Time Zone |
Asia/Damascus |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+3 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+3 |
Time Zone |
Asia/Tehran |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+3.5 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+4.5 |
Maas (Maarat al-Numan) is an important city in the Idlib Governorate of northwestern Syria, located along the M5 highway, an ancient commercial road connecting Damascus and Aleppo, about 33 kilometers from Idlib city. The city has a long history and takes its name from St. Norman, a Christian martyr of the Byzantine period in the 6th century AD.
Maas has a rich cultural heritage, most notably the Siege of Maas, which took place during the Crusades in the 12th century. The city retains ancient mosques, traditional bazaars and remains from the Roman period. The local museum used to have a large collection of valuable mosaic artifacts, but has been severely damaged by the war in recent years.
Before the war the city was known for its olive cultivation and textile industry and had a population of about 80,000 people. Due to its location in the heart of the Syrian conflict, it became an important stronghold for opposition control in the late 2010s, and the city's infrastructure was severely damaged. It is now a key node in the humanitarian aid corridor, with several temporary settlements for refugees in the vicinity.
The city is situated on a high limestone plateau on the eastern side of the Mediterranean coastal mountain range, at an average altitude of about 530 meters above sea level, with a semi-arid climate. The agricultural area is characterized by the cultivation of olives, figs and wheat, and is surrounded by a number of archaeological sites dating from the Roman period.
Tehran is the capital and largest city of the Islamic Republic of Iran, located in the northern part of the country in the southern foothills of the Elburz Mountains at an altitude of about 1,200 meters above sea level. As a political, economic and cultural center, Tehran has a population of more than 8 million and is one of the major metropolitan areas in the Middle East.
Tehran became the capital of Persia at the end of the 18th century and retains a wealth of historical monuments such as the Gulestan Palace and the Freedom Memorial Tower. The city blends traditional Persian culture with modern developments, with museums, bazaars (traditional markets) and mosques showcasing its diverse face.
The city is Iran's industrial, financial and transportation hub, known for its petrochemical and textile industries. Tehran's metro system is one of the busiest in the Middle East, but traffic congestion and air pollution remain challenges. Residents are mostly native speakers of Persian, and Islamic customs deeply influence daily life.
The surrounding Elburz Mountains offer skiing and hiking resources, and Damavand Peak is the highest volcano in Asia. Tourists often visit the Museum of Treasures and the Palace of Saad Abad to experience the glorious history of the Persian Empire.