Damascus Urban Modernity1808-1918

Damascus,now the political and cultural center ofSyria,is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabitedcities. Over many centuries it was the most hubgeographical Syria. As the powerful capital of the Islamicempire of the Umayyads (661-750), Damascus became oneof the classical centres of the Middle East, for many, thesymbol of a glorious past. From1860to the first world war,the half century, Damascus from a provincial center of the Ottoman Empire into a capital city of a nation state. Aseries of changes associated with modernization occurred.Ethnic identity and secular values has been cruelchallenge to religious tradition constructing in the past.New technology and western mode constantly invaded,goods and ideas faster and faster entered from the west.The power of the state has been concentrated andincreased, and personal actively fight for civil rights.Theprocess of Damascus transformation is not linear butdiverse.Compared to the18th century, great changes of theDamascus have taken place in the19th century. Scope and style of the buildings, cities and the reconstruction ofthe social structure, urban system and principles, politicalorganizations and population changes all showed thetransition of Damascus. Existing in Damascus, streets,squares and buildings clearly show this change for us, andprovide a wealth of valuable resources.This article will from the political, economic, culture,architecture, transportation, etc., research the Damascusurban Modernity1808-1918. The full text is divided intofour parts. The first part expounds Damascus history. Thesecond part detailed analysis of the Damascus urbanmodernity1808-1918. The third part analyse the features of Damascus urban modernity1808-1918. The fourth partanalyse the influence of Damascus urban modernity1808-1918.