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Sheikh Muhyi al-Din: The Neighborhood of 300 Schools
Sheikh Muhyi al-Din is a small area in the heart of Damascus, named after the mystic Sheikh Muhyi al-Din ibn Arabi, who is associated with various miracles according to local beliefs. It is part of the historic Al-Salihiya neighborhood, which once lay along the banks of the now-dry Yazid River, near what is currently known as Rukn al-Din.
Historical Background
Al-Salihiyah is a neighborhood that includes the Sheikh Muhyi al-Din area, the location of Ibn Arabi’s tomb. Immigrants from Jerusalem established this neighborhood, initially settling around the Abu Saleh Mosque in the Bab Sharqi area. They later moved to the mountainous regions on the slopes of Mount Qasioun after the outbreak of the plague. There, they built Al-Salihiyah during the reign of Nur al-Din al-Zanki. Al-Salihiyah divided into two sections: the northern area of the Yazid River and the southern area of the river. The northern region was poor, and inhabited by the needy. But the southern region was fertile and irrigated, becoming a recreational area for the wealthy of Damascus at the time.
Notable Landmarks
One of the most important landmarks in the neighborhood is the Al-Omari School, the Suleimani Tekkiyeh. It’s famous for 300 schools dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries AD. There’s also the Qaymari Hospital, built in the 6th century, making it one of the oldest hospitals still in existence today, now serving as a health center. Additionally, there’s the Hanbila Mosque, dating back to the year 610 AH, and the Sheikh Muhyi al-Din Mosque built next to the tomb on the banks of the Yazid River. Today, only the remains of a waterwheel exist after the river dried up. The mosque has several names: the Salimi Mosque after Sultan Salim I, the Khankar Mosque, and the Muhyawi Mosque after Sheikh Muhyi al-Din.
The Market and Local Life
The area features bustling local markets, where vendors skillfully display their goods, particularly vegetables, fruits, and animal products. One of the most famous markets is the Friday Market, which extends from the Rukniyah Mosque to Jada’at al-Afif. Initially, this market used to be only on Fridays after prayer, but over time it evolved into a permanent market.
This market is also known as the “Baraka Market” because vendors would add a little extra to each purchase. These small additional weights would please customers, turning them into regular patrons.
The market is famous for selling clothes, stationery, electronics, meat, coffee, nuts, spices, household items, and handicrafts. It also has stalls selling vegetables and fruits. Along with shops offering traditional crafts, some have disappeared over time such as clog making.