Al-Maydān

Al-Maydān is a district in Damascus, Syria, that developed south of the walled city. Its growth was primarily stimulated by the annual hajj pilgrimage during the Ottoman period. As Damascus served as a crucial meeting point for pilgrims traveling from Anatolia to Mecca, accommodating them became a leading commercial activity. This led to the development of Al-Maydān as an area encompassing several quarters and villages, catering to the needs of the pilgrims and supporting lucrative trades that had become saturated in the city center. The district's expansion reflects the city's enduring role as a significant religious and commercial hub.12