Talkalkh: City of Splendor

   Due to its charming green nature and fascinating climate, Talkalkh become visitors, tourists and travel lovers interface. It was named after “Alkalkh” plant which is famous and widely spread in this region; but died out as a  result of massive fire breaking out the hill when bombed by Allies planes.

   Talkalkh Located at the foot of a northern rough basaltic hill overlooking Homs was initially on Tripoli itinerary; about 45 kilometers away from Homs and one of the largest administrative areas, where a large number of districts and towns are affiliated to. It was actually founded during the French occupation of Syria, when the French mandate abolished the government administration of Al-Hoson castle moving it to Talkalkh at a special building “al-Saraya” which is still standing. It is characterized by distinctive palaces built with basaltic carved stones and  its stairs-like homes which are built on the hill.

It a city also famous for  breeding Arabian horses. The French named the city’s horses “crack” due to their speed and agility. The horse image adorning the Syrian currency is Talkalkh people proudness as it represent a  Talkalkhian horse, being the most beautiful one in the region at that time. For that reason French soldiers took it with them to France after evacuation.

For a long time the hill was a gathering site for Arab tribes. Talkalkh people heroic history started when they bravely fought against the French occupation; when in December 1919 French  forces insisted on raising the French flag up the Government House “al-Saraya” since it was affiliated to the coastal zone, which was occupied by France. Whereas, Talkalkh inhabitants vowed to join their city and its rural surroundings to the state. Therefore, several clashes arose between residents and French forces. The people’s struggle against the occupation forces continued until early 1920, where the French troops forced the rebel leaders to move to Homs and Damascus.

In the past, the city’s people used to drink from the  widely spread fresh water springs  such as: “Pasha” spring and springs of “Um Ali’ and “al-Jarab”. In addition to “Almtarb” (glee) spring, so- called for the joy and gladness given by musicals  held next to.

Thanks to the city’s fascinating nature, a number of tourist services , restaurants and parks were established in various regions of Talkalkh.

Amal Farhat