Sirghaya

Sirghaya سرغايا
Sirghaya Location in Syria
Coordinates: 33°47′N 36°8′E
Country	Syria
Governorate	Rif Dimashq Governorate
District	Zabadani District
Elevation	1,446 m (4,744 ft)
Population (2002)
• Total	16,647
Area code(s)	11

Sirghaya (Arabic سرغايا) is small town located in the Damascus countryside in south west Syria.

Geography

It is 60 km from Damascus and 1,446 m above sea level. It is at the foot of the Anti-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 to Beirut 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 predominantly of the Muslim faith.

Economy

Economy for this town is based on agricultural activities and the main crops are (Apple, Cherry, Pear, Peach and Apricot).

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