Happy TravellerWelcome to Salamieh, a city and district in western Syria, located in the Hama Governorate. With a rich history dating back to ancient Babylonia, Salamieh is a city of great cultural significance. It is known as the birthplace of the second Fatimid caliph al-Qaim bi-Amr Allah, whose dynasty would eventually establish the city of Cairo, and the early headquarters of his father Abdullah al-Mahdi Billah who founded the Fatimid Caliphate. Salamieh is also an important center of the Shiite Nizari Ismaili and Taiyabi Ismaili Islamic schools and the largest population center of Ismaili Muslims in the Arab world. The city is also the birthplace of poet Muhammad al-Maghut.
The history of Salamieh is fascinating and complex. The city has been occupied since at least 3500 BC and has been inhabited by various groups including Sumerians, Amorites, Aramaeans, and Nabateans. It was destroyed for the first time by the Assyrian Empire in 720 BC and was later ruled by the royal family of Emesa as a Roman client kingdom. During the Byzantine period, Salamieh was known as a center of Christianity and boasted its own autocephalous archbishop until it was destroyed for a second time in 637 during the Byzantine-Sassanid Wars. The city was again rebuilt in the Islamic era by Abdallah ibn Salih ibn Ali al-Abassi, the Abbasid governor of southern and central Syria.
According to Ismaili Muslims, their Imam, Ismail ibn Jafar died and was buried in the city after going into hiding during the eighth century. The city became the secret headquarters of the Ismaili movement from the early ninth century until 902, it was from there that missionaries were originally sent for propagating the Ismaili teachings in different regions. It was from Salamieh, that the Ismaili Imams secretly guided the activities of their followers from North Africa to Persia, Azerbaijan, and Central Asia.
Salamieh is also known for its unique architecture and cultural landmarks. The city is an agricultural center, with a largely agriculture based economy. Mate is extremely popular in Salamieh and a drink of major cultural importance in social gatherings. A hammam of unique architecture, likely dating from the Ayyubid era, sits in the town center, near a large underground Byzantine cistern which is said to lead all the way to Shmemis castle. There also exists one wall from an ancient Byzantine citadel. The castle, of Roman-Greek origins. Walls, rebuilt by Zengi Mosque of al-Imam Ismail, which originated as an Ancient Greek temple of Zeus, and was turned into a church in Byzantine times. Remains of Roman canals, used for agriculture, can also be found in the city.
Salamieh has a cold semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification BSk). The city is an important center of the Shiite Nizari Ismaili and Taiyabi Ismaili Islamic schools and is home to dozens of Jamaat Khana. The remains of Prince Aly Khan, the father of the current Nizari Ismaili Imam Aga Khan IV, are buried in the city. The headquarters of the Ismaili Shia Higher Council of Syria are also located in Salamieh.
Despite the ongoing conflict in Syria, Salamieh remains an important cultural and historical destination. Visitors to the city can explore its rich history, unique architecture, and vibrant culture. Salamieh is a city that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
