Serghaya
| Serghaya سرغايا Sirghaya | |
|---|---|
| Town | |
  Serghaya Location in Syria | |
| Coordinates: 33°47′N 36°8′E / 33.783°N 36.133°E | |
| Country |
 Syria |
| Governorate | Rif Dimashq Governorate |
| District | Al-Zabadani District |
| Nahiyah | Serghaya |
| Elevation | 1,446 m (4,744 ft) |
| Population (2004 census)[1] | |
| • Total | 7,501 |
| Area code(s) | 11 |
| Climate | Csb |
Serghaya or Sirghaya (Arabic سرغايا) is a small town located in the Damascus countryside in south west Syria. According to the Syria Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), Serghaya had a population of 7,501 in the 2004 census.[1] Its inhabitants are predominantly Sunni Muslims.[2]
Geography
It is 60 km (37 mi) from Damascus and 1,446 m (4,744 ft) above sea level. It is at the foot of the Anti-Lebanon Mountain. Serghaya has a moderate climate with a temperature that varies from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius all summer season and 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 Al-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)
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 Serghaya 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 Serghaya such as Hellou and Hawayek
References
- 1 2 General Census of Population and Housing 2004. Syria Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). Rif Dimashq Governorate. (Arabic)
- ↑ Smith, 1841, p. 146.
Bibliography
- Smith, Eli; Robinson, Edward (1841). Biblical Researches in Palestine, Mount Sinai and Arabia Petraea: A Journal of Travels in the Year 1838. 3. Crocker and Brewster.
Coordinates: 33°48′N 36°09′E / 33.800°N 36.150°E
