Azm Palace
The Azim Palace ( قصر العظم ) is a palace of the Ottoman period. It is located in the old city of Damascus near the Umayyad Mosque.
History
The palace was built in 1750 by the Ottoman governor As'ad Pasha al -Azm. This was the tax collector of the Sultan in Istanbul and had also set up the Khan Asad Pasha. At the site most likely had previously been the Omayyadenkalifen and Mamluk emirs resides. There is evidence that the palace of the Mamlukenfürsten Tingiz stood (r. 1312-1330 ) at exactly this point.
Method of construction
The Azim Palace is an example of traditional house construction of Damascus. Multi-storey buildings in the typical black and white damask wall structure surrounding spacious courtyards, in which grew a variety of plants and around which clustered a variety of rooms. The palace consisted of two parts: the harem, the protected area for the family of the governor, and the selamlık in which the governor exercised his official offices. Also, there was a private courtyard for staff. Overall, the palace has 16 reception halls. 19 rooms were located on the ground floor and 9 rooms on the second floor. An important architectural feature is the Ivane - inherited from Persian architecture half open halls. These existed in both the public and private sectors. Storage rooms, prayer rooms, an Ottoman bath, stables and a parking space for coaches were also integrated into the palace. Thick walls and the high Ivane made for a pleasant coolness in the summer. In winter, the masonry stored the heat. The reception area was separated by sharp- angled rooms from the family area. In oriental architecture, it was common for strangers, the women of the house should not get to see. To ensure this, there was a strict separation between public and private sectors. Unusually, however, were magnificent facades. Therefore, only the entrance gate of the palace is intricately designed. The interior, however, is of high quality. The wooden ceilings of the rooms were painted consuming. In almost every room there is water marble sink. Also in the park there are many fountains. Today the palace houses an ethnographic museum. In this scene from the palace everyday are readjusted. In addition, traditional clothing, musical instruments and weapons are issued. In summer, the courtyard of the Haramlik for concerts will be used.