Selected Villages-al-Qrayya

Al-Qurayya

A Syrian town located in the Suwayda Governorate, Al-Qurayya boasts a rich history, both ancient and modern. Its history dates back to the Roman Empire, and it has been home to numerous civilizations. Its modern history is written in letters of gold, as it was here that the freedom fighter Sultan Pasha al-Atrash set out. The name means “villages” in Arabic, referring to the hospitality offered to a guest. Here, hospitality is renowned, as you are in one of the towns and villages of Jabal al-Arab, known for its generosity, courage, and chivalry. A guest here is considered a guest of all, honored by everyone. These are the authentic traditions and customs of the Suwayda Governorate.

Location
Al-Qurayya is located 19 km south of the city of Suwayda. It is one of the most famous towns and villages in the governorate, both in terms of media coverage and tourism, as it was the home of Sultan Pasha al-Atrash, the leader of the Great Syrian Revolt. Presidents, politicians, and high-ranking officials have visited Al-Qurayya over the past decades, and it continues to possess numerous social and cultural advantages.

The town is situated at an altitude of approximately 1050 meters above sea level and enjoys a temperate climate. It has a population of 17,000 and serves as the administrative center for several villages. It is one of the largest towns in the governorate in terms of land area, ranking fourth after As-Suwayda, Shahba, and Salkhad. It belongs to the Salkhad district and is bordered to the west by the ancient city of Bosra. The town boasts a large commercial market stretching along a three-kilometer-long street, featuring over 350 shops representing a wide range of trades and professions. In addition, it offers comprehensive social, economic, educational, and health services, as well as government offices. The population of the surrounding villages is approximately 16,000.

Landmarks and a Rich History

Among the most prominent features of the town of Al-Qurayya is the national, tourist, and historical landmark, the Martyrs’ Memorial of the Great Syrian Revolt, and the museum that embodies and displays information related to the Great Syrian Revolt and its participants. Its construction cost exceeded 100 million Syrian pounds. Also noteworthy is the Sultan al-Atrash Guesthouse, which holds significant historical importance, having hosted numerous meetings and gatherings that speak volumes about a bygone era filled with glory, remembrance, and pride. In addition, Al-Qurayya boasts many beautiful natural landmarks and remains dating back to the Nabataean era, as well as scattered Roman ruins. Among the most important of these is the ancient amphitheater (columns), along with buildings and monuments dating back to ancient civilizations. There is also evidence suggesting that the town and surrounding area have been inhabited since the Stone Age.

Village Notables

Among the most prominent figures and celebrities of the town are Sultan Pasha al-Atrash, leader of the Great Syrian Revolt, and his son, Mansour al-Atrash, a prominent figure in the province and one of the founders of the Syrian Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party. Other notable figures include the great musician and artist Farid al-Atrash, the singer Asmahan and their father, the notable Fahd al-Atrash, the artist Samih Shqeir, and the actress Duha al-Dibs. Al-Qurayya boasts a large number of distinguished individuals in all fields, most notably art and science, including the nuclear physicists Mutawa’ al-Ashhab and Majid al-Abdullah. The town is proud to have produced many martyrs.

The first Arab flag was woven in al-Qurayya during the Arab Revolt and was raised by one of its sons, the freedom fighter Saleh Tarabieh, over the government building in Damascus after the defeat of the Ottomans.
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