Back in 2010, I spent a year in Syria, studying Arabic in Damascus. While there, I visited Bosra in the south of the country. These are the memories of my trip, which feels like a lifetime ago.
Roman Metropolis
Bosra, also known as Busra al-Sham, played a significant role in early Islamic history; it was captured by Khalid Bin Walid in 634AD. Long before Islam, however, it was a Roman metropolis, connecting Damascus to the Red Sea.
Monastery of Buhayra
These are the ruins of the monastery of Buhayra, the monk that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ met as a child when travelling to Syria with his uncle.
While there, we were told the story of a lady who walked over the entire area of the monastery heel to toe with the hope that her foot might be placed upon the same spot that he ﷺ once stood. Through the doorway below stands the horse and cart we travelled on.
Al-Mabruk Mosque
Al-Mabruk mosque was built on the spot where the Prophet’s ﷺ camel was believed to have been tied when he visited the city.
There are imprints in the ground that people say belong to the camel.
Al-Omari Mosque
Founded by Caliph Umar, who led the Muslim conquest of Syria in 636. It was completed in the early 8th century by Caliph Yazid II and renovated in the 12th and 13th centuries by the Ayyubid dynasty, making it one of the oldest mosques in the world.
Sadly, according to online reports, much of it has been destroyed in the recent war. If anyone is aware of the extent of the damage, we would be grateful if you could lets us know in the comments below.
Ancient Nabatean Ruins
More ancient ruins of a city that thrived for over a millennia.
Nabatean arch.
May God protect Sham and its people. If I have made any mistakes in my recollection of the city, please forgive (and correct) me.
