Old Damascus is launching the "Damascus Breathes" event, in which the city will be free of vehicles for a whole day, in an experiment aimed at reducing pollution and noise and providing a comfortable and safe environment for pedestrians.
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The areas within the walls of Old Damascus are preparing to experience a unique event called "Damascus Breathes," which will last for 24 consecutive hours, starting from tomorrow night, Sunday, until Monday, August 31.
The idea is based on closing the area to cars, motorcycles and all vehicles, in a clear effort to reduce congestion, pollution and noise, and to allocate a safe and comfortable space for residents, visitors and pedestrians.
The measure is not limited to banning vehicles, but also includes providing alternative means of transportation that facilitate access for residents and visitors, while ensuring that shops, restaurants, tourist and craft establishments continue to operate normally and as usual.
In this context, Amjad Farroukh, director of the third district in Damascus Governorate, explained to Al-Ikhbariya Al-Suriya that the aim of this step is to test a modern model for managing traffic within the city. This model allows pedestrians to move around in an environment free from congestion, pollution, and noise, which will positively impact the experience of residents and visitors in one of Damascus's most densely populated and busy neighborhoods.
He noted that the trial will undergo a thorough evaluation upon its completion, in collaboration with relevant authorities. The evaluation will focus on compliance at entrances, pedestrian flow, the impact of the closure on traffic in and around the city, and the efficiency of alternative transportation options. Feedback from residents, businesses, event organizers, and visitors will also be collected to identify strengths, address challenges, and inform future steps.
For his part, Amjad asked residents and shop owners to remove their parked cars from inside the Old City before the closing time. The Al-Nasr, Al-Sufaniyeh, and Al-Zain garages, as well as the parking lot next to the Taybeh gas station opposite Bab Touma Square, were designated to receive arriving vehicles.
To facilitate access, a shuttle bus will operate from the Taybeh bus station to Bab Touma Square. A free electric shuttle service will also be available for the elderly, people with disabilities, those with mobility difficulties, and children, operating on two designated routes within the Old City.
The first route extends between the Damascus Citadel, the Umayyad Mosque and the Al-Bazouriya area in both directions, while the second route connects Bab Touma Square, the Al-Qishla area and the Bab Sharqi archway, leading to Bab Touma Square.
In a related context, the ban does not include vehicles belonging to the police, ambulance, fire department, civil defense and public services, in order to ensure the continuity of providing basic services and immediate response to emergencies throughout the event period.
1. What does “Damascus Breathes” mean?
Answer: It refers to an initiative in which the Old City of Damascus was kept free of vehicles for an entire day, allowing people to experience its historic streets with less traffic and noise.
2. What are the benefits of keeping vehicles away from historic areas?
Answer: It can help reduce air pollution, traffic noise and congestion, while making the area more comfortable for pedestrians, residents and visitors.
3. How can a vehicle-free day benefit local people?
Answer: People can walk more safely, spend time outdoors, explore historic places and enjoy public spaces more peacefully. Local shops and cafés may also benefit from increased pedestrian activity.
4. What lesson can other cities learn from this idea?
Answer: Cities can occasionally create car-free days to encourage walking, protect historic areas, improve the urban environment and remind people that public spaces can be designed around pedestrians as well as vehicles.
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