page_title: Umayyad Square
section_title: Buildings on the Umayyad Square
hierarchical_section_title: Umayyad Square / Buildings on the Umayyad Square
caption_attribution_description: English: Umayyad square in Damascus
context_page_description: Umayyad Square is a large and important square in Damascus, Syria. It connects the city center with several important highways and areas and contains various important buildings including but not limited to the Ministry of Defense, Syria's national Opera house and the headquarters of the Syrian Armed Forces.
  The Damascene Sword monument, widely considered as the symbol of the city, stands in the square, and is considered a symbol and reminder "of the victories, strength and achievements of the Syrian people". The name of the square is a reference to the Umayyads who took Damascus as the capital of their caliphate in the 7th century.
  On 20 June 2011 a massive pro-President al-Assad rally was held in the square as well as in Homs, Aleppo, Sweida, Latakia, Deraa, Hasaka, Tartous as well other locations during the Syrian civil war.
  Prior to the opening of the new 1.2 million sqm fairground to house the Damascus International Fair, the fair which was held annually since 1954 was held in the square.
context_section_description: Damascus Opera House complex, which includes the Higher Institute for Dramatic Arts.
  Al-Assad National Library, Malki Street
  Syrian Television building.
  the Hay'at al-Arkan, the Syrian Armed Forces General staff headquarters.
  Ministry of Defense.
  Sheraton Damascus Hotel.
caption: The Damascene Sword monument in front of the national opera house
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