The western half of the street, including the Midhat Pasha Souq, is today also known as "Midhat Pasha Street", while the eastern half, leading to the Bab Sharqi gate, is known as "Bab Sharqi Street".[1]
History
During the Greek period in Damascus, the city was re-designed by Hippodamus, who gave the city a grid structure. The redesign created a grid structure, including the creation of the 1,500 metre-long street, Straight Street. It was designed to be the longest street during its construction.[3]
The Mariamite Cathedral of Damascus was built on Straight Street in the 2nd century, and has been rebuilt multiple times since then.[4] It currently serves as the seat of the Antiochian Orthodox Church.[4] The western half of the street, including the Midhat Pasha Souq, is now named "Midhat Pasha Street", while the eastern half, leading to the Bab Sharqi gate is named "Bab Sharqi Street".[1]
"And the Lord said unto him (i.e. Ananias), Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth".[5]
