Salamiyah
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Salamieh (Arabic: سلمية) is a city in western Syria, close to Hama. It is located at . Fatamid Caliph Muhammad al-Qaim Bi-Amrillah was born here, as well as the great Syrian poet Muhammad al-Maghut. The city is an important center of the Nizari Ismaili sect.
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[edit] History
Salamieh is an ancient city which was known at the Assyrian and Babylonian time around 3500 BC. Sumerians dwelled in it around 3000 BC. and It was known by Amorian around 2400 BC. Arameans lived in Salamieh around 1500 BC and then the Nabatean around 500 BC. The Assyrians destroyed Salamieh in the year 720 B.C. During the Byzantine era, the Levant became the scene of fierce battles between the Byzantines and the Persians and Salamieh was raised to the ground by Persian leader Kisra Ibrawiz as its residents fled to the mountains in fear of death. The city was rebuilt after the Islamic conquests.
[edit] The Ismaili Period
The Shia Imam, Isma'il ibn Jafar, whom the Ismailis believe succeeded Imam Jafar al-Sadiq is said to have died and been buried here. A tomb inside the Imam Ismail Mosque in Eastern Salamiyah bears his name and is visited by Ismailis from around the world including Dawoodi Bohras. Ismaili Muslims emigrated to Salamieh during the Abbasid era due to its good climate and remoteness from the center of power. The famous Ismaili philosophers Ikhwan al-Safa met in Salamieh to publish their letters in philosophy, science, religion, morality, and spirituality. During the beginning of the 10th century the Qarmatian sect, an off-shoot of the Ismailis pillaged Salamieh in its war against the Egyptian Fatamid Ismaili Caliphate.
[edit] Modern Day Salamieh
Salamieh was especially well known for its affinity to Prince Aly Khan the son of Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III. After his death, Prince Aly Khan's remains were taken to Salamieh to be buried.
Although historically an Ismaili town, the population has seen growth in its religious diversity in recent times. The city now has almost a dozen Sunni mosques.
One of the only known books on Salamieh is سلمية في خمسين قرنا تأليف محود أمين.
In 2005, Salamieh launched the first program for Blind through ICTDAR program/UNDP. ICTARB (Information and Communication Technology in Arab Region for Blind)
In 2005, Salamieh native Hala Arslan appeared on the popular SuperStar reality TV show on Future Television.
Mate is extremely popular in Salamieh.
Salamieh is very close to Shmemis castle. A hammam of unique architecture, likely dating from the Ayyubid era, sits in the town centre, near to a large underground Byzantine cistern, and the one remaining wall from the massive Greek-era Citadel.
[edit] External links
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