PLAIIN OF ZABADANII fragrance, greenness and water springs
We arrived in Zabadani at 8 o‘clock in the morning . The driver parked his car under a big tree of lush shades. At that time farmers were on their way to the market of Zabadani to sell their products of fruit and vegetables to the visitors and vacationers who came from Damascus and other Syrian cities and from Arab countries as well . It is well known that Zabadani is famous for its pleasant fruit , especially apples and cherries which people present as gifts . Most people in the plain of Zabadani work in agriculture since old times . Farmers managed to produce better crop of fruit and vegetables due to the extension in services and to applying science in their fields . Their crops are sold all over Syria and in some Arab countries. The agrarian activities in Zabadani valley rely on a number of natural factors , rich soil , abundant clean water , fair weather, in addition to the experience of the farmers .
The most famous Syrian summer resorts are located in this area , Zabadani town is1400 m. above sea level , while its neighbor Bloudan is 1500 m. above sea level . At such altitude , the climate is quite cold in winter , especially when snow falls in January and covers all the plains and mountains with a white blanket . The plain of Zabadani is situated north west of Damascus , at a distance of about44 km with an area of about 170 square km . It is connected with Damascus by a railway , high way and a paved road , all meet at al-Takia . A visit to Zabadani by the steam train is an unforgettable delight.
Pure mineral water heals the sick:
In the plain of Zabadani , there are many springs of famous salubrious water such as Boukkein spring , Ein Meiseh in Madaya , and Ein Abu Zad , Hazir and Albeida in Bloudan , and the famous spring of al-Jurjanieh .In addition to all these springs , there is Barada river which is considered an important tourist landmark in itself . This river springs from a mountain called ( Sheer Mansour ) 1400m. above sea level , then continues running for 8 km in Barada valley before it leaves the plain. An Arab poet said praising springs of water in Zabadani: Their water is “ Kawther ” (a name of a river in paradise ) which heals the sick , if medicine is unable to cure his illness. Zabadani , in its bursting greenness and fruitful trees of apple , apricot , pears , cherry , peaches and quince , is considered as another Ghouta to Damascus .
A tour in the town of Zabadani :
We started our tour in the town , trying to visit the old part and the “Quarter of the Station” . We wandered in the markets , bought dried fruits , Qamar eddin , cloaks, head bands and belts , not forgetting to buy ice cream and cold beverages before riding the car again to climb the road to Bloudan . While in Zabadani , we heard some local shrills and songs and saw some youngsters celebrating the marriage of their friend , and other songs being sung when people come to the bridegroom‘s house for congratulation . Actually , they have a lot of cultural songs which are truly appreciated by all people . Due to the tourist fame of Zabadani valley, many tourist establishments were set up : villas , palaces , tourist apartments, hotels, restaurants , swimming pools and parks to be found in Zabadani , Bloudan, Madaya , Al-Takia plain , Halaya and al- Rawda . Many summer vacationers from all parts of Syria and from Arab States used to spend summer in Zabadani . Most of them bought palaces , beautiful villas and orchards. They live there with their families and relatives during summer , enjoying the nice climate and the good company of the local inhabitants . We left Zabadani to Bloudan which we arrived before sunset , leaving behind us 7 km. from Zabadani , and 55km. from Damascus , and bearing in mind that any tourist or citizen who wants to spend an interesting time after a full day of weariness , could reach it easily . Bloudan is a charming town with nice breeze , and famous restaurants , especially the Grand Hotel . When we were climbing the road on our way to Abu Zad spring , we enjoyed the splendid sceneries . On both sides of the road there were cafes and popular restaurants with terraces overlooking the springs ,the gardens and the green plain of Zabadani . It is quite natural to meet many Lebanese brothers in these restaurants , who , later , return back home crossing the Syrian – Lebanese borders quite easily in half an hour time . Large numbers of Syrian people go to Zabadani and Bloudan too , specially on Thursdays and Fridays .
For your information:
In addition to the value of the plain of Zabadani as a tourist place and a second Ghouta attracting tourists and visitors , Zabadani is rich with historic and ancient remains even though they are not fully known . Of these we mention : – The castle of al Kuku built during the Roman era , standing on a rocky hill , west of Zabadani town. Convent of Yunnan, built at the top of Younan mountain , north east of Bloudan.- Convent of Saint George in Bloudan .
Haifaa Mafalani