What is hama?

Hama is a city located in central Syria along the banks of the Orontes River. It is the fourth-largest city in Syria and is known for its historical significance, particularly its ancient ruins and traditional culture.

Hama has a long history dating back to ancient times and has been inhabited since at least the 3rd millennium BC. The city was an important trading center in ancient times and was conquered by various empires including the Assyrians, Persians, and Romans.

One of the most notable attractions in Hama is the historic Norias of Hama, a series of large wooden waterwheels that date back to medieval times and were used to lift water from the Orontes River to irrigate the surrounding agricultural land.

Hama was also the site of a brutal massacre in 1982 when the Syrian government suppressed an uprising by the Muslim Brotherhood, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people. The scars of this massacre still linger in the city today.

Despite its troubled past, Hama remains an important cultural and religious center in Syria, with a mix of Christian and Muslim populations living in the city. The city is known for its traditional crafts, such as pottery and textile weaving, and is also famous for its delicious cuisine, including local specialties such as Kibbeh and falafel.