Ancient Bosra (بصرى), Buṣrā, also spelled Bostra, Busrana, Bozrah, Bozra and officially known Busra al-Sham (بصرى الشام), is a town in southern Syria, administratively belonging to the Daraa District of the Daraa Governorate and geographically being part of the Hauran region. Bosra has an ancient history and during the Roman era it was a prosperous provincial capital and Metropolitan Archbishopric, under the jurisdiction of Eastern Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East. It continued to be administratively important during the Islamic era, but became gradually less prominent during the Ottoman era.
Origins:
The origins of Bosra can be traced back to at least the Bronze Age, with evidence of settlement in the area dating back to the second millennium BCE. It was an important crossroads for trade and culture in the region.
Roman and Byzantine Periods:
Bosra gained prominence during the Roman Empire and became the capital of the Roman province of Arabia. During this time, it was known as Bostra. The city flourished with the construction of monumental structures, including the Roman Theatre, which is still remarkably well-preserved.
Early Islamic Period:
In the seventh century (circa 634 CE), Bosra came under the control of the early Islamic Caliphate after the Islamic conquests. It played a significant role in early Islamic history and served as an important center for learning and culture under the Muslims.
Crusader Rule:
During the Crusader period, Bosra was briefly under the control of the Crusaders in the 12th century. The town changed hands several times during the Crusades.
Mamluk and Ottoman Periods:
In the later medieval period, Bosra came under the rule of various Islamic dynasties, including the Mamluks and the Ottomans, and it continued to thrive as a regional center.
Modern History:
In the early 20th century, Bosra was part of the Ottoman Empire, but it came under French control during World War I when Syria was under French mandate. It later became part of independent Syria.
Also known as the Monastery of the Monk Bahira or Deir Bahira, is a historical and religious site associated with a Christian monk named Bahira. This monastery is traditionally believed to have played a role in the life of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Read more
Originally built by a Turkish Seljuq General, named Gumushtakin it is attached to an older mosque known as Mabrak al-Naqa, literally translated as "the place where the she-camel rested", referring to an old legend. It is situated at the northeast corner of the city. Read more
The Roman Theatre at Bosra is one of the most iconic and well-preserved Roman archaeological sites in Syria. It is a prime example of Roman architectural engineering and design, showcasing the mastery of Roman construction techniques. Read more
The Jami' al-'Umari (جامع العمري) is one of the oldest standing and well preserved mosques in the world. Named after the second Caliph of Islam, Umar ibn al-Khattab, it is located in the ancient Roman city of Bosra, about 140 km south of Damascus. Originally founded by Caliph Umar, who led the Muslim conquest of Syria in 636 CE, and it was heavily renovated in the early eighth century by Caliph Yazid II. The mosque features a traditional early Islamic architectural design with a simple prayer hall, a small courtyard. A niche (mihrab) and a minaret was added in the early to mid eighth century CE.
The Nabatean Gate is characterized by its monumental stone architecture, which combines Nabatean and Roman design elements. It features a large central arch flanked by smaller arches and is constructed from stone blocks. The gate's intricate design reflects the architectural prowess of the time. Read more
The Bosra Cathedral, dating back to the sixth century CE during the Byzantine era, is located in the ancient town of Bosra in southern Syria. It is one of the most significant historical and architectural landmarks in the region. Bosra Cathedral remains an important historical and architectural site.Read more
Bab Qandil, built in typical Roman and Byzantine architectural style, is located on the southeastern side of the ancient town of Bosra. It is one of the several gates that provided entry and exit points to the walled city. This gate is part of the well-preserved Roman and Byzantine-era city walls of Bosra. Read more
It is a small Islamic mosque, built out of black basalt stone, dates back to the Ayyubid era, circa seventh century Hijri. It is located between the so-called monastery of Bahira and the Christian basilica. The mosque is of simple architecture with a plain prayer hall and single square minaret. Read more
The mosque of Mabrak al-Naqa (مبرك الناقة) is one of the oldest mosques. According to the legend the mosque occupies the site where the she-camel of prophet Muhammed once rested on one of his trade travels to Levant. The mosque was built as a masjid-madrasa complex. Read more
Mosque and Madrasa of Abu al-Fida, also known as al Dabbagha Madrasa, is a historical mosque and Islamic madrasa from the Ayyubid period located in the city of Bosra Al-Sham in the Daraa Governorate in Syria. It was founded in 1225 CE by the ruler of Bosra at the time, Abu al-Fida Ismail bin Sultan Abi Bakr al-Malik al-Adil (al-Salih Ismail). Read more
Literally meaning the "gate of the wind" it is the western most city gate of ancient Bosra. It was most likely constructed in the second century CE. It consists of two overlapping arches and rests on two pillars decorated with niches. The width of the central portal is five metres, and the width of the facade is approx. ten metres. Read more
The Roman tetrapylon of Bosra, dated to the second century CE, was located on the Decumanus street which runs from east to west. This street was lined by other notable Roman structures from the second century CE, including gateways to the west and east and a monumental triumphal arch. Read more
Birkat al Ḩājj is a reservoir in ancient Bosra Syria, situated nearby to the Madrasa Abu al-Fida to the north-east, Ḩayy al Qal‘ah and Ḩayy al Qādisīyah. It is a large, almost square, water reservoir, occupying an area of approximately 18,000 square meters. It is located to the south-east of the Roman era theatre. Read more
The Citadel of Bosra, also known as Qasr al-Bosra, is a historic fortress located in the ancient town of Bosra. The history of the Citadel of Bosra dates back to Roman times, and it was originally constructed as a Roman theatre during the second century CE. It underwent various modifications and renovations over the centuries, including during the Islamic and Crusader periods. Read more
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The Madain Project is an online archive of Abrahamic History and Archaeology.
Abrahamic History & Archaeology is the study of history and archaeology with respect to the three Abrahamic Faiths without considering the religious and theological aspects. The goal of Abrahamic History is to understand how and why the religious doctrines and behaviours have evlovled and changed over time. Searching for patterns in the evolution of significant cultural events such as the development of farming, the emergence of cities, or the collapse of major civilizations for clues of why and how these have influenced the three major Abrahamic religions.
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