Al Adem Palace, Damascus is one of the best tourist attractions in the city.
Al Adem Palace was built in 1750 by As’ad Pasha al-Adem who was the Ottoman governor in Damascus. The structure has two main sides. These are the salamlik and the haramlik. Salamlik refers to the public area which is meant for the visitors. It was here that the governor met his guests and conducted his meetings. It comprises the reception areas, courtyards and formal halls. Haramlik is the private space that is linked to the servant quarters and the kitchen. It comprises the baths which bear resemblance to the many public baths located in the city.
Al Adem Palace has a serene atmosphere about it. The structure is made of white limestone and black basalt. The interior is a contrast to the exterior of the palace. The interiors are very well decorated while there are minimalistic designs on the exteriors of the structure. There are mosaics, wooden structures and elaborate paintings in the inside of the palace. The mosaic shows some women playing different musical instruments. This also acquaints us with the type of instruments that were used in those days.
(Best viewed in Original size.)