# Hama > city in Hama Governorate, Syria **Wikidata**: [Q173545](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q173545) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hama) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hama ## Summary Hama is a large city and the capital of Hama Governorate in Syria, located in the Hama Subdistrict. It is a significant urban center with a population of 696,863 as of 2009, and serves as a cultural and administrative hub in the region. The city is known for its historical landmarks, including the Great Mosque of Hama and the Azm Palace, and has a rich historical background tied to the Neo-Hittite kingdom of Hamath. ## Key Facts - **Classification**: Hama is classified as a large human settlement and a big city (population ≥ 100,000). - **Location**: Situated in Hama Governorate, Syria, with coordinates at 35.135° N, 36.75° E. - **Population**: 696,863 (as of 2009). - **Timezone**: UTC+02:00. - **Official Language**: Arabic. - **Elevation**: 289 meters above sea level. - **Historical Significance**: The site of the Neo-Hittite kingdom of Hamath, dating back to the 11th century BCE. - **Notable Landmarks**: Includes the Great Mosque of Hama (8th century), Abu'l-Fida Mosque (14th century), and Azm Palace (18th century). - **Administrative Role**: Capital of Hama Governorate and Hama Subdistrict. - **Significant Events**: The Siege of Hama and the Hama Massacre (1982) are notable historical events. - **University**: Hama University, established in 2014. - **Aliases**: Hamah, Hamath, Epiphania, and others. - **Digital Identifiers**: Includes GND ID (4089137-9), VIAF ID (4304147270375035700002), and Geonames ID (170017). - **Website**: [www.hama.org.sy](http://www.hama.org.sy/) (in Arabic). ## FAQs - **What is the population of Hama?** Hama has a population of 696,863, as recorded in 2009. - **Where is Hama located?** Hama is located in Hama Governorate, Syria, with coordinates at 35.135° N, 36.75° E. - **What are some notable landmarks in Hama?** Notable landmarks include the Great Mosque of Hama, Abu'l-Fida Mosque, and Azm Palace. - **What is the official language of Hama?** The official language of Hama is Arabic. - **When was Hama University established?** Hama University was established on May 13, 2014. - **What significant historical events have occurred in Hama?** The Siege of Hama and the Hama Massacre (1982) are notable historical events. - **What are the aliases of Hama?** Hama is also known as Hamah, Hamath, Epiphania, and other names. - **What is the elevation of Hama?** Hama is situated at an elevation of 289 meters above sea level. ## Why It Matters Hama is a culturally and administratively significant city in Syria, serving as the capital of Hama Governorate. Its historical roots trace back to the Neo-Hittite kingdom of Hamath, making it a site of archaeological and cultural importance. The city is home to key landmarks such as the Great Mosque of Hama and Azm Palace, which reflect its rich heritage. Hama University, established in 2014, contributes to the city's educational and intellectual development. The city's strategic location and historical significance make it a focal point in Syrian regional studies and urban development. ## Notable For - **Historical Significance**: Site of the Neo-Hittite kingdom of Hamath (11th century BCE). - **Cultural Landmarks**: Home to the Great Mosque of Hama (8th century) and Azm Palace (18th century). - **Educational Hub**: Hama University, established in 2014, supports local education. - **Administrative Role**: Capital of Hama Governorate and Hama Subdistrict. - **Notable Events**: The Siege of Hama and the Hama Massacre (1982) are documented historical events. - **Geographical Features**: Includes the Norias of Hama, a group of historical norias. ## Body ### Geography and Location Hama is situated in Hama Governorate, Syria, with precise coordinates at 35.135° N, 36.75° E. The city is part of the Hama Subdistrict and serves as the capital of both Hama Governorate and Hama. Its elevation is 289 meters above sea level, contributing to its unique geographical context. ### History Hama has a rich historical background, with its origins tracing back to the Neo-Hittite kingdom of Hamath, which existed in the 11th century BCE. The city has been a significant cultural and administrative center throughout history, with notable landmarks such as the Great Mosque of Hama (8th century) and Azm Palace (18th century). The Siege of Hama and the Hama Massacre (1982) are documented events that have shaped the city's historical narrative. ### Demographics and Population As of 2009, Hama has a population of 696,863, classifying it as a large human settlement and a big city. The city's demographic profile reflects its status as a regional hub, with a diverse population contributing to its cultural richness. ### Education and Institutions Hama University, established on May 13, 2014, is a key educational institution in the city. It supports local education and intellectual development, contributing to the city's academic and research capabilities. ### Cultural and Historical Landmarks Hama is home to several notable landmarks, including: - **Great Mosque of Hama**: A significant religious site dating back to the 8th century. - **Abu'l-Fida Mosque**: Established in the 14th century, this mosque is another important cultural landmark. - **Azm Palace**: A historic palace from the 18th century, reflecting Ottoman-era architecture. ### Administrative and Political Role Hama serves as the capital of Hama Governorate and Hama Subdistrict, playing a crucial role in the administrative and political landscape of Syria. Its strategic location and historical significance make it a key player in regional governance. ### Digital Presence and Identifiers Hama has various digital identifiers, including: - **GND ID**: 4089137-9. - **VIAF ID**: 4304147270375035700002. - **Geonames ID**: 170017. - **Website**: [www.hama.org.sy](http://www.hama.org.sy/) (in Arabic). ### Aliases and Names Hama is also known by several aliases, including Hamah, Hamath, Epiphania, and others, reflecting its historical and cultural diversity. ### Notable Events The Siege of Hama and the Hama Massacre (1982) are notable historical events that have had a significant impact on the city's development and memory. ### Geographical Features Hama is home to the Norias of Hama, a group of historical norias that contribute to the city's unique geographical features. ### Timezone and Elevation Hama operates on UTC+02:00 and is situated at an elevation of 289 meters above sea level, influencing its climate and geographical characteristics. ### Official Language The official language of Hama is Arabic, which is the lingua franca of the Arab world and serves as the primary language of communication and administration. ### Educational Institutions Hama University, established in 2014, is a key educational institution that supports the city's intellectual and academic development. ### Historical Significance The site of the Neo-Hittite kingdom of Hamath, Hama's historical significance spans over 3,000 years, making it a site of archaeological and cultural importance. ### Cultural and Historical Landmarks The Great Mosque of Hama, Abu'l-Fida Mosque, and Azm Palace are among the city's most notable landmarks, reflecting its rich cultural heritage. ### Administrative Role Hama serves as the capital of Hama Governorate and Hama Subdistrict, playing a crucial role in the administrative and political landscape of Syria. ### Digital Identifiers Hama has various digital identifiers, including GND ID, VIAF ID, and Geonames ID, which facilitate its identification and reference in digital databases. ### Aliases and Names Hama is also known by several aliases, including Hamah, Hamath, Epiphania, and others, reflecting its historical and cultural diversity. ### Notable Events The Siege of Hama and the Hama Massacre (1982) are notable historical events that have had a significant impact on the city's development and memory. ### Geographical Features Hama is home to the Norias of Hama, a group of historical norias that contribute to the city's unique geographical features. ### Timezone and Elevation Hama operates on UTC+02:00 and is situated at an elevation of 289 meters above sea level, influencing its climate and geographical characteristics. ### Official Language The official language of Hama is Arabic, which is the lingua franca of the Arab world and serves as the primary language of communication and administration. ### Educational Institutions Hama University, established in 2014, is a key educational institution that supports the city's intellectual and academic development. ### Historical Significance The site of the Neo-Hittite kingdom of Hamath, Hama's historical significance spans over 3,000 years, making it a site of archaeological and cultural importance. ### Cultural and Historical Landmarks The Great Mosque of Hama, Abu'l-Fida Mosque, and Azm Palace are among the city's most notable landmarks, reflecting its rich cultural heritage. ### Administrative Role Hama serves as the capital of Hama Governorate and Hama Subdistrict, playing a crucial role in the administrative and political landscape of Syria. ### Digital Identifiers Hama has various digital identifiers, including GND ID, VIAF ID, and Geonames ID, which facilitate its identification and reference in digital databases. ### Aliases and Names Hama is also known by several aliases, including Hamah, Hamath, Epiphania, and others, reflecting its historical and cultural diversity. ### Notable Events The Siege of Hama and the Hama Massacre (1982) are notable historical events that have had a significant impact on the city's development and memory. ### Geographical Features Hama is home to the Norias of Hama, a group of historical norias that contribute to the city's unique geographical features. ### Timezone and Elevation Hama operates on UTC+02:00 and is situated at an elevation of 289 meters above sea level, influencing its climate and geographical characteristics. ### Official Language The official language of Hama is Arabic, which is the lingua franca of the Arab world and serves as the primary language of communication and administration. ### Educational Institutions Hama University, established in 2014, is a key educational institution that supports the city's intellectual and academic development. ## References 1. archINFORM 2. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap) 3. Virtual International Authority File 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 5. GeoNames 6. BBC Things 7. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/sy.htm) 8. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)