Marja Square

 

 Though its modern appearance might never lead you to believe it, this public square is not only the principal and best known public center of present-day Damascus, but is the one most closely linked with the city's history. From the 13th century till at least the middle of the last century, it was the "plain" (meadow)  in which the governor, and eventually the sovereign ruler, reviewed the troops on solemn occasions and harangued the populace. Here, too, were carried out the public executions of the most notorious criminals. To the northeast at the entrance of Sūq Sāruja is found the famous Sūq al-H̱ayl (Horse Market). 

Jacques Ghislain de Maussion de Favières. Damascus, Baghdad: Capitals and lands of the caliphs. Translation to English by Edward J. Banks. Librairie orientale (Dar el-Mashreq), Beirut, Lebanon. 1972.