List of rivers of Syria facts for kids

Syria is a country in the Middle East. It has many important rivers that flow through its lands. These rivers are like lifelines, providing water for people, farms, and animals. Some rivers flow all the way to the Mediterranean Sea or the Persian Gulf. Others end up in special inland lakes.

When a smaller river flows into a larger one, the smaller river is called a tributary. Think of it like a small stream joining a bigger river.

Rivers that Flow to the Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Sea is west of Syria. Rivers flowing into it are very important for the western parts of the country.

• Orontes (Asi)
  • Afrin River
  • Karasu

The Orontes River is one of the most important rivers in Syria. It starts in Lebanon and flows north through Syria. It then enters Turkey before reaching the Mediterranean Sea. This river has been used for farming and cities for thousands of years.

• Nahr al-Kabir al-Shamali, or Northern Great River

This river flows into the Mediterranean Sea in the northern part of Syria's coast.

• Nahr al-Kabir al-Janoubi, or Southern Great River

This river forms part of the border between Syria and Lebanon. It also flows into the Mediterranean Sea.

Rivers that Flow to the Persian Gulf

Some of Syria's largest rivers eventually reach the Persian Gulf. They do this by joining the Shatt al-Arab waterway, which then flows into the Gulf.

• Tigris

The Tigris River flows along Syria's eastern border with Iraq. It is one of the two great rivers of ancient Mesopotamia. The Tigris is known for its strong currents and has been vital for civilizations for centuries.

• Euphrates

The Euphrates River is the longest river in Western Asia. It starts in Turkey and flows through Syria and Iraq. It is incredibly important for irrigation and drinking water in these dry regions. Many ancient cities were built along its banks.

• • Khabur

The Khabur River is a major tributary of the Euphrates. It joins the Euphrates in eastern Syria.

• • • Wadi Radd
    • Wadi Khnezir
    • Wadi Jarrah
    • Jaghjagh River
    • Wadi Khanzir
    • Wadi Avedji
  • Balikh

The Balikh River is another important tributary of the Euphrates. It flows from Turkey into Syria.

• • • Wadi al-Kheder
    • Wadi Qaramogh
  • Sajur River

The Sajur River is a smaller tributary that flows into the Euphrates River.

Rivers that Flow into Inland Lakes

Some rivers in Syria do not reach the sea. Instead, they flow into special areas called endorheic basins. These are like giant bowls where water collects and then evaporates. The water never flows out to an ocean.

Aleppo's Inland Lake

• Quweiq

The Quweiq River flows through the city of Aleppo. It used to reach a lake south of the city. Now, much of its water is used before it gets there.

The Ghouta Oasis

• Barada

The Barada River is famous for creating the Ghouta oasis around Damascus, Syria's capital. This oasis is a green, fertile area in an otherwise dry region. The river's water is essential for farming in this area.

Al-Hijanah Lake's River

• Awaj

The Awaj River flows into Al-Hijanah Lake, which is another inland lake in Syria.

Rivers that Flow to the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a very salty lake located between Israel, Jordan, and the West Bank. Some rivers in Syria contribute to its water.

• Jordan River

The Jordan River is a very important river in the Middle East. It flows south into the Dead Sea.

• • Yarmouk

The Yarmouk River forms part of the border between Syria and Jordan. It is the largest tributary of the Jordan River.

• • Banias River

The Banias River is one of the main sources of the Jordan River. It starts near Mount Hermon.