Economy
Hama is the
capital of Hama governorate, W central Syria, on the Orontes River. It
is the market center for an irrigated farm region where cotton, wheat,
barley, millet, and corn are grown. Manufactures include cotton and
woolen textiles, silk, carpets, and dairy products. Famous old
waterwheels, some as much as 90 ft (27 m) in diameter, bring water up
from the Orontes for irrigation. Hama is a road and rail center, and
an airport is nearby
Around Hama
The Roman ruins of Apamea (Afimia) is 60 km northwest of Hama.
Apamea was founded around 300 BC by Seleucus, ruler of northern Syria
and Mesopotamia following the death of Alexander the Great and named
after his Persian wife. This trading town connected Latakia and
Palmyra. Besides the Roman ruins Qalaat Mudiq is also an
impressive site. Later in its history Apamea became and
important stopping point for pilgrims from from Istanbul to Mecca.
Other sites of interest near Hama are Qalaat Burzey, Misyaf, Al-Baida,
Deir Solieb, Qalaat Shmaimis, Qasr ibn Warden and Anderin, S'kalbiey
and Mhardeh.
Hama has Muhrajan al-Rabi (Spring Festival) in April where the local
customs and traditions are displayed throughout the city. This
annual event is always a good time to visit Hama and its sourrounding
areas. |