The mosk, school, and mausoleum on the opposite side, were erected by the same ruler in honour of himself! The mosk and hospital of Sultan Selim is a splendid structure, and beautifully situated on the banks of the river west of the city. In the interior are some fine columns of red and grey granite, and one or two of porphyry. From the rising ground beside this mosk may be obtained one of the most enchanting views around Damascus. Before you is a little vale covered with the richest verdure, through which the silvery stream of the ancient Abana meanders on its way to the old city. The graceful slopes on each side are densely covered with foliage of every tint, from the deep green of the walnut to the golden hue of the pomegranate. In the background rise the mountains, naked, white, and rugged, while in the centre of the range yawns the wild gorge through which the river rushes to the plain.
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