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The Dead Cities ( ar, المدن الميتة) or Forgotten Cities ( ar, المدن المنسية) are a group of 700 abandoned settlements in northwest Syria between Aleppo and
Chris Wickham, in the authoritative survey of the post-Roman world, " Framing the Early Middle Ages" (2006) argues that these were settlements of prosperous peasants which have few or no specifically urban features. The impressive remains of domestic architecture are the result of the prosperity of peasants who benefited from a strong international trade in
,
, Aleppo
, An ancient settlement, located west of Aleppo, has many old basilicas; for example, the Saint Julianus Maronite monastery (399-402 AD) where the shrine of Saint Maron is located, and a basilica at the northern part of the village built in 561.
, -
, Barjaka or Burj Suleiman village
( ar, برجكة) ,
,
, Aleppo
, Located northwest of Aleppo. The site has remnants of an old hermit tower and a well-preserved chapel from the 6th century.
, -
, Basufan
( ar, باصوفان) , , , Aleppo , , - , Batuta
( ar, بطوطة) , , , Aleppo , Village founded in the 4th century CE. By the 6th century, it had two churches and more than twelve other stone buildings. , - , Baziher
( ar, بازيهر) , , , Aleppo , , - , Benastur Monastery
( ar, بنستور) , , , Aleppo , , - , Churches of Sheikh Suleiman village
( ar, كنائس شيخ سليمان) , , , Aleppo , Located west of Aleppo, is notable for its three ancient churches: a ruined church located at the centre of the village, a well-preserved southern basilica which was built in 602, and the Church of the Virgin Mary which belongs to the late fifth century and is considered one of the most beautiful churches in northern Syria. There is a hermit tower in the northern side of the village. , - ,
( ar, دير سمعان) ,
,
, Aleppo
, One of the most celebrated ecclesiastical monuments in Syria and among the oldest standing Christian churches in the world. It is located about northwest of Aleppo.
, -
,
( ar, سيروس – نبي هوري) ,
,
, Aleppo
, An ancient city located north of Aleppo, is the site of
( ar, دير عمان) , , , Aleppo , , - , Deir Mishmish Church
( ar, كنيسة دير مشمش) , , , Aleppo , , - , Deir Turmanin
( ar, دير ترمانين) , , ,
( ar, كنيسة فافرتين) , , , Aleppo , A half-ruined Late Roman basilica dates to 372 AD; it is located northwest of Aleppo. According to the Aleppine historian Abdallah Hajjar, Fafertin Basilica is among the oldest dated churches in the world. , - , Kafr Kira settlement in Burj Heidar village
( ar, كفر كيرا في برج حيدر) , , , Aleppo , Located northwest of Aleppo, has many half-ruined Christian structures dating back to the fourth and sixth centuries. , - , Kafr Lab
( ar, كفر لاب) , , , Aleppo , , - , Kafr Lusein
( ar, كفر لوسين) , , , Aleppo , , - , Kafr Nabu
( ar, كفر نابو) , , , Aleppo , Located west of Aleppo, is an Assyrian settlement of the ninth century BC and the site of a Roman temple which was converted into a church. There are also well-preserved residential buildings from the fifth and sixth centuries. , - , Kalota Castle and churches
( ar, كالوطة) , , , Aleppo , Located 20 km northwest of Aleppo. The castle was originally built as a Roman temple during the 2nd century AD. After converting to
( ar, خرب شمس) ,
,
, Aleppo
, One of the oldest best-preserved Christian structures in the Levant dates to the fourth century CE. The Byzantine church is located northwest of Aleppo.
, -
, Kimar, near ''Basuta'' village
( ar, كيمار) , , , Aleppo , Located northwest of Aleppo, is a fifth-century CE village of the Late Roman and Byzantine eras; it has many well-preserved churches, towers and old water cisterns. , - , Mushabbak Basilica
( ar, المشبك) ,
,
, Aleppo
, A well-preserved church from the second half of the fifth century (around 470), is located west of Aleppo, near the town of Daret A'zzeh.
, -
, Qatura
( ar, قاطورة) , , , Aleppo , , - , Refade
( ar, رفادة) ,
,
,
( ar, سرجبلا) , , ,
( ar, ست الروم) , , , Aleppo , , - , Sheikh Barakat
( ar, الشيخ بركات) , , , Aleppo , , - , Sinkhar historic settlement
( ar, سنخار) , , , Aleppo , Locally known as Simkhar, is located northwest of Aleppo in an isolated valley. The village was inhabited between the second and seventh centuries. Its Basilica is among the oldest churches in Syria and dates back to the fourth century, while the nearby chapel is sixth century. , - , Sugane village
( ar, صوغانة) , , , Aleppo , Located northwest of Aleppo, is home to two half-ruined churches and old water cisterns. , - ,
( ar, سرقانيا) , , , Aleppo , Located northwest of Aleppo, preserves the remains of an old Byzantine settlement with a half-ruined sixth-century chapel. , - , Taladah Church and Monastery
( ar, تل عادة) , , ,
( ar, تقلا) , , , Aleppo , , - ,
( ar, زرزيتا) , , , Aleppo , , -
( ar, الكفير) , , ,
( ar, باب الهوا) , , ,
( ar, بابسقا) , , ,
( ar, باموقا) , , ,
( ar, بنابل) , , ,
( ar, بانقوسا) , , ,
( ar, باقرحا) ,
,
,
( ar, باريشا) ,
,
,
( ar, باريش الشمالي) , , ,
( ar, باشكوح) , , ,
( ar, باشمشلي) , , ,
( ar, بعودا) , , ,
( ar, بحيو) , , ,
( ar, بيتر) , , ,
( ar, بشندلايا) , , ,
( ar, بنصرة) , , ,
( ar, برج عيزارارا) , , ,
( ar, داحس) , , ,
( ar, الدانا) , , ,
( ar, ديروني) , , ,
( ar, دير قيتا) , , ,
( ar, دير سيتا) , , ,
( ar, الفاسوق) , , ,
( ar, كفر عقاب) , , ,
( ar, كفر عروق) , , ,
( ar, كفر دريان) , , ,
( ar, خربة الخطيب) , , ,
( ar, كسيبجة) , , ,
( ar, كوكانية) , , ,
( ar, معصراتة) , , ,
( ar, ماعز) , , ,
( ar, قلب لوزة) , , ,
( ar, قرقبيزة) , , ,
( ar, صرفود) , , ,
( ar, سرمدا) , , ,
})
,
,
,
( ar, بابولين) , , ,
( ar, بارة) ,
,
,
( ar, بشيلا) , , ,
( ar, بترسا) ,
,
,
( ar, بعودا) ,
,
,
( ar, دير سنبل) , , ,
( ar, دللوزة) , , ,
( ar, ابلا) ,
,
,
( ar, عين لاروز) , , ,
( ar, فركيا) , , ,
( ar, حزارين) , , ,
( ar, جرادة) ,
,
,
( ar, مغارة) , , ,
( ar, مجليا) , , ,
( ar, الموزرة) , , ,
( ar, قصر البنات) , , ,
( ar, ربيعة) , , ,
( ar, رويحة) ,
,
,
( ar, سرجيلا) ,
,
,
( ar, شنان) , , ,
( ar, شنشراح) , , ,
( ar, وادي مرتحون) , , ,
Simeon Citadel and Dead Cities
Suggestion to have the Dead Cities recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site, in 2006, as part of "Simeon Citadel and Dead Cities"-project.
Pictures of four dead cities
{{Aleppo landmarks Former populated places in Syria World Heritage Sites in Danger Persecution of Christians by Muslims Churches destroyed by Muslims
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
. Around 40 villages grouped in eight archaeological parks situated in north-western Syria provide an insight into rural life in Late Antiquity
Late antiquity is the time of transition from classical antiquity to the Middle Ages, generally spanning the 3rd–7th century in Europe and adjacent areas bordering the Mediterranean Basin. The popularization of this periodization in English has ...
and during the Byzantine period
The Byzantine Empire, also referred to as the Eastern Roman Empire or Byzantium, was the continuation of the Roman Empire primarily in its eastern provinces during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages, when its capital city was Constantinopl ...
. Most of the villages, which date from the 1st to 7th centuries, were abandoned between the 8th and 10th centuries. The settlements feature the well-preserved architectural remains of dwellings, pagan temples, churches, cisterns, bathhouses etc. Important dead cities include the Church of Saint Simeon Stylites
The Church of Saint Simeon Stylites ( ar, كنيسة مار سمعان العمودي , Kanīsat Mār Simʿān el-ʿAmūdī) is one of the oldest surviving church complexes, founded in the 5th century. It is located approximately northwestern of ...
, Serjilla and al Bara.
The Dead Cities are situated in an elevated area of limestone known as Limestone Massif. These ancient settlements cover an area wide and some long. The Massif includes three groups of highlands: the first is the northern group of Mount Simeon and Mount Kurd; the second middle group is the group of Harim Mountains
Harim Mountains ( ar, جبال حارم, Jabal Ḥārim ) are highlands in the north of Idlib Governorate in northwestern Syria. The mountains are located in the Harim and Jisr Shughur districts of Idlib Governorate.
Location and description
Th ...
; the third southern group is the group of Zawiya Mountain
Mount Zāwiya ( ar, جبل الزاوية, Jabal az-Zāwiyah) or Mount Rīḥā ( ar, جبل ريحا, Jabal Rīḥā) (also in medieval times: Banī-ʻUlaym Mountain ( ar, جبل بني عليم, Jabal Banī-ʻUlaym) is a highland region in Idlib ...
.
History
Chris Wickham, in the authoritative survey of the post-Roman world, " Framing the Early Middle Ages" (2006) argues that these were settlements of prosperous peasants which have few or no specifically urban features. The impressive remains of domestic architecture are the result of the prosperity of peasants who benefited from a strong international trade in olive oil
Olive oil is a liquid fat obtained from olives (the fruit of ''Olea europaea''; family Oleaceae), a traditional tree crop of the Mediterranean Basin, produced by pressing whole olives and extracting the oil. It is commonly used in cooking: ...
at the end of Antiquity.
Another argument is that these were prosperous cities that flourished because they were located along major trade routes in the Byzantine Empire, and not merely prosperous peasant settlements. After conquest by the Arabs, the trade routes changed, and as a result these towns lost the majority of the business which fostered their economies. On this view, settlers eventually abandoned their towns and headed for other cities that were flourishing under the Arabs and the Umayyad
The Umayyad Caliphate (661–750 CE; , ; ar, ٱلْخِلَافَة ٱلْأُمَوِيَّة, al-Khilāfah al-ʾUmawīyah) was the second of the four major caliphates established after the death of Muhammad. The caliphate was ruled by the ...
s as increasing urbanisation took its toll.
The ancient villages of the Dead Cities illustrate the transition from the ancient pagan world of the Roman Empire
The Roman Empire ( la, Imperium Romanum ; grc-gre, Βασιλεία τῶν Ῥωμαίων, Basileía tôn Rhōmaíōn) was the post- Republican period of ancient Rome. As a polity, it included large territorial holdings around the Medite ...
to Byzantine Christianity.
The Dead Cites were inscribed as a UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture. I ...
World Heritage Site
A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international convention administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO for ...
in 2011, under the name of "Ancient Villages of Northern Syria".
Before the Syrian Civil War most sites had become easily accessible, the majority of the dead cities were well-preserved and tourists could access the sites quite freely, though some of the Dead Cities are quite difficult to reach without a guide (there is a guidebook by Abdallah Hadjar with a detailed map that is useful for finding the lesser known sites; ''The Church of St Simeon Stylites and Other Archaeological Sites in the Mountains of Simeon and Halaqa''.
Archeological sites
Dead cities and archeological sites in Limestone Massif includeChurch of Saint Simeon Stylites
The Church of Saint Simeon Stylites ( ar, كنيسة مار سمعان العمودي , Kanīsat Mār Simʿān el-ʿAmūdī) is one of the oldest surviving church complexes, founded in the 5th century. It is located approximately northwestern of ...
, Serjilla, Bara, Basufan, Barisha, Qalb Loze, Barad, Cyrrhus
Cyrrhus (; el, Κύρρος ''Kyrrhos'') is a city in ancient Syria founded by Seleucus Nicator, one of Alexander the Great's generals. Other names for the city include Coricium, Corice, Hagioupolis, Nebi Huri ( ar, نبي هوري), and Khoros ...
, Turmanin, Banabil
Banabil ( ar, بنابل, also spelled ''Benabel'' or ''Bnabel'') is a village in northwestern Syria, administratively part of the Harem District of the Idlib Governorate. Nearby localities include Harem to the west, Qalb Loze
Qalb Loze ( ar, ق ...
, Kafr Aruq
Kafr Aruq ( ar, كفر عروق) is a Syrian village located in Qurqania Nahiyah in Harem District
Harem District ( ar-at, منطقة حارم, manṭiqat Ḥārim) is a district of the Idlib Governorate in northwestern Syria. The administr ...
, Kafr Dariyan
Kafr Dariyan ( ar, كفردريان also spelled Kfar Drian) is a village in Syria, administratively part of Idlib Governorate. It is situated on the northern slopes of the Harim Mountains. Nearby localities include Sarmada to the east, Killi to ...
, Babuline
Babuline ( ar, بابولين) is a Syrian village located in Hish Nahiyah in Maarrat al-Nu'man District
Maarat al-Numaan District ( ar-at, منطقة معرة النعمان, manṭiqat Maʿarrat al-Nuʿmān) is a district of the Idlib Gover ...
, Hazarin
Hazarin ( ar, حزارين, also spelled Hazzarin) is a town in northwestern Syria, administratively belonging to the Idlib Governorate, located 60 kilometers southwest of Idlib. Nearby localities include Kafr Oweid to the northwest, al-Barah to ...
, Jarada
Jarada ( ar, جرادة) is a village in Maarrat al-Nu'man Nahiyah in Maarrat al-Nu'man District, Idlib Governorate, Syria. Its population was 837 in the 2004 census.
It contains one of the Dead Cities
The Dead Cities ( ar, المدن ال� ...
, Maghara
Maghara ( ar, المغارة) is a Syrian village located in Ihsim Nahiyah in Ariha District, Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, ...
, Shinan, Farkya
Farkya ( ar, فركيا) is a Syrian village located in Ihsim Nahiyah in Ariha District, Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geoc ...
, Ein Laruz
Ein Laruz ( ar, عين لاروز) is a Syrian village located in Ihsim Nahiyah in Ariha District, Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = ...
, Ebla
Ebla (Sumerian: ''eb₂-la'', ar, إبلا, modern: , Tell Mardikh) was one of the earliest kingdoms in Syria. Its remains constitute a tell located about southwest of Aleppo near the village of Mardikh. Ebla was an important center thr ...
, Deir Sunbul, Al-Dana, and Al-Dana.Mount Simeon, Mount Kurd and Mount Ḥalqa
}) ,
,
, Aleppo
, An ancient settlement, located west of Aleppo, has many old basilicas; for example, the Saint Julianus Maronite monastery (399-402 AD) where the shrine of Saint Maron is located, and a basilica at the northern part of the village built in 561.
, -
, Barjaka or Burj Suleiman village( ar, برجكة) ,
,
, Aleppo
, Located northwest of Aleppo. The site has remnants of an old hermit tower and a well-preserved chapel from the 6th century.
, -
, Basufan( ar, باصوفان) , , , Aleppo , , - , Batuta
( ar, بطوطة) , , , Aleppo , Village founded in the 4th century CE. By the 6th century, it had two churches and more than twelve other stone buildings. , - , Baziher
( ar, بازيهر) , , , Aleppo , , - , Benastur Monastery
( ar, بنستور) , , , Aleppo , , - , Churches of Sheikh Suleiman village
( ar, كنائس شيخ سليمان) , , , Aleppo , Located west of Aleppo, is notable for its three ancient churches: a ruined church located at the centre of the village, a well-preserved southern basilica which was built in 602, and the Church of the Virgin Mary which belongs to the late fifth century and is considered one of the most beautiful churches in northern Syria. There is a hermit tower in the northern side of the village. , - ,
Church of Saint Simeon Stylites
The Church of Saint Simeon Stylites ( ar, كنيسة مار سمعان العمودي , Kanīsat Mār Simʿān el-ʿAmūdī) is one of the oldest surviving church complexes, founded in the 5th century. It is located approximately northwestern of ...
(Deir Semaan)( ar, دير سمعان) ,
,
, Aleppo
, One of the most celebrated ecclesiastical monuments in Syria and among the oldest standing Christian churches in the world. It is located about northwest of Aleppo.
, -
, Cyrrhus
Cyrrhus (; el, Κύρρος ''Kyrrhos'') is a city in ancient Syria founded by Seleucus Nicator, one of Alexander the Great's generals. Other names for the city include Coricium, Corice, Hagioupolis, Nebi Huri ( ar, نبي هوري), and Khoros ...
( ar, سيروس – نبي هوري) ,
,
, Aleppo
, An ancient city located north of Aleppo, is the site of Saints Cosmas and Damian
Cosmas and Damian ( ar, قُزما ودميان, translit=Qozma wa Demyaan; grc-gre, Κοσμᾶς καὶ Δαμιανός, translit=Kosmás kai Damianós; la, Cosmas et Damianus; AD) were two Arab physicians in the town Cyrrhus, and were ...
Church (commonly known as Nabi Houri church), as well as a Roman amphitheatre and two old Roman bridges.
, -
, Deir Amman churches( ar, دير عمان) , , , Aleppo , , - , Deir Mishmish Church
( ar, كنيسة دير مشمش) , , , Aleppo , , - , Deir Turmanin
( ar, دير ترمانين) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
, The ruins of the Byzantine monastery of Deir Turmanin are built around a paved courtyard containing two cisterns, a sarcophagus and several tombs. They include a building that housed the monks' dormitories, and the large basilica built around 480 AD.
, -
, Fafertin Faftertin (فافرتين) is a village in northwestern Syria, located in the Jebel Sem’an region of the Dead Cities. The village was founded in the 4th century CE, and in 2011 was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Dead Cities. The ...
Church( ar, كنيسة فافرتين) , , , Aleppo , A half-ruined Late Roman basilica dates to 372 AD; it is located northwest of Aleppo. According to the Aleppine historian Abdallah Hajjar, Fafertin Basilica is among the oldest dated churches in the world. , - , Kafr Kira settlement in Burj Heidar village
( ar, كفر كيرا في برج حيدر) , , , Aleppo , Located northwest of Aleppo, has many half-ruined Christian structures dating back to the fourth and sixth centuries. , - , Kafr Lab
( ar, كفر لاب) , , , Aleppo , , - , Kafr Lusein
( ar, كفر لوسين) , , , Aleppo , , - , Kafr Nabu
( ar, كفر نابو) , , , Aleppo , Located west of Aleppo, is an Assyrian settlement of the ninth century BC and the site of a Roman temple which was converted into a church. There are also well-preserved residential buildings from the fifth and sixth centuries. , - , Kalota Castle and churches
( ar, كالوطة) , , , Aleppo , Located 20 km northwest of Aleppo. The castle was originally built as a Roman temple during the 2nd century AD. After converting to
Christianity
Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth
Jesus, likely from he, יֵשׁוּעַ, translit=Yēšūaʿ, label=Hebrew/Aramaic ( AD 30 or 33), also referred to as Jesu ...
, the temple was turned into a basilica within the 5th century. As a result of the wars between the Hamadanids and the Byzantine Empire
The Byzantine Empire, also referred to as the Eastern Roman Empire or Byzantium, was the continuation of the Roman Empire primarily in its eastern provinces during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages, when its capital city was Constantin ...
, the church was turned into a castle during the 10th century. There are two well-preserved churches near the castle: the eastern church built in 492 and the western church of the 6th century.
, -
, Kharab Shams Basilica( ar, خرب شمس) ,
,
, Aleppo
, One of the oldest best-preserved Christian structures in the Levant dates to the fourth century CE. The Byzantine church is located northwest of Aleppo.
, -
, Kimar, near ''Basuta'' village( ar, كيمار) , , , Aleppo , Located northwest of Aleppo, is a fifth-century CE village of the Late Roman and Byzantine eras; it has many well-preserved churches, towers and old water cisterns. , - , Mushabbak Basilica
( ar, المشبك) ,
,
, Aleppo
, A well-preserved church from the second half of the fifth century (around 470), is located west of Aleppo, near the town of Daret A'zzeh.
, -
, Qatura( ar, قاطورة) , , , Aleppo , , - , Refade
( ar, رفادة) ,
,
, Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Sargible( ar, سرجبلا) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Set al-Roum( ar, ست الروم) , , , Aleppo , , - , Sheikh Barakat
( ar, الشيخ بركات) , , , Aleppo , , - , Sinkhar historic settlement
( ar, سنخار) , , , Aleppo , Locally known as Simkhar, is located northwest of Aleppo in an isolated valley. The village was inhabited between the second and seventh centuries. Its Basilica is among the oldest churches in Syria and dates back to the fourth century, while the nearby chapel is sixth century. , - , Sugane village
( ar, صوغانة) , , , Aleppo , Located northwest of Aleppo, is home to two half-ruined churches and old water cisterns. , - ,
Surqaniya
Surqaniya (سرقانيا) is a village in northwestern Syria, in the Jebel Sem’an region of the Dead Cities. In 2011, the village was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site
A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by a ...
village( ar, سرقانيا) , , , Aleppo , Located northwest of Aleppo, preserves the remains of an old Byzantine settlement with a half-ruined sixth-century chapel. , - , Taladah Church and Monastery
( ar, تل عادة) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Taqla( ar, تقلا) , , , Aleppo , , - ,
Zarzita
Zarzita (زرزيتا) is a village in northwestern Syria, located in the Jebel Jalaqa region of the Dead Cities. It was constructed in the 5th-6th century CE, a time when local agricultural prosperity supported many surrounding monastic communiti ...
( ar, زرزيتا) , , , Aleppo , , -
Harim Mountains
Harim Mountains ( ar, جبال حارم, Jabal Ḥārim ) are highlands in the north of Idlib Governorate in northwestern Syria. The mountains are located in the Harim and Jisr Shughur districts of Idlib Governorate.
Location and description
Th ...
(Mount Bārīshā and Mount Aʻlā)
})
,
,
, Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, al-Kfeir( ar, الكفير) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
, Located in the mountainous region of Mount Aʻlā, less than two kilometers from Qalb Loze
, -
, Bab Al-Hawa( ar, باب الهوا) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
, Located west of Aleppo on the Turkish border, is the site of several fourth-century churches and a well-preserved historical gate from the sixth century AD.
, -
, Babisqa Babisqa (بابسقا) is a village in the Dead Cities of northwestern Syria. Its archaeological remains include two churches, large and small public baths, and a marketplace as well as unidentified buildings, which were constructed between the 4th ...
( ar, بابسقا) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Bamuqa( ar, باموقا) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Banabil
Banabil ( ar, بنابل, also spelled ''Benabel'' or ''Bnabel'') is a village in northwestern Syria, administratively part of the Harem District of the Idlib Governorate. Nearby localities include Harem to the west, Qalb Loze
Qalb Loze ( ar, ق ...
( ar, بنابل) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Banqusa( ar, بانقوسا) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Baqirha( ar, باقرحا) ,
,
, Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Barisha( ar, باريشا) ,
,
, Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Barish al-Shamali
Barish al-Shamali ( ar, باريش) is a village in northwestern Syria, in Harem District. It is located about 2 kilometers north of Qalb Lozeh and contains the remains of a church and a building that is possibly an andron. It is one of the Dead ...
( ar, باريش الشمالي) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Bashkuh( ar, باشكوح) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Bashmishli( ar, باشمشلي) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Bauda( ar, بعودا) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
, Located just a few kilometers from the Turkish border on the far northeastern edge of Jebel Barisha.
, -
, Behyo
Behyo (بحيو) is a village in northwestern Syria, located on the Jebel al’Ala region of the Dead Cities. The town was built in the 5th and 6th centuries, motivated by a prospering olive oil trade. Archaeological remains include two churches, ...
( ar, بحيو) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
, Village in northwestern Syria, built in the 5th and 6th centuries. Archaeological remains include two churches, olive presses, villas and other dwellings.
, -
, Beitar( ar, بيتر) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Beshandlaya( ar, بشندلايا) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Binsira( ar, بنصرة) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Burj Aizarara( ar, برج عيزارارا) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Dahis( ar, داحس) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Dana
Dana may refer to:
People Given name
* Dana (given name)
Surname
* Dana (surname)
* Dana family of Cambridge, Massachusetts
** James Dwight Dana (1813–1895), scientist, zoological author abbreviation Dana
Nickname or stage name
* Dan ...
( ar, الدانا) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
, Located north of Idlib, 38 kilometers west of Aleppo, and just east of the border with Turkey.
, -
, Deirouni( ar, ديروني) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Deir Qeita( ar, دير قيتا) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Deir Seita( ar, دير سيتا) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Fasuq( ar, الفاسوق) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Kafr Aqab( ar, كفر عقاب) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Kafr Aruq
Kafr Aruq ( ar, كفر عروق) is a Syrian village located in Qurqania Nahiyah in Harem District
Harem District ( ar-at, منطقة حارم, manṭiqat Ḥārim) is a district of the Idlib Governorate in northwestern Syria. The administr ...
( ar, كفر عروق) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Kafr Dariyan
Kafr Dariyan ( ar, كفردريان also spelled Kfar Drian) is a village in Syria, administratively part of Idlib Governorate. It is situated on the northern slopes of the Harim Mountains. Nearby localities include Sarmada to the east, Killi to ...
( ar, كفر دريان) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Khirbet al-Khatib( ar, خربة الخطيب) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Kseibjeh
Ksejbe, also ''Kseibjeh'', (Arabic: ) is a village in northwestern Syria, located in the Jebel Barisha region of the Dead Cities. Surviving remains include two churches, olive presses, and likely dwellings, all probably constructed in the 5th and ...
( ar, كسيبجة) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Kukaniyeh( ar, كوكانية) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Ma'suratah( ar, معصراتة) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Maaz( ar, ماعز) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Qalb Loze( ar, قلب لوزة) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Qarqbizeh( ar, قرقبيزة) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Sarfud( ar, صرفود) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, ( ar, سرمدا) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
, A modern village on far eastern edge of Jebel al-Zawiyeh and Jebel Riha.
, -
, Babuline
Babuline ( ar, بابولين) is a Syrian village located in Hish Nahiyah in Maarrat al-Nu'man District
Maarat al-Numaan District ( ar-at, منطقة معرة النعمان, manṭiqat Maʿarrat al-Nuʿmān) is a district of the Idlib Gover ...
( ar, بابولين) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Bara( ar, بارة) ,
,
, Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Bashila( ar, بشيلا) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Batrasa( ar, بترسا) ,
,
, Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Bauda( ar, بعودا) ,
,
, Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
, Located on the side of the road between the two major sites of Bara and Serjilla.
, -
, Deir Sunbul( ar, دير سنبل) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Dellozeh( ar, دللوزة) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Ebla
Ebla (Sumerian: ''eb₂-la'', ar, إبلا, modern: , Tell Mardikh) was one of the earliest kingdoms in Syria. Its remains constitute a tell located about southwest of Aleppo near the village of Mardikh. Ebla was an important center thr ...
( ar, ابلا) ,
,
, Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
, One of the earliest kingdoms in Syria. Its remains constitute a tell located about 55 km (34 mi) southwest of Aleppo near the village of Mardikh.
, -
, Ein Laruz
Ein Laruz ( ar, عين لاروز) is a Syrian village located in Ihsim Nahiyah in Ariha District, Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = ...
( ar, عين لاروز) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Farkya
Farkya ( ar, فركيا) is a Syrian village located in Ihsim Nahiyah in Ariha District, Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geoc ...
( ar, فركيا) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Hazarin
Hazarin ( ar, حزارين, also spelled Hazzarin) is a town in northwestern Syria, administratively belonging to the Idlib Governorate, located 60 kilometers southwest of Idlib. Nearby localities include Kafr Oweid to the northwest, al-Barah to ...
( ar, حزارين) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Jarada
Jarada ( ar, جرادة) is a village in Maarrat al-Nu'man Nahiyah in Maarrat al-Nu'man District, Idlib Governorate, Syria. Its population was 837 in the 2004 census.
It contains one of the Dead Cities
The Dead Cities ( ar, المدن ال� ...
( ar, جرادة) ,
,
, Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Maghara
Maghara ( ar, المغارة) is a Syrian village located in Ihsim Nahiyah in Ariha District, Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, ...
( ar, مغارة) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Majliya( ar, مجليا) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Mozra
Mozra ( ar, الموزرة) is a Syrian village
A village is a clustered human settlement or community, larger than a hamlet but smaller than a town (although the word is often used to describe both hamlets and smaller towns), with ...
( ar, الموزرة) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Qasr al-Banat( ar, قصر البنات) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Rabiaa( ar, ربيعة) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Ruweiha( ar, رويحة) ,
,
, Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Serjilla( ar, سرجيلا) ,
,
, Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Shinan( ar, شنان) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Shinshirah( ar, شنشراح) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
, Wadi Martahun( ar, وادي مرتحون) , , ,
Idlib
ar, إدلبي, Idlibi
, coordinates =
, elevation_m = 500
, area_code = 23
, geocode = C3871
, blank_name = Climate
, blank_info ...
,
, -
See also
* World Heritage Sites in DangerReferences
External links
Simeon Citadel and Dead Cities
Suggestion to have the Dead Cities recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site, in 2006, as part of "Simeon Citadel and Dead Cities"-project.
Pictures of four dead cities
{{Aleppo landmarks Former populated places in Syria World Heritage Sites in Danger Persecution of Christians by Muslims Churches destroyed by Muslims