
- Cultural Preservation: Promotes the preservation of Syrian cultural heritage.
- Historical Textiles: Displays a wide variety of ancient textiles and weaving techniques.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational workshops and demonstrations on traditional textile making.
7. The Sufi Necropolis (Al-Salihiyah)
An ancient necropolis dedicated to Sufi saints and dervishes, featuring thousands of tombs, mosques, and shrines.
- Historical Necropolis: Offers a unique glimpse into the history and traditions of Sufism.
- Architectural Wonders: Features stunning architecture and intricate design elements.
- Spiritual Pilgrimage: Serves as a spiritual destination for Sufi devotees and visitors alike.
8. The Hama Underground City (Hama)
A vast network of underground tunnels dating back to the Roman period, providing shelter and defense against invasions.
- Historical Defense Mechanism: Showcases an ancient defense mechanism used during times of war.
- Archaeological Site: Provides insights into the history and culture of the region.
- Tourist Attraction: Serves as a popular tourist destination, offering an underground exploration experience.
9. The Hama Twin Arches Bridge (Hama)
An ancient bridge with two arches standing side by side, showcasing remarkable engineering skills.
- Engineering Marvel: Showcases the ingenuity and skill of ancient engineers.
- Historical Significance: Holds significant historical importance for the region.
- Scenic Views: Offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
10. The Deserted City of Apamea (Apamea)
An ancient Greco-Roman city, now abandoned and in ruins, featuring impressive columns, baths, and theaters.
- Archaeological Site: Provides insights into the history and culture of ancient Greece and Rome.
- Historical Ruins: Features impressive columns, baths, and theaters showcasing the grandeur of ancient cities.
- Nature Integration: Blends seamlessly with the surrounding desert landscapes, offering a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
11. The Fish Ladder (Hama)
A unique structure used to help fish swim upstream during the dry season by creating a series of steps.
- Fish Conservation: Supports the survival and migration of fish populations.
- Historical Significance: Serves as a reminder of traditional irrigation methods used in Hama.
- Cultural Experience: Provides an opportunity to learn about local culture and traditions.
12. The Nour al-Deen Castle (Saladin Castle)
A medieval castle built by Saladin during the Crusades, featuring stunning architecture and historical significance.
- Historical Landmark: Offers insights into the history of the Crusades and the Middle East.
- Architectural Marvel: Showcases stunning architecture and design elements.
- Scenic Views: Offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
13. The Al-Khalidiya Garden (Hama)
An ancient garden featuring an underground water system and beautiful plant life.
- Water Management: Showcases the ingenuity of ancient water management systems.
- Historical Significance: Holds significant historical importance for the region.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers a serene and picturesque atmosphere with lush greenery and beautiful flowers.
14. The Crusader Church of St. Simon (Hama)
A church built during the Crusades featuring a blend of Byzantine and Romanesque architectural styles.
- Historical Landmark: Offers insights into the history of the Crusades and the Middle East.
- Architectural Marvel: Showcases a unique blend of Byzantine and Romanesque architectural styles.
- Spiritual Significance: Serves as a place of worship and historical importance for the community.
15. The Hama Citadel (Hamat al-Aswad)
An ancient fortress dating back to the Phoenicians, featuring numerous historical layers and stunning views.
- Historical Landmark: Offers insights into the history of Hama and its various conquerors.
- Architectural Marvel: Showcases stunning architecture and design elements from different eras.
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking panoramic views of Hama and its surroundings.