Before war broke out, the old city and its covered bazaar housed a large Christian minority that thrived among its Sunni neighbors. Nearly seven years of war have transformed Homs in body and soul. The old city and the Khaldiyeh, Baba Amr and Waer quarters evolved into rebel fortresses, besieged by the government army outside and dominated by insurgents -- most of them jihadists -- within. Homs is quiet, the war having moved to Idlib, Afrin and other regions, but the city has yet to recover. When the Guns Fall SilentFew people have returned to the once quaint old city around the souks, or marketplaces.

Source: Forbes February 15, 2018 15:00 UTC