Hama is renowned for its magnificent Great Mosque, originally built in the 8th century and featuring stunning Islamic architecture alongside the famous Byzantine-era waterwheels (norias) that have become symbols of the city. The city holds deep Islamic significance as an important center of Islamic learning and culture throughout the Umayyad and Abbasid periods. Hama's Muslim community has preserved centuries-old traditions, including traditional crafts, Islamic scholarship, and the unique integration of Islamic heritage with the ancient waterwheel system that continues to operate today.