Global Arab Network | Bab al-Hawa - Archaeological Gate Links Syria and Turkey

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Bab al-Hawa - Archaeological Gate Links Syria and Turkey

Global Arab Network - - John Short

Monday, 07 March 2011 17:27

Syria (Idlib) - The archaeological Bab al-Hawa site has an economic and commercial importance, in addition to its archaeological and historical significance since it constitutes a crossing point for commercial convoys from and to Turkey and the world.

The site's importance came also from being opposite to an ancient roman road connecting Aleppo with Antakya.

Bab al-Hawa is located north-west Idlib, about 35 km on the road connecting Sarmada village with Aleppo city.

The site's location near the Syrian-Turkish borders and the beauty of the natural scenes in the area, in addition to its archaeological importance made it a tourist destination for the Syrian, Arab and foreign tourists, particularly at Spring.

Head of Idlib Antiquities Department Nicola Kabbad said Bab al-Hawa site covers an estimated area of 8,500 square meters. It is divided by a paved road into two parts connected by a semi-circular arch called 'Bab al-Hawa Arch'. It is 6,80 m high and 4,20 m wide. The arch is one of the main characteristics of the site. It consists of 14 rows of large stones.

Kabbad added that the northern part of the site encompasses archaeological monuments which reflect its economic significance as several pillars of old doors still exist.

Chairman of the Archaeological Excavation and Studies and the Restoration Departments at Idlib Antiquities Anas Zidan said the southern part of the site was a worship place like a church according to the construction shape. It consists of several rooms; one of them is 2,5m long and 20m wide. Its north-east side extends along the paved road of 20m long and 7m wide.

Zidan pointed out that the northern facade is intermediated by a door topped by a lintel of 2,5m high and 2,5m wide, while the eastern facade is topped by a semi-circular arch of 3,5 diameter, asserting that the southwest facade is modeled as a platform contains four stone columns.

Zidan said that the location of Bab al-Hawa near to several archaeological sites gave it an archaeological and historical significance.
(SANA)

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