Damascus, Syria, satellite image. North is at top, urban areas are grey, vegetation is green and arid areas are brown. Damascus is the capital of Syria and is located in southwest Syria in the Helbun valley with the river Barada flowing through it. To the northwest is the mountain Jabal Qassioun, which reaches a summit of 1,150 m where many smaller towns have developed. Damascus is surrounded by an oasis called the Ghouta, which is in steady decline due to the expanding city. Photographed on 21st May 2000.