- Sirghaya
Sirghaya (Arabic سرغايا) is small town located in the
Damascus countryside in south westSyria . [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/SY/8/Sirghaya.html]Geography
It is 60 km from
Damascus and 1,446 m above sea level. It is at the foot of theAnti-Lebanon Mountain. Sirghaya has a moderate climate with a temperature that varies from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius all summer season and very cold climate with temperature varies from -5 up to 10 all winter when snow covers the land and mountain.It is connected to Damascus via Zabadani and also has old rail reaches toBeirut via Riyaq (or Rayak),Bekaa .The town has very impressive vistas and fresh water resources such springs and wells.Nearby Towns
* West :`Utayb (3.5 nm)
* North: Yahfufah (3.4 nm), Al Khuraybah (4.0 nm), Ma`rabun (3.4 nm)
* East: Al `Uwayni (0.4 nm)
* South: `Ayn al Hawr (2.2 nm)Demographics
Sirghaya has a population of 16,647 all follow the
Muslim faith.Economy
Economy for this town is based on agricultural activities and the main crops are (
Apple ,Cherry ,Pear ,Peach andApricot ). The town has had bad reputation forsmuggling across Lebanon border for decades.Tourism is underdeveloped because of harsh and rough people treatment to foreign tourists.Etymology
It is believed that the name Sirghaya has an
Aramaic origin, which means horse saddle because of the shape of the valley surrounded by mountains.There are no major archaeological remains only some caves and tombs.
It is believed that some Lebanese families originated in Sirghaya such as Hellou and
Hawayek
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