It took its final form about 400 years ago during the Ottoman empire and has not experienced any major changes since.

It is considered the Southern Gate of Damascus and was created as a trading center by the people of Damascus for them to be closer to the people of the Hauran and to improve trade and economic relations between them.

[4][failed verification] Their actions were driven in part by the extensive commercial links connecting the grain merchants of the neighborhood with Druze notables in the Hawran, among whom the revolt had begun.

[5] Michel Aflaq and Salah al-Din al-Bitar, the founders of the Ba'th Party, were both born in the Midan as sons of grain merchants.

[2] Some of the sweets for which Midan is famous for include baklava, barazek, kanafeh, namorah, and awameh.