Anjar was established during the Umayyad period by Caliph Al-Walid ibn Abdel Malek in the 8th century, the site was later abandoned, leaving a number of well-preserved ruins. The present-day name derives from Arabic Ayn Gerrha, or “source of Gerrha”. The exclusively Umayyad ruins have been recognized as a World Heritage Site.
Since the city was built at the beginning of the Islamic period, it witnessed the development of Islamic art and architecture.
In fact, the city ruins cover 114,000 square meters and are surrounded by large, fortified stone walls over two meters thick and seven meters high. The city is based on Roman city planning and architecture with stonework borrowed from the Byzantines.
However, mining revealed a rectangular fortified city that is surrounded by walls and guarded by forty towers.
The ruins of Anjar include the walls of the Umayyad palace, harems, a mosque, the great palace of the Caliph, thermal baths and many pillars which include some elements of the Roman architectural style.
Unfortunately, the Umayyad city was never completed and enjoyed only a brief existence. As Caliph Ibrahim, son of Walid, was defeated and Anjar was left abandoned.
