'The Expedition for the survey of the rivers Euphrates and Tigris, carried on by order of the British government, in the years 1835, 1836, and 1837; preceded by geographical and historical notices of the regions situated between the rivers Nile and Indus. In four volumes. With fourteen maps and charts, and embellished with ninety-seven plates, besides numerous wood-cuts. Volume the first.' [‎531] (622/905)

CHAP. XX,]
DAMASCUS.
531
Subsequently to its capture by the Saracens in 633, it shared
largely in the events connected with the crusades, and it was
exposed to the incursions of Timur. Except the ancient walls Ancient
of the city, the Saracenic castle, the site of two temples, and remai,ls '
some excavations at Salakiyah, there are few remains. The
street called Strait is still shown between the castle and the
western side of the town; also the houses of Naaman and
Ananias and that from which St. Paul escaped.
[Scene of St. Paul's descent in a basket.]
There cannot be much doubt that Abanah and Pharpar 1
are represented by the two branches into which the Barrada
divides itself; on the banks of this river are the kiosks and
coffee-houses, so much the delight of the people of the city.
Independently of the numerous pilgrims passing from Persia, Population.
Turkey, Mesopotamia, and India, the population of Damascus,
with the addition of Bedawins and Druses may at times amount
to 200,000 souls, of whom the permanent residents have been
variously estimated at from 120,000 to 150,000 souls. The
former of these is probably about the true number, including
nearly 5000 Jews, and about 11,000 Armenians and Greeks.
The remainder are Turks of what may be considered as the
old school, who retain the flowing garments and projecting
turbans of their fathers; and have the credit of entertaining a
1 2 Kings, chap. V., v. 12.
3 Y 2