Hama is a city in western Syria, on the banks of the Orontes River. It is located 213 kilometers (132 mi) north of Damascus and 46 kilometers (29 mi) north of Homs. According to the 2004 census, Hama had a population of 672,000. The inhabitants are predominantly Sunni Muslims, although there is a small Alawite minority.
Hama has been a center of Sunni Islamic scholarship since the 8th century. The city is famous for its medieval water wheels, which were introduced in the 8th century. It is also known for its wooden handicrafts and for its leather industry.
Average temperatures during the day in Hama.