Damascus cultural definition

An ancient city in Syria (and still its capital today). The Apostle Paul, then an official called Saul, was on his way from Jerusalem (see also Jerusalem) to Damascus to arrest Christians (see also Christian). He underwent a dramatic conversion on the road, in which he fell from his horse, saw a dazzling light, and “heard a voice saying unto him, ‘Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? … I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest.’”

• The “road to Damascus” is an image for a sudden turning point in a person's life.

Capital of Syria and largest city in the country, located in southwestern Syria; the country's administrative, financial, and communications center.

• Inhabited since prehistoric times, Damascus is widely regarded as the world's oldest city.