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As-Suwayda

As-Suwayda (Arabic: ٱلسُّوَيْدَاء / ALA-LC romanization: as-Suwaydāʾ), also spelled Sweida, is a mainly Sunni Muslim city located in southwestern Syria, close to the border with Jordan.

This article is about the capital of as-Suwayda Governorate in southern Syria. For the village in Hama Governorate, western Syria, see Al-Suwaydah, Masyaf.

As-Suwayda
ٱلسُّوَيْدَاء

296/235

 Syria

As-Suwayda

3,543 ft (1,080 m)

120.000[1]

138,822

Arabic: سويداوي, romanizedSuwaydāwi

C6147

It is the capital of As-Suwayda Governorate, one of Syria's 14 governorates, bordering Jordan in the South and Daraa Governorate in the West and Rif Dimashq Governorate in the north and east. The city is referred to by some as "Little Venezuela" due to the city's influx of affluent Venezuelan Syrian immigrants.[4][5][6][7]

Protests[edit]

2020 Suweida protests[edit]

On 7 June 2020, anti-government protests erupted in the city due to the deteriorating economic situation. Protesters demanded the resignation of President Bashar al-Assad for the first time since 2015 in the city which had remained neutral during the Syrian civil war.[15][16] As a result of the protests, Prime Minister Imad Khamis was sacked on 11 June and replaced by Hussein Arnous.[17]

2022 Suweida protests[edit]

In February, hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Sweida to decry corruption and worsening living standards.[18]

Temple of Dionysus-Dushara: eight well-decorated columns are still standing from the temple.

Saint Sergius Basilica: was built in the fifth century. It has elements, with an abbey surrounding it. The basilica was dedicated to Sergius.

Byzantine architectural

The arch of the lesser church: the church itself is ruined. An arch is still standing there known locally as "The Gallows" (: المشنقة al-Mashnaqah) with grape motif decorations.

Arabic

The theater: was recently discovered, south of the .

Agora

Many archeological sites could be found in the old part of the city:


The city has many ancient reservoirs, towers and old Roman houses that are still inhabited by locals today.


Many parts of the old city are still to be excavated, such as the Roman aqueduct, a conical reservoir, and a larger Roman theatre. There is also an old 7th century mosque built during the time of the Rashidun Caliphate.

writer, translator, and obstetrician.

Najat Abdul Samad

singer, actor.

Fahd Ballan

singer.

Asmahan

Google Maps

Map of the town