Hama guide: the city of water wheels and halawet el-jibn
On the banks of the Orontes, Hama’s wooden water wheels have turned for centuries, and their creak is part of the city’s identity. Around the city lie some of Syria’s most beautiful ancient sites.
At Syria Finds we document the Hama places we visit ourselves: restaurants and cafés overlooking the Orontes, halawet el-jibn shops, and the road to Apamea and Masyaf.
What is Hama known for?
The norias
Giant wooden water wheels on the Orontes, the best-known symbol of Hama.
Apamea
An ancient city with one of the longest colonnaded streets of the Roman world.
Masyaf Castle
A hilltop castle in western Hama countryside overlooking the plains.
Azm Palace, Hama
A historic Ottoman residence in the heart of the old city.
What to eat in Hama
Hama is Syria’s capital of halawet el-jibn — a visit isn’t complete without it. The city is also known for its other sweets and its riverside restaurants.
What we’re documenting in Hama
- Restaurants & street food
- Heritage cafés
- Khans & landmarks
- Guesthouses
FAQ
When does the Syria Finds guide to Hama launch?
We launch the platform in January 2027. Leave your email or WhatsApp number on this page to get your launch invite.
How do you choose places in Hama?
Our team visits every place in person and films it before publishing. Nothing goes into the guide without a visit.
I know a great place in Hama. How do I suggest it?
Tap “Suggest it to our editors” on this page and tell us the place name and why it’s worth a visit. Our editors review every suggestion.