Dahis داحس

The Byzantine-era ruins of Dahis (داحس) extend over a considerable area situated on the crest of Jebel Barisha (جبل باريشا), and not far from the site of Bamuqa (باموقا). Archaeologist George Tchalenko compares its economic base to its north neighbor. Intensive agricultural exploitation dates from the first century AD, like Bamuqa (باموقا), taking advantage of an arable zone of 2,000 hectares. Its main period of prosperity, too, was in the fourth to sixth centuries. The village was inhabited long after the Muslim conquest, probably until the tenth century. In the late tenth century, the area of Jebel Barisha (جبل باريشا) became the frontier between the Byzantine Antioch and the Muslim Emirate of Aleppo (حلب), and there are signs of military occupation.

Among the extensive remains is a badly ruined church with a martyrium in the northeast quarter. This church dates from the late fifth or early sixth century, and is a columned basilica with bema and rectangular sanctuary. There is an adjoining baptistery to the southeast. Another church, to the west, is also a columned basilica with rectangular sanctuary and dates to the sixth century. Archaeologist Howard Crosby Butler also described reliefs in a rock-cut tomb from the Roman period, but all are badly weathered. There are a variety of villas scattered between the religious buildings, as well as some monumental tombs and a cistern covered with a low-arched vault. Additionally, a monastery lies 700 meters southeast of the main ruins. Its remains include a tower, church, and an inn for pilgrims (pandocheion). The church is another columned basilica with rectangular sanctuary.

 

Getting There: Reaching Dahis (داحس) using public transportation requires a bit of a hike, but is not difficult. Begin by taking any microbus traveling from Aleppo (حلب) to Harem (حارم). After passing through the village of Sarmada (سرمدا) and beyond the ruins of al-Breij (البريج), the road will ascend a mountain peak to the village of Bashmeshli (باشمشلي), also known as Ras al-Hosn (رآس الحصن). The trip to Bashmishli (باشمشلي) from Aleppo (حلب) takes about 45 minutes.

In the center of Bashmishli (باشمشلي) is an intersection with a road that leads south to the village of Barisha (باريشا). Follow this road south, and the ruins will be visible to the southwest (ahead to the right) after a short distance. Continue south about two kilometers until reaching a signposted road to the west, leading another one kilometer directly to the site.

Coordinates: 36°10’49.06″N / 36°37’48.84″E

Transliteration Variants: Dehis, Dahes, Dehes, Dayhis, Deyhis, Dayhes, Deyhes

Rating: 4 / 10