Al-Midan (Arabic: حي الميدان) is a neighborhood located in Damascus, Syria. It lies just south of the old walled city of Damascus very to close to the modern city center. It's streets and alleys are full of heritage and history due to the age of the neighborhood. Throughout history, the people of this neighborhood have fought alongside their brothers from other neighborhoods in order to protect the city of Damascus. Add to that, there are many great Damascene scholars who were born in this neighborhood. Today, the neighborhood is best known for being the most conservative neighborhood in Damascus.
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The name Midan is derived from Midan Al Hassa (Arabic: ميدان الحصى) or the field of gravel. The neighborhood was located between two subBarada streams and when it rained heavily, the land gravel deposits filled the streams and consequently, the neighborhood.[1]
The neighborhood started during the Mamluk rule over Damascus. It took its final form about 400 years ago during the Ottoman empire and has not experienced any major changes since. The neighborhood is considered the Southern Gate of Damascus, and was created as a trading center by the people of Damascus in order for them to be closer to the people of Horan, and to improve the trading and economic relations between them.
During the French occupation, the people of this neighborhood fought fiercely for their freedom. It was and still is (compared to other neighborhoods in Damascus), a very conservative neighborhood. The people of Midan revolted aggressively against the French and as a result the neighborhood suffered heavy bombing during the Syrian Revolt of 1925-1927.[2]
The neighborhood of Midan is known throughout Syria and the surrounding countries for the delicious sweets it offers. Hundreds of years of cooking and making the best foods and sweets have made this neighborhood extremely famous. In fact, some of the stores that are based in this neighborhood are now worldwide and are loved by everyone. Some examples of these stores are Daoud Brothers Sweets and Abu Haidar Sweets. Some of the sweets Midan is famous for are: Baklava, Barazek, Knafah, Namorah and many more.