Cinema Dimashq

Cinema Dimashq (Translated from Arabic, Cinema Damascus) was one of the largest single room cinema in the Middle East, with a total capacity of 1500 clients, divided in a ground floor of a total capacity of 1000 clients and a large balcony, with a total capacity of 500 clients.

Opened in Damascus, Syria, in 1943 by Toufik Chammas, a prominent local businessman, Cinema Dimashq rapidly became a local entertainment proxy, bringing Syria into the era of cinematography.

Closed in early 2005, and reopened in mid-2009, its current name is Cinema City.

It is now known for being the only cinema in Syria featuring the latest American and European productions. Featuring 4 medium-sized projection room of about 300 places each.

Completely renovated, the cinema now features a sushi bar, and digital projectors.

Cinema City did come under criticism as it was later accused to ignore US sanctions imposed onto Syria since 2003, and project US movies the same day they would come out in Dubai, Lebanon and other prevalent Middle Eastern cities.

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Wikipedia