Ghouta, Ancient oasis in Damascus outskirts, Syria
Ghouta is an oasis region near Damascus watered by the Barada River and its tributaries. The resulting network of water channels enables fruit and vegetable farming in an otherwise arid landscape.
During the 1800s, middle-class landowners managed the agricultural lands here, employing workers to farm the fields and orchards. This structure shaped how the region's agriculture was organized for generations.
Farming families in this region grow fruits and vegetables using methods passed down through generations, supplying fresh produce to Damascus markets daily. This agricultural tradition shapes the daily life and rhythm of the communities here.
The region contains several towns and villages such as Douma, Harasta, and Saqba, each requiring different transportation options. Allow extra time for travel and check local transport options before visiting.
The water system here relies on an elaborate network of channels that direct water from the Barada River to distant fields. This ancient irrigation system allows farming to thrive in one of Syria's driest regions.
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