Midan
Coordinates: 33°29′N 36°17′E / 33.483°N 36.283°E Al-Midan (Arabic: حي الميدان) is a neighbourhood and municipality in Damascus, Syria, just south of the old walled city and very near the modern city centre. In the 2004 census, it had a population of 177,456. Its streets and alleys are full of heritage and history due to the age of the neighbourhood. Throughout history, its people fought alongside their brothers from other neighbourhoods to protect Damascus. Also, there are many great Damascene scholars who were born here. Today, the neighbourhood is often considered to be one of the most conservative in Damascus.
The name Midan is derived from Midan Al Hassa (Arabic: ميدان الحصى) or the field of gravel. The neighbourhood was located between two sub Barada streams and when it rained heavily, the land gravel deposits filled the streams and consequently, the neighbourhood.
Al-Midan started during the Mamluk rule over Damascus. It took its final form about 400 years ago during the Ottoman empire and has not experienced any major changes since. It is considered the Southern Gate of Damascus and was created as a trading center by the people of Damascus for them to be closer to the people of the Hauran and to improve trade and economic relations between them.
During the French occupation, the people of this neighborhood fought fiercely for their freedom. The people of Midan revolted aggressively against the French and thus suffered heavy bombing during the Great Syrian Revolt of 1925-1927. It was and still is (compared to other neighbourhoods in Damascus) very conservative.
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