What is the historical region referred to as "Syria" in this context, and how does it differ from the modern country?

The historical region referred to as "Syria" is also known as "Greater Syria" or "Syria-Palestine." It is a historical region in West Asia, broadly synonymous with the Levant, and is distinct from the modern Syrian Arab Republic.

From which ancient civilization does the name "Syria" originate?

The name "Syria" originates from Assyria, an ancient Semitic-speaking civilization centered in northern Mesopotamia, which is modern-day Iraq.

How did the geographical scope of the term "Syria" evolve during the Hellenistic and Roman periods?

During the Hellenistic period, "Syria" was applied to the entire Levant. Under Roman rule, it referred to the province of Syria, which was later divided into Syria Phoenicia and Coele Syria, and also encompassed Syria Palaestina.

What Arabic term superseded "Syria" in primary use after the Muslim conquest of the Levant, and what does it mean?

After the Muslim conquest of the Levant in the 7th century CE, the Arabic term *Shām* (or *Bilad al-Sham*) superseded "Syria" in primary use within the region. *Shām* etymologically means "the left-hand side" or "the north."

When was the name "Syria" revived in its modern Arabic form to denote the entire region of Bilad al-Sham?

The name "Syria" was revived in its modern Arabic form, *Suriyah* or *Suriyya*, during the 19th century to denote the whole of *Bilad al-Sham*, eventually replacing the older Arabic name.

How were the boundaries of the region of Syria defined in modern times following World War I?

Following World War I, the region's boundaries were last defined by the Sykes-Picot Agreement and subsequent French and British mandatory agreements, leading to the division of the area into French and British League of Nations mandates.

What were the five states established by the French in the region after World War I?

The French established five states: Greater Lebanon, the State of Damascus, the State of Aleppo, the State of Alawites, and the State of Jabal Druze.

What was the significance of the Arab Kingdom of Syria in 1920?

The Arab Kingdom of Syria was the first modern Arab state, declared in March 1920. It claimed the entire region of Syria but only controlled the inland region known as OETA East, leading to its swift dissolution by French forces.

According to several sources, what is the ultimate origin of the name "Syria"?

Several sources indicate that the name "Syria" is derived from the Luwian term "Sura/i" and the ancient Greek name *Syrioi* or *Syroi*, which ultimately trace back to the Assyrian name *Aššūrāyu* from northern Mesopotamia.

How did Herodotus and Pliny the Elder define the geographical extent of Syria in ancient times?

Herodotus described Syria as extending from the Halys River in the north to Arabia and Egypt in the south. Pliny the Elder and Pomponius Mela considered Syria to encompass the entire Fertile Crescent.

What was the definition of "Syria" in Late Antiquity, and how did it relate to the Arabic term *ash-Shām*?

In Late Antiquity, "Syria" referred to the region east of the Mediterranean Sea, west of the Euphrates River, north of the Arabian Desert, and south of the Taurus Mountains. This definition is equivalent to the region known in Classical Arabic as *ash-Shām*.

What is the etymological meaning of the Arabic term *Shām*?

The Arabic term *Shām* etymologically means "the left-hand side" or "the north," contrasting with *Yaman* (Yemen), which means "the right-hand side" or "the south."

What is the geographical definition of Syria provided by Killebrew and Steiner?

Killebrew and Steiner defined the region of Syria (treating it as the Levant) as being bounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the west, the Arabian Desert to the south, Mesopotamia to the east, and the Taurus Mountains of Anatolia to the north.

Which major rivers are mentioned as flowing through the region of Syria?

The rivers mentioned in the region include the Yarmuk, Khabur, Queiq, Daysan, Balikh, Jordan, Orontes, Litani, and Barada.

What are the major mountain chains located within or bordering the region of Syria?

The mountain chains mentioned are the Lebanon, Taurus, Anti-Lebanon, Nusayri, Carmel, Nur, and the Jordanian highlands.

Which metropolitan areas are listed as the largest in the region of Syria today?

The largest metropolitan areas listed are Amman, Tel Aviv, Damascus, Beirut, Aleppo, and Gaza City.

What is the primary ethnic group and the largest religious group in the Levant, according to the text?

The largest ethnic group in the Levant is Arabs, and the largest religious group is Muslims.

What is the linguistic characteristic of the Levantine people, and from whom do they derive their ancestry?

Levantine people predominantly speak Levantine Arabic and derive their ancestry from the ancient Semitic-speaking peoples who inhabited the ancient Near East during the Bronze and Iron Ages.

Which minor ethnic groups are mentioned as residing in the Levant?

Minor ethnic groups mentioned include Circassians, Chechens, Turks, Turkmens, Assyrians, Kurds, Nawars, and Armenians.

When did Islam become the predominant religion in the region, and what are the main Muslim groups?

Islam became the predominant religion after the Muslim conquest of the Levant in the 7th century. The majority of Muslims are Sunni, with Alawite and Shia (Twelver and Nizari Ismaili) minorities.

What are the main Christian denominations present in the Levant, as mentioned in the text?

The text mentions Greek Orthodox (Antiochian Greek), Syriac Orthodox, Eastern Catholic (Syriac Catholic, Melkite, Maronite), Roman Catholic (Latin), Nestorian, and Protestant Christians.

Which ancient Syrian city was an important trading center during Hellenistic and Roman times?

The ancient city of Apamea, Syria, was an important trading center and a prosperous city during Hellenistic and Roman times.

How did the terms "Syria" and "Assyria" differ in usage during the Roman Empire?

During the Roman Empire, "Syria" referred to the western Levant, while "Assyria" was part of the Persian Empire and only briefly under Roman control, marking a distinction that had not always existed in earlier Greek usage.

What was the administrative division of Roman Syria after 193 AD?

After 193 AD, the province of Roman Syria was divided into Syria proper (Coele-Syria) and Phoenice.

What were the five *junds* (military districts) of the *Bilad al-Sham* province during the Umayyad Caliphate?

The five *junds* were Jund Dimashq (Damascus), Jund Hims (Homs), Jund Filastin (Palestine), Jund al-Urdunn (Jordan), and later Jund Qinnasrin.

What was the administrative structure of Ottoman Syria in its later periods?

In later Ottoman times, Syria was divided into *wilayahs* or sub-provinces, including Aleppo, Damascus, and Beirut, along with the special districts of Mount Lebanon and Jerusalem.

What was the primary population group in Ottoman Syria, and what other religious minorities were present?

The population was dominated by Sunni Muslims, but also included significant populations of Shi'ite, Alawite, and Ismaili Muslims, various Christian denominations, Jews, and Druze.

What was the Occupied Enemy Territory Administration (OETA) and its role after World War I?

OETA was a military administration by Britain, France, and Arabs over former Ottoman territories between 1917 and 1920. It preceded the formalization of mandates and the establishment of new states in the region.

What was the goal of pan-Syrian nationalists like Antoun Saadeh?

Pan-Syrian nationalists advocated for the creation of a "Greater Syria" or "Natural Syria," envisioning a unified state based on the region's historical and etymological connections, encompassing a vast territory that included modern Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, parts of Iraq, Turkey, and Iran.

Which sites in the region are significant to Abrahamic religions?

Significant sites include the Shrine of Baháʼu'lláh in Acre, the Great Mosque of Aleppo, sites in Bethlehem (Rachel's Tomb, Church of the Nativity, Mosque of Omar), the Great Mosque of Damascus, the Shrine of the Báb and Mount Carmel in Haifa, the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, the shrine of Shuaib near Hittin, the shrine of Nabi Musa near Jericho, and numerous holy sites within Jerusalem's Old City.

What is the religious significance of Jerusalem for Judaism, Islam, and Christianity?

Jerusalem is considered the holiest city in Judaism, the third holiest in Sunni Islam, and contains sites of seminal religious importance for all three major Abrahamic religions, including the Temple Mount, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Western Wall.

What is the significance of Mount Gerizim in Samaritan tradition?

Mount Gerizim is the holiest site on earth for Samaritans, believed to be chosen by God for a temple and the place where Abraham almost sacrificed his son Isaac.

What is the historical context of the term "Syrian" in English usage?

Historically, "Syrian" in English often referred to a Syrian Christian, such as Ephrem the Syrian. After the declaration of Syria in 1936, the term began to designate citizens of that state, regardless of ethnicity.

What is the meaning of *Suriyah* or *Suriyya* in the context of the 19th-century revival of the name Syria?

*Suriyah* or *Suriyya* are modern Arabic forms of the name "Syria" that were revived in the 19th century to denote the entire region of *Bilad al-Sham*, eventually replacing the older Arabic name.

What does the text suggest about the relationship between the names "Syria" and "Assyria" in ancient times?

The text suggests that the name "Syria" may derive from the Luwian term "Sura/i," which is linked to the Assyrian name *Aššūrāyu*, indicating a potential shared origin or confusion between the terms in ancient times.

What was the role of Damascus as a capital city in the region's history?

Damascus served as the capital of the Islamic Caliphate until the rise of the Abbasid Caliphate and was also the capital of the short-lived Arab Kingdom of Syria in 1920.

What is the significance of Mount Carmel in relation to religious figures and traditions?

Mount Carmel is associated with the Biblical figure Elijah and is considered important to Christians, Druze, Jews, and Muslims.

What does the text imply about the etymological connection between "Syria" and "Assyria" in the context of pan-Syrian nationalism?

Pan-Syrian nationalists, like Antoun Saadeh and the SSNP, used the etymological connection between "Syria" and "Assyria" as a basis for their concept of a "Natural Syria," which encompassed a much larger geographical area than the modern state.

What specific regions were included in Antoun Saadeh's vision of "Natural Syria"?

Saadeh's vision of "Natural Syria" included the Sinai Peninsula, Cyprus, modern Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, the Ahvaz region of Iran, and the Kilikian region of Turkey.

What is the significance of the *Nabi Musa* shrine near Jericho?

The shrine of *Nabi Musa* (Prophet Moses) near Jericho is considered by Muslims to be the burial place of Moses.

What is the significance of Mount Gerizim for the Samaritan community?

Mount Gerizim is the holiest site on earth for Samaritans, believed to be chosen by God for a temple and the place where Abraham almost sacrificed his son Isaac.

What is the historical context of the term "Syrian" versus "Syriac"?

Historically, "Syrian" often referred to Syrian Christians. The adjective "Syriac" has become common usage as an ethnonym to avoid ambiguity with the term "Syrian," which now primarily designates citizens of the modern state of Syria.

What was the primary purpose of the *junds* in the *Bilad al-Sham* province?

The *junds* were military districts established during the Umayyad Caliphate to organize the administration and military forces within the *Bilad al-Sham* province.

How did the Ottoman Empire administratively divide the region of Syria?

The Ottoman Empire divided Syria into *wilayahs* (sub-provinces) such as Aleppo, Damascus, and Beirut, along with special districts like Mount Lebanon and Jerusalem, with varying borders and seats of government over time.

What is the meaning of *ash-Shām* in Arabic, and what is its connection to the direction North?

*Ash-Shām* means "the left-hand side" or "the north" when facing east, a meaning derived from its Arabic root. This contrasts with *Yaman*, meaning "right" or "south."

What is the significance of the *Sayyidah Zainab Mosque* and the *Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque* in Damascus?

These mosques are significant shrines for Shia Muslims, dedicated to Sayyidah Zainab (grand-daughter of Prophet Muhammad) and Ruqayya (daughter of Husayn), respectively.

What is the historical context of the term "Greater Syria" in relation to the post-WWI mandate system?

After World War I and the establishment of the mandate system, the term "Greater Syria" emerged to distinguish the historical region of *Bilad al-Sham* from the newly formed states, particularly the French Mandate of Syria.

What does the text suggest about the potential etymological link between "Syria" and "Assyria"?

The text suggests that the name "Syria" may derive from the Luwian term "Sura/i," which is linked to the Assyrian name *Aššūrāyu*, indicating a potential shared origin or confusion between the terms in ancient times.

What was the role of the Sykes-Picot Agreement in defining the modern boundaries of the region?

The Sykes-Picot Agreement played a crucial role in defining the modern boundaries of the region, leading to its division into French and British spheres of influence and subsequent mandates after World War I.

What is the significance of the Great Mosque of Aleppo in relation to religious figures?

The Great Mosque of Aleppo is believed to house the remains of Zechariah, a figure revered in both Christianity and Islam.

What is the significance of the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron for different religious groups?

The Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron is revered by Muslims and Jews as the burial place of key Biblical figures like Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, and Leah.

Syria Region Wiki: Levantine Crossroads: A Historical Tapestry of Greater Syria

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The Region of Syria

Defining Greater Syria

Historically, "Syria" or "Greater Syria" (also known as Syria-Palestine or the Arabic Shaam) denotes a significant region in Western Asia, situated east of the Mediterranean Sea. Its precise boundaries have evolved throughout history, but it broadly encompasses the Levant and parts of Mesopotamia.

Geographical Scope

In its most comprehensive historical sense, the region extended from the Taurus Mountains in the north, southwards to the Sinai Peninsula and the Arabian Desert, and eastwards to the Euphrates River. This definition includes modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Palestine, and parts of southern Turkey.

Naming Conventions

The name "Syria" is believed to derive from the Luwian term "Sura/i," later adopted into Greek as Syrioi or Syroi, which originally referred to Assyria. Over time, particularly during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the term became synonymous with the broader Levant. The Arabic equivalent, Bilad al-Sham, meaning "Northern Land," also denotes this region and gained prominence after the Islamic conquests.

Etymology and Naming

Origins of "Syria"

The name "Syria" is widely understood to trace its origins back to the ancient Greek term Syrioi, which itself is derived from the Assyrian name Assurayu. Initially, Greeks used these terms interchangeably for peoples of the Near East. However, by the Roman era, "Syria" specifically referred to the western Levant, distinct from "Assyria" in Mesopotamia.

The Arabic "Shaam"

In Arabic, the region is known as Ash-Shaam (الشَّام), a term etymologically linked to "left" or "north," reflecting its position relative to the Arabian Peninsula. Historically, Shaam also referred specifically to the city of Damascus, a major regional center. The term "Syria" was revived in modern Arabic usage during the 19th century, eventually becoming the name of the modern nation-state.

Geographical Features

Waterways

The region is characterized by several significant rivers, including the Yarmuk, Khabur, Queiq, Daysan, Balikh, Jordan, Orontes, Litani, and Barada. These waterways have been crucial for agriculture and settlement throughout history.

Mountain Ranges

Prominent mountain chains define the landscape of Greater Syria. These include the Lebanon, Taurus, Anti-Lebanon, Nusayri (Syrian Coastal), Carmel, Nur, and Jordanian Highlands. These features have historically influenced settlement patterns and regional divisions.

Bodies of Water

Significant bodies of water within or bordering the region include the Sea of Galilee, Lake Assad, Lake Qattinah, the Dead Sea, Lake Homs, and various sabkhas (salt flats) like Sabkhat al-Jabbul.

Historical Trajectory

Antiquity and Hellenistic Era

The region, often conflated with Assyria in early Greek texts, was later defined by Hellenistic powers. The Seleucid Empire applied the term "Syria" broadly to the Levant. Roman administration further formalized provincial boundaries, dividing the region into Syria proper, Phoenicia, and later Syria Palaestina.

Ancient Roots: Name possibly derived from Luwian "Sura/i," linked to Assyria. Herodotus described Syria extending from the Halys River to Mount Casius and south to Arabia.
Hellenistic Period: Seleucid Empire applied "Syria" to the entire Levant. Greeks used "Syrioi" and "Assyrioi" somewhat interchangeably.
Roman Era: Syria became a Roman province (64 BC). The term encompassed the western Levant. Later divisions included Coele-Syria, Phoenicia, and Syria Palaestina.

Islamic Era and Ottoman Rule

Following the Muslim conquest in the 7th century, the region became known as Bilad al-Sham. Under the Umayyad Caliphate, it was divided into military districts (junds). Damascus served as the early Islamic capital. Later, various dynasties ruled the area. During Ottoman rule, the region was organized into vilayets like Aleppo, Damascus, and Beirut.

Muslim Conquest: Annexed into the Rashidun Caliphate, becoming the province of Bilad al-Sham.
Caliphates: Divided into five junds (military districts) under the Umayyads. Damascus was the capital.
Ottoman Rule (1516-1918): Region administered through vilayets (e.g., Aleppo, Damascus, Beirut), with varying sub-provincial boundaries.

Modern Era and Mandates

After World War I, the region was divided under French and British mandates, leading to the formation of modern states like Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine. Nationalist movements, including pan-Syrian ideals advocating for a "Greater Syria," emerged during this period.

Post-WWI: Sykes-Picot Agreement and subsequent French/British mandates divided the region.
Arab Kingdom of Syria (1920): A brief period of Arab nationalist rule before French occupation.
French Mandate: Subdivided into states like Damascus, Aleppo, Greater Lebanon, etc.
Nationalism: Emergence of pan-Syrian movements and the eventual formation of independent states.

Demographics and Peoples

Linguistic and Ethnic Diversity

The region has historically been home to a diverse array of peoples. Arabs form the predominant ethnic group, speaking various dialects of Levantine Arabic. Ancestry traces back to ancient Semitic-speaking peoples of the Near East. Other groups include Bedouin Arabs, Assyrians, Kurds, Armenians, Turks, Circassians, and others.

Religious Landscape

Islam became the dominant religion following the 7th-century conquests, with Sunni Muslims forming the majority. Significant minorities include Alawites, Shia Muslims (Twelvers and Ismailis). Christian communities are numerous and diverse, including Greek Orthodox, Syriac Orthodox, Eastern Catholic rites (Syriac Catholic, Melkite, Maronite), Roman Catholics, and Protestants. Jewish, Samaritan, Yazidi, and Druze communities also contribute to the region's religious tapestry.

Major Metropolitan Centers

The largest metropolitan areas within the historical region of Greater Syria showcase its enduring significance as a hub of population and culture.

Rank	City	Country	Metropolitan Population	City Population
1	Amman	Jordan	4,642,000	4,061,150
2	Tel Aviv	Israel	3,954,500	438,818
3	Damascus	Syria	2,900,000	2,078,000
4	Beirut	Lebanon	2,200,000	361,366
5	Aleppo	Syria	2,098,210	2,098,210
6	Gaza City	Palestine	2,047,969	590,481

Sites of Religious Significance

Greater Syria holds profound importance for the Abrahamic faiths, hosting numerous sites revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

Sacred Locations

The region is dotted with sites of deep spiritual resonance. Acre is home to the Shrine of Baháʼu'lláh, the holiest site for the Baháʼí Faith. Aleppo's Great Mosque is believed to contain the remains of Zechariah, revered in Christianity and Islam.

Acre: Shrine of Baháʼu'lláh (Baháʼí Faith).
Aleppo: Great Mosque (believed to house Zechariah's remains).
Bethlehem: Rachel's Tomb (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), Church of the Nativity (Christianity), Mosque of Omar (Islam).
Damascus: Umayyad Mosque (believed to house John the Baptist's remains), Sayyidah Zainab Mosque, Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque (Shia Islam).
Haifa: Shrine of the Báb (Baháʼí Faith); Mount Carmel (significant for Christians, Druze, Jews, Muslims).
Hebron: Cave of the Patriarchs (Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, Leah - revered by Jews and Muslims).
Hittin: Shrine of Nabi Shu'ayb (Druze and Muslims, possibly Jethro).
Jericho/Nabi Musa: Shrine of Nabi Musa (believed by Muslims to be Moses' burial place).
Jerusalem: Temple Mount, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Al-Aqsa Mosque, Western Wall (central to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam).
Mount Gerizim: Holiest site in Samaritanism, associated with Abraham and Noah.

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References

Article "AL-SHÄM" by C.E. Bosworth, Encyclopaedia of Islam, Volume 9 (1997), page 261.

Thomas Collelo, ed. Lebanon: A Country Study Washington, Library of Congress, 1987.

Frier, Bruce W. "Demography", in Alan K. Bowman, Peter Garnsey, and Dominic Rathbone, eds., The Cambridge Ancient History XI: The High Empire, A.D. 70â192, (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000), 827â54.

Itamar Rabinovich, Symposium: The Greater-Syria Plan and the Palestine Problem in The Jerusalem Cathedra (1982), p. 262.

Gospel of Luke, 1:5â79

Quran 19:2â15

Anderson, Robert T., "Mount Gerizim: Navel of the World", Biblical Archaeologist Vol. 43, No. 4 (Autumn 1980), pp 217â218

A full list of references for this article are available at the Syria (region) Wikipedia page

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Important Considerations

This content has been generated by an AI model for educational purposes, drawing upon historical and geographical data. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, users are advised that information may be subject to interpretation and may not encompass all nuances of the historical region's complex identity.

This is not a substitute for scholarly research or professional historical consultation. Always consult primary sources and academic literature for in-depth study. The creators are not liable for any inaccuracies or omissions, nor for any actions taken based on the information presented herein.

Levantine Crossroads

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The Region of Syria 🌍

🗺️ Defining Greater Syria

🌐 Geographical Scope

📜 Naming Conventions

Etymology and Naming 📜

🗣️ Origins of "Syria"

🇸🇾 The Arabic "Shaam"

Geographical Features 🏞️

💧 Waterways

⛰️ Mountain Ranges

🌊 Bodies of Water

Historical Trajectory 🏛️

🏺 Antiquity and Hellenistic Era

🕌 Islamic Era and Ottoman Rule

📜 Modern Era and Mandates

Demographics and Peoples 👥

🗣️ Linguistic and Ethnic Diversity

🕌🕍✝️ Religious Landscape

Major Metropolitan Centers 🏙️

Sites of Religious Significance 🙏

shrines Sacred Locations

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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⚖️ Important Considerations

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Region of Syria

Defining Greater Syria

Geographical Scope

Naming Conventions

Etymology and Naming

Origins of "Syria"

The Arabic "Shaam"

Geographical Features

Waterways

Mountain Ranges

Bodies of Water

Historical Trajectory

Antiquity and Hellenistic Era

Islamic Era and Ottoman Rule

Modern Era and Mandates

Demographics and Peoples

Linguistic and Ethnic Diversity

Religious Landscape

Major Metropolitan Centers

Sites of Religious Significance

Sacred Locations

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Considerations