15 Places That Don't Mean What You Think: Explained
Discover 15 places that don't mean what you think—from Paris, Texas to Greenland—and the surprising stories behind their misleading names.
Damascene
/dəˈmæskəs/

Damascus is the capital of Syria and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history stretching back thousands of years. Its historic Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with narrow lanes, courtyard houses, and traditional markets. The city is home to the Umayyad Mosque, one of the most important religious buildings in Islam, and to ancient souqs selling spices, textiles, and handmade crafts. Damascus served as the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate in the seventh and eighth centuries, shaping its role as a major center of learning and culture. Its rich heritage has been affected by the ongoing conflict in Syria, which has damaged parts of the city and its neighborhoods. Despite these challenges, Damascus remains a symbol of the region's deep historical roots and cultural life.
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Ancient name, possibly from Aramaic. The demonym is 'Damascene'.
Other places in the region and their demonyms
Discover 15 places that don't mean what you think—from Paris, Texas to Greenland—and the surprising stories behind their misleading names.
From Montenegro to Naples, these 20 place names that were literally translated show how languages rebuild geography — and what the originals mean.
Want to explore where Damascenes live? Here's the atlas that does it best:
Highly detailed, stunning visuals
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Take a Quiz →Discover demonyms from other places in this region