Kukaniyeh (كوكانية) is a charming and moderately extensive Byzantine-era site in the southwestern corner of Jebel Barisha (جبل باريشا). It overlooks a small valley towards Jebel al-Aala (جبل الأعلى), to the west, and is on the eastern edge of a modern village of the same name. Of particular interest at the site are two principal tombs. One, with its pyramidal roof largely standing, is inscribed 384 AD …
The ruins of Bamuqa (باموقا) are located on the northwestern edge of Jebel Barisha (جبل باريشا), overlooking the Plain of Amuq to the east of Antakya (historical Antioch). With Roman and Byzantine remains scattered around an oak grove, Bamuqa (باموقا) is a charming site and would make a beautiful spot for a picnic. The site includes a sizable Roman villa, associated with a large cistern and an underground tomb …
Maaz (ماعز) is a fairly extensive site located in a valley of Jebel Barisha (جبل باريشا). It probably played a central role in the surrounding region from the second century because of its sizable fertile area. The town grew up around the agora and temple of the second century Roman settlement. Other Roman remains also include a nearby andron and a water reservoir. Archaeologist George Tchalenko …
Burj Aizarara (برج عيزارارا) is a small and largely ruined monastery complex from the Byzantine period, located southeast of the village of Kafr Darian (كفر دلريان) in Jebel Barisha (جبل باريشا). The structure dates from the second half of the sixth century. The design is rather austere, lacking in decoration, but its proximity to the more substantial ruins of Maaz (ماعز) make it worth a quick visit. Getting There: …
The village of Kafr Darian (كفر دلريان), located to the west of Sarmada (سرمدا), has the remains of a small Byzantine church. While fairly unsubstantial, the site is worth visiting if passing through to visit nearby site of Maaz (ماعز), a couple kilometers to the south. The church is relatively well-preserved, but is also austere in it’s decoration. Getting There: Kafr Darian (كفر دلريان) is …
Located on the far eastern side of the rural town of Sarmada (سرمدا) is a funerary monument dating back to the Roman period. The monument is made up of two columns, with funerary chambers located underneath. There are several underground tombs located here, but no other substantial remains. The monument is referred to locally as amoud (عمود), the Arabic word for column. It is worth a quick stop if passing …
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 …
