Syria and Its Important Cities: Geography, History & Strategic Role

Why in the News?

Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) recently exchanged fire in eastern Aleppo province, a tense frontline separating government-controlled areas from SDF-held territories in northeastern Syria.

About Syria

Capital: Damascus
Geographical Location: Syria is located in West Asia (Middle East).
Borders:
- North: Turkey
- East: Iraq
- South: Jordan
- West: Israel and Lebanon
Coastline: Lies along the Mediterranean Sea on the western side.
Physical Features:
- Major Regions: Syrian Desert, Euphrates River Valley, Anti-Lebanon Mountains (forms part of the border with Lebanon).
- Major Rivers: Euphrates, Orontes, and Tigris.
- Highest Point: Mount Hermon (on the border with Lebanon).
- Important Cities in Conflict Zones: Aleppo, Homs, Idlib, Golan Heights (disputed with Israel).

About Aleppo City

Location & Geography:
- Situated in northern Syria, about 30 miles south of the Turkish border.
- The Quwayq River flows through the city but frequently dries up due to upstream water use in Turkey.
Bordering Features:
- North: Turkey
- East: Syrian desert plains towards Raqqa and Deir Hafer
- West: Mountainous regions including the Anti-Lebanon range
- South: Towards Hama and Idlib governorates
Historical & Strategic Significance:
- Aleppo has historically been a major trade hub, lying at the intersection of important commercial routes connecting Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
- It hosts the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Old City of Aleppo”, which includes the iconic Aleppo Citadel, a notable example of medieval Islamic architecture.
Security Situation: The city has been affected by conflict involving terrorist organizations, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

Q. Syria shares its borders with which of the following countries?
1. Turkey
2. Iraq
3. Jordan
4. Saudi Arabia
5. Lebanon

Select the Correct Options:
(a) 1, 2, 3, 5 only
(b) 1, 2, 4, 5 only
(c) 1, 3, 4, 5 only
(d) 2, 3, 4, 5 only

Answer: (a) 1, 2, 3, 5 only

Explanation:
Option 1 is correct. Turkey (North): Syria shares a long northern border with Turkey, extending from the Mediterranean to the northeastern region. 
Option 2 is correct. Iraq (East): The eastern border of Syria meets Iraq. 
Option 3 is correct. Jordan (South): Syria’s southern border touches Jordan. 
Option 4 is incorrect. Saudi Arabia: Syria does not share a border with Saudi Arabia; there is a small gap between Jordan and Iraq before reaching Saudi Arabia. 
Option 5 is correct. Lebanon (West): Syria shares a western border with Lebanon, along the Anti-Lebanon mountain range.