Bab al-Hawa باب الهوا

Bab al-Hawa (باب الهوا), or “Gate of the Winds”, is most well known as the primary border crossing between Syria and Turkey. On the northeastern side of the highway, just southeast of the border crossing, is a minor Byzantine archaeological site. This site reflects the geographic importance of this route, which has been in use for thousands of years. The most prominent remain at the site is an arch which dates to the 6th century. There are other Byzantine ruins scattered around nearby, but they are in a very poor state of preservation.

 

Getting There: Getting to Bab al-Hawa (باب الهوا) is relatively easy, though the only public transportation that passes by is that which is traveling to/from Turkey. Microbuses do travel to the nearby town of Sarmada (سرمدا), which has regular microbus connections with Aleppo (حلب) and Idleb (إدلب). From Sarmada (سرمدا) it is about a two kilometer walk (north) to the site. Alternatively, a private driver could be hired in Sarmada (سرمدا). Consider combining a visit with sites in the Jebel Barisha (جبل باريشا) region.

Coordinates: 36°12’19.42″N / 36°43’31.37″E

Transliteration Variants: Bab al-Hawah

Rating: 1 / 10