While heading to Damascus, I traveled along the Royal Road, which was a government encouraged trade route. They taxed the merchants on this route and monitored who was coming in and out of their country. The Mongols had tried to raid this route but the Malmuks kept this route protected because of its economical value and it was also a major pilgrimage route for Muslims participating in the Hajj.
Along this route lay several holy cities that were significant to Christians, Muslims, and Jews alike. I just had to see these cities! I was able to see the burial ground of the forefathers of the monotheistic religions and it was completely aw inspiring! I saw the other Holy sites as well but the danger of assassins, political unrest and dishonesty kept me from staying too long.
I then came upon the city of Damascus and it was a city whose beauty was supreme above all others. It was such a huge international market of commerce that it was no wonder why city could afford to be so beautiful and erect such magnificent and beautiful structures. I stayed here for awhile and studied under a wise man along with other pupils. We sat around the wise man and he taught us from the Koran. I also learned from the judges and scholars of the region, in addition to getting married and being divorced in a short period of time.
(Yale.edu)