"As for Damascus, she is the Paradise of the Orient, and dawning-place of her resplendent light, the seal of the Islamic lands which we have explored, and the bride of the cities which we have unveiled. She hath adorned herself with flowers of sweet-scented herbs, and displayed herself in brocaded vestures from her gardens; she hath occupied an assured position in the site of beauty, and hath decked herself in her bridal chair with fairest adornment. She is ennobled by the fact that God Most High gave a refuge to the Messiah [Jesus] (upon Him be peace) and His Mother [Mary] in it... Her soil is sated with abundant water ... and places cry to thee 'Stamp thy foot; here is a cool spring for thee to wash thyself and to drink'..." [Gibb, p. 118, quoting Abu'l-Hasan Ibn Jubair]