Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Damascus, SANA – The Traditional Damascene houses, nestled in Damascus Old City, have preserved their unique architectural style, dating back to the 17 century BC, and they have linked the past to the present and heritage to modernity after they were transformed into five-star traditional hotels to benefit from them in investment projects in Old Damascus.
Mamluka house, the oldest of the Damascene houses, was turned into a traditional hotel. You can enter the house through a door which you reach after walking through a narrow corridor which takes you on a journey through history.
When you enter Mamluka house, you will see a wide large courtyard and vast open area, the bitter orange, lemon trees and the Damascene jasmine, the pool, and the liwan (long narrow-fronted hall or vaulted portal) which embraces furniture covered with brocade fabrics.
Al-Wali house is another model of Damascene houses which were transformed into traditional hotels in Old Damascus City. It is one of the largest hotels in terms of area, as it consists of three open Arab houses, some of which date back to the 18th century.
It has been rehabilitated as a heritage hotel while preserving its ancient Damascene features of liwans, decorations on the doors, ancient Roman columns, and the fountain.
Manar Salameh/ Ruaa al-Jazaeri
