http://als-alexander.org/images/damascus1.jpg looks kind of the same to me. Anyway, If they wanted to show a photo made after Damascus in the past what? It was a very beautiful city as it is now.
I really don't think that looks like a swamp or anything. There would be at least some vegetation for it to be what you are saying. (flooding- where are the trees, tall grass, everything is flat). And it doesn't look like it shallow water on a shore of the sea or ocean. (And that comment was a joke)
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