Euphrates River
The Euphrates River originates in the mountains of Turkey, with a watershed area of 444 square kilometers. It has several tributaries, including the Balikh and Khabur rivers, and flows toward northern Iraq. In 1987, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Syria and Turkey, defining Syria’s share of the river’s water resources. Additionally, a treaty between Syria and Iraq was finalized in 1990, granting Syria a 42% share of the river’s waters.
<h2="Orontes River
The Orontes River begins near Baalbek and flows through northern Syria before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. Its length spans 600 kilometers, traversing regions within Syria, including the cities of Homs, Hama, and Antakya.
Tigris River
Measuring 1,850 kilometers in length, the Tigris River rises from the Taurus Mountains in Turkey. A portion of the river flows through northern Syria before continuing into Iraq.
Barrada River
The Barrada River is located south of Zabadani, approximately 35 kilometers north of the capital Damascus. It is fed by the small Khasy River and various springs, boasting an annual discharge of 400 million cubic meters of water.
Khabur River
The Khabur River serves as a tributary of the Euphrates, situated near the town of Qaraqosh and flowing south of Deir ez-Zor. It has two main tributaries: the Jaqqaq River and the Hermas River, extending through rugged valleys. Historically, the river was referred to as “Khabouras” in Greek texts.
Yarmouk River
The Yarmouk River originates from Tel Shehab and flows through the territories of Palestine, Syria, and Jordan, eventually joining the Jordan River. This river spans 32 kilometers, traversing a volcanic plateau, with summer temperatures averaging around 30 degrees Celsius.
Minor Rivers in Syria
Syria is home to numerous smaller tributaries, which include:
- The Sajur River: This river rises in Turkey and feeds into the Euphrates.
- The Balikh River: Originating in Turkey, it extends to the city of Hasakah before joining the Euphrates.
- The Awj River: Spanning 91 kilometers, it has an annual discharge of 100 million cubic meters and is located in Damascus.
- The Quwayq River: Found in Aleppo, it measures 126 kilometers in length and has a watershed area of 1,210 square kilometers.
- The Baniyas River: This river is located in Quneitra, originating from the slopes of Mount Hermon, and merges with the Hasbani River, forming the Jordan River.
- The Great Northern River: Positioned near Latakia, this river has a length of 80 kilometers.
- The Afrin River: Measuring 13 kilometers in length, it is associated with the 17 April Lake.
- The Black River: Located north of Aleppo, it passes through the Alexandretta region over a distance of 22 kilometers.
Main Dams on Syrian Rivers
Below are some of the most notable dams constructed on Syrian rivers:
- The Unity Dam: Situated on the Jordanian-Syrian border, it was built on the Yarmouk River in 2003 and handed over in 2007. Constructed from concrete, it has a storage capacity of approximately one million cubic meters, with its tributaries including Zizoun, Allan, and Al-Hariri.
- The Euphrates Dam: Located west of Raqqa, this dam was constructed in 1955. It measures 4.5 kilometers in length and 20 meters in width, made from reinforced concrete and steel, primarily aimed at generating electrical power.
- The Baath Dam: Positioned between the city of Raqqa and the Euphrates Dam, it has a storage capacity of 95 million cubic meters.