Mount Qasioun is famously known among Syrians as “the Sacred Mountain.” It is distinguished by its strategic location, overlooking the Syrian capital, Damascus. The mountain is surrounded by numerous legends, tales, and popular traditions, and it has been celebrated by poets and writers. In the Umayyad era, it served as a summer retreat for kings and princes.
Historic and Strategic Significance
Qasioun holds religious and historical significance, with legends linking it to the tombs and shrines of prophets and religious luminaries and events like the story of Cain and Abel. The mountain offers a cool summer refuge and snowy winters, with access through the historic Salihiya neighborhood. Its spiritual legacy and striking geography make it a symbolic and strategic site overlooking the capital.
Since the outbreak of the Syrian revolution in 2011, Mount Qasioun was transformed into a strategic military base. The former regime closed roads leading to the heights of Mount Qasioun for civilians and established security checkpoints along its length due to its strategic oversight of Damascus and the presidential palaces.
After the revolution succeeded in overthrowing Assad’s regime on December 8, 2024, the mountain opened its arms to welcome Syrians once again, becoming a bustling pilgrimage site. A video showing President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan enjoying tea at its summit surrounded by press and civilians became a clear sign of the location’s liberation and return to the people.
Tourism Development Project
The Minister of Tourism Mazen al-Salhani met with Damascus Governor Maher Marwan at the ministry’s headquarters, May 27, to discuss a project for restoring Mount Qasioun as a distinguished tourist destination in Syria, according to SANA news agency.
Participants presented several proposals for developing the mountain, including creating terraces that provide clear views from all directions and establishing parks and family seating areas that maintain privacy. Plans also included implementing seasonal summer and winter projects with waterfalls and restaurants. Additionally, there are plans for medical points, a sports club, and a parking lot.
Among other ideas are high-quality traditional lighting with professional light shows on parts of the mountain and decorative street lights inspired by Damascene heritage, along with beautifying sites to enhance visual identity.
For his part, Minister Salhani emphasized the importance of continuous coordination between the Ministry of Tourism and the Damascus Governorate to ensure that projects are implemented in a way that enhances tourism in the country and promotes the restoration of tourist attractions.
Governor Marwan pointed out the necessity for the project to be sustainable and mentioned that the development idea is inspired by a beehive, making the mountain’s attractions like a network of interconnected locales, wherein the local community can enjoy wandering throughout the mountain’s various paths amid nature, waterfalls, and parks all in one place.
The summit of Mount Qasioun is once again accessible, with plans underway to accommodate both local residents and international visitors through new public spaces, dining areas, and cultural attractions.
