Damascus historic walled city to close to vehicles for 24 hours

DAMASCUS, Syria — The historic walled city of Damascus will be closed to all motor vehicles for 24 hours as part of an initiative called "Damascus Is Breathing," running from Sunday night into Monday. The measure bans cars, motorcycles and other motorized vehicles from entering the city center and is intended to reduce pollution and noise while creating a safer environment for pedestrians. Amjad Farih, director of the Damascus Governorate's Third District, said the event will serve as a test for a new approach to managing traffic inside the old city. He said authorities will conduct a detailed evaluation afterward, working with relevant agencies to review compliance at entry points, pedestrian flow, the effectiveness of alternative transport options, and feedback from residents and shopkeepers. Residents and shopkeepers have been asked to remove their vehicles, with free parking designated at the Nasir, Sufiya and Zayn garages and near the Tiba fuel station close to Bab Tuma Square. A free shuttle service will run between the Tiba station and Bab Tuma, and free electric transport will be provided on two separate routes for the elderly, people with disabilities and children. Police, ambulances, fire service, civil defense and public utility vehicles are exempt from the ban.