Ḩamāh

Hamah, also known as Hama, is a city in west-central Syria, situated on the banks of the Orontes River. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history that spans several millennia.

Ancient History

• Early Settlements: Hama's history dates back to the Bronze Age. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was inhabited as early as the 5th millennium BC.
• Neo-Hittite Kingdom: By the early Iron Age, Hama became a significant center under the Neo-Hittite kingdoms (c. 1000–800 BC). It was known as Hamat and served as a fortress city.
• Assyrian Conquest: The city was later conquered by the Assyrians under Shalmaneser III in the 9th century BC. It was incorporated into the Assyrian Empire, and its local rulers acted as vassals.
• Biblical References: Hama is mentioned in the Bible as a city that King Solomon fortified.

Classical Antiquity

• Hellenistic and Roman Periods: During the Hellenistic era, after the campaigns of Alexander the Great, the city was known as Epiphania. It became part of the Seleucid Empire and later the Roman Empire.
• Byzantine Era: Hama continued to be an important city during the Byzantine period, serving as a regional administrative center.

Islamic Conquest and Medieval Period

• Islamic Conquest: Hama was conquered by Muslim Arabs in the 7th century and became part of the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates.
• Crusades and Ayyubid Control: During the Crusades, Hama was a strategic site. It was controlled by the Ayyubids, and Nur al-Din Zangi built a citadel in the city.
• Mamluk and Ottoman Rule: Hama flourished under the Mamluks, and later under Ottoman rule from the 16th century until the early 20th century. During this period, the city was known for its agriculture and the famous water wheels, or "norias," which were used for irrigation.

Modern History

• French Mandate and Independence: After World War I, Hama became part of the French Mandate of Syria. It gained independence along with the rest of Syria in 1946.
• Hama Massacre (1982): One of the most significant events in modern Hama was the 1982 massacre. The Syrian government, under Hafez al-Assad, quashed an uprising led by the Muslim Brotherhood, leading to a brutal suppression. Estimates of the death toll vary, but thousands of civilians were killed, and large parts of the city were destroyed.

Landmarks

• Norias of Hama: The city is famous for its large wooden water wheels, which date back to the medieval period. These norias were used to lift water from the Orontes River for irrigation and are a symbol of the city.
• Citadel of Hama: Although largely destroyed, the citadel remains a historical site of interest.
• Al-Nuri Mosque: A significant mosque in the city, showcasing Islamic architecture.

Historical Figures

• Nur al-Din Zangi: A key figure in the medieval history of Hama, he was an important Muslim leader during the Crusades.
• Hafez al-Assad: While not a native of Hama, his policies and actions significantly impacted the city, particularly during the events of 1982.

Hamah has a rich tapestry of history reflecting its geopolitical importance and its role as a hub of various civilizations throughout the ages.