Damascus
Damascus is the capital city of Syrian Arab Republic. It is though not the largest city in the country is as the case with most other capital cities across the world which are the largest in their respective countries in terms of population and geographical area. The largest city by population and geographical area in Syria is Aleppo.
Geography
Damascus lies to the northwest of Syria approximately 80 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea. The city covers an area of approximately 105 square kilometers. About half of the town is totally urban while the other part is sub-urban (Jabal Qasioun).
Population
It has an estimated population of 1,711,000 people according to the 2009 official census results. Majority of the residents of the city are Muslims by faith.
Tourist attraction sites
There are several tourist attraction sites in Damascus city like the walls and gates of Damascus, khans, madrassas, church and Islamic sites among others. All these sites contain historical collections and preservations on the history of Syria ranging from the Ottoman rule and Mamluk period among others.
Owning property in Damascus
Most of the real property in Damascus is held by the native Syrian nationals. This is primarily due to the laws which were in existence up to late last year (2010) when the government enacted laws allowing non Syrians to own real property in the Islamic republic. Price of 3/4 bed villa/house in the town costs anything between 109 US dollars and 214 US dollars per month. Properties located at the city’s interior are the most expensive and the price goes on reducing as you head towards the suburban areas. The Price of 2 Bed Flat/Apartment ranges from 89 US dollars to 110 US per month depending on the location of the property among other factors like security, accessibility by road etc.
The price of homes and property in Damascus has been steadily decreasing and today averages about US dollars 225,500. This is depreciation of about 43.3% compared to the prices which were available for the smear property on 2010 at the same period of the year. The average rent of homes in Damascus is approximately $ 90 for two bedrooms apartments, approximately $150 for three bedrooms and around $ 200 for 4 bedrooms. The land prices in Damascus vary depending on the location and size the land being sold. Lands near the capital city center area normally very expensive and a farm may go for around $ 2,000,000. There are several home and property ownership plans in Damascus from the local Syrian banks ranging from Mortgages to charges among others. Most of them are however available to local Syrian purchasers and not foreigners.
Local News
The Syrian Crisis: A View from Damascus - RIA Novosti
Published 11:48, 22nd February GMT
Syrian troops fire on Damascus protesters - The Guardian
Published 10:04, 21st February GMT
Fat Tuesday, Koran burning and Damascus revolt: Morning links - Washington Post (blog)
Published 22:36, 21st February GMT
Russia Rejects Syria Settlements Without Damascus' Participation - CRIENGLISH.com
Published 15:34, 22nd February GMT
Damascus City Council appoints 3 Budget Committee members, seeks applicants ... - OregonLive.com
Published 06:29, 22nd February GMT
Dealing With Dictators, The US Playbook Varies - NPR
Published 18:39, 22nd February GMT
The Good Wife Round Table: "Live from Damascus" - TV Fanatic
Published 19:05, 22nd February GMT
Syrian forces clamp down on Damascus areas, say activists - Monsters and Critics.com
Published 07:39, 22nd February GMT
- retrieved via Google News