Serghaya

Serghaya سرغايا Sirghaya
Town
Serghaya Location in Syria
Coordinates:
Country	Syria
Governorate	Rif Dimashq Governorate
District	Al-Zabadani District
Nahiyah	Serghaya
Elevation	1,446 m (4,744 ft)
Population (2004 census)
• 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. Its inhabitants are predominantly Sunni Muslims.

Geography

It is 60 km from Damascus and 1,446 m 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