Golan Heights

　　The Golan Heights is a plateau in the southwesternmost part of Syria, located east of the Jordan Valley, stretching east to the Ruqqad wadi, south to the Yarmouk River, and north to the eastern slopes of Mount Hermon. The northern region consists of pastures, while the southern area includes farmland. The Golan Heights is a narrow mountainous region within Syria’s southwestern border, stretching 71 kilometers from north to south, about 43 kilometers wide at its widest point in the central area, and covering an area of 1,150 square kilometers. It is rich in water resources.

　　The Golan Heights borders Israel and occupies a commanding height, making it a strategic stronghold along Syria’s southwestern border. From here, one can overlook the Israeli Galilee Valley. It is currently under Israeli control as a high ground from which the Israeli valleys can be monitored, earning it the nickname “Israel’s Eye.” Major attractions in the Golan Heights include the Gamla Nature Reserve, Gilgal Refaim stone circle, Um el-Kanatir ruins, Mount Hermon, and the Hamat Gader hot springs. Among them, Mount Hermon is a rare ski destination in Israel, while Hamat Gader is a popular recreational and therapeutic resort where mineral spring temperatures can reach 50°C. Located at the junction of Israel, Lebanon, and Syria, this area was a renowned holiday destination during the Roman era.