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Yaafour
Yaafour
Yaafour
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Yaafour (Arabic: يعفور) is a Syrian town in the Qatana District of the Rif Dimashq Governorate. According to the Syria Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), Yaafour had a population of 4,638 in the 2004 census.[1] Its inhabitants are predominantly Sunni Muslims.

Key Information

The presence of Druze around Mount Hermon is documented since the founding of the Druze religion in the beginning of the 11th century.[2]

References

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Yaafour

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Yaafour (Arabic: يعفور), also spelled Yafour or Ya'four, is a small town in the Qatana District of , Syria, situated approximately 15–20 km west of at coordinates 33°32′N 36°04′E. According to the 2004 census by the Syria Central Bureau of Statistics, Yaafour had a population of 4,638. The town is known for its proximity to the capital and features hospitality facilities such as the Yafour Hotel & Resort, a 4-star property offering amenities including swimming pools, restaurants, gardens, and recreational activities. Yaafour has also been associated with ambitions for upscale real estate and . In 2011, -based announced the Khams Shamat project, a $1 billion, 1.5 million square meter mixed-use development planned for the Yaafour area, including commercial and touristic components; however, the project faced suspension amid the Syrian conflict by 2012–2013.

Geography

Location

Yaafour is a town in the Qatana District of the in southern Syria. It lies at coordinates 33°32′N 36°04′E and is situated approximately 15-20 km west of , positioning it in the western rural outskirts of the capital. Administratively, the town belongs to the Nahiyah of within the district.

Climate

Yaafour experiences a influenced by its position in the highlands of at an elevation of approximately 976 meters. This elevation contributes to somewhat cooler temperatures and a more temperate feel compared to the nearby lowlands of . Temperatures vary significantly between , with hot, dry and cool . The hot season extends from to , with average daily high temperatures often exceeding 28 (82) and peaking in at around 32 (89), accompanied by lows near 17 (63). The cool season spans to , with average highs below 14 (58) and lows reaching about 1 (34) in . Annual extremes rarely drop below -3 (27) or exceed 35 (96). is markedly seasonal, concentrated in the wetter period from November to March, when the probability of a wet day exceeds 13%. January is typically the wettest month, averaging around 48 mm (1.9 inches) of rainfall and about 7 wet days, primarily as rain. Summers are extremely dry, with July and August often recording negligible precipitation and virtually no wet days. Annual precipitation in the surrounding region is modest, typically around 300 mm. Humidity remains low year-round with no muggy conditions, while is abundant, especially from May to August when peaks.

Topography

Yaafour is situated in a hilly part of the Damascus countryside, forming part of the transitional zone between the relatively flat to the east and the rising foothills of the to the west. The town lies at an elevation of approximately 976 meters above sea level. The local terrain consists of undulating hills and valleys, characteristic of the western reaches of the , where the landscape gradually ascends toward the higher elevations of the Anti-Lebanon range. This positioning places Yaafour in proximity to the broader mountain system that includes further southwest, contributing to the area's rugged and varied topography. These influence local environmental conditions, including potential effects on climate patterns.

History

Etymology

The name Yaafour (: يعفور, romanized as ) derives from the Arabic term يعفور, which primarily denotes a young (or fawn) whose color resembles dust or earth, stemming from the root عفر (ʿ-f-r) meaning dust or soil. In , the word also refers to the young of the wild cow (or wild bovine), and in some contexts, a portion of the night. Spelling variations include Yafour and , reflecting alternative of the Arabic original.

Modern history

In the early 21st century, Yaafour transitioned from a low-density rural suburb northwest of into a focal point for large-scale urban development, driven by and influx of Gulf investment. Major prestige projects announced between 2005 and 2006 targeted the area due to available public land and government support for creating beyond the . Key initiatives included the Eighth Gate project by UAE-based , a mixed-use development valued at approximately $500 million to $1.2 billion, featuring a large retail mall, office towers (including space for a new stock market), and residential zones inspired by traditional Islamic and Damascene architecture. Construction began around 2008, marking early progress among the announced projects. Complementary developments were the Khams Shammat (also known as Damascus Festival City) by and Yaafour Gardens by the Urban Development Group, together planning around 350,000 m² of commercial mall space and substantial office areas to establish Yaafour as a commercial and business hub. In 2008, the Yafour Hotel & Resort opened, developed by Jupiter for Investment S.A. (a subsidiary of Hamsho International), offering luxury accommodations, restaurants, a spa, gym, and gardens in a strategic location about 12 minutes from central . These developments collectively positioned Yaafour as an upscale residential and hospitality area, reflecting broader trends in prestige real estate around Damascus during this period.

Demographics

Population

According to the Syria Central Bureau of Statistics, Yaafour had a population of 4,638 in the 2004 census. This figure is consistent across multiple compilations of the census data and ranks Yaafour among the smaller villages in the Qatana District, which recorded a total population of 207,245 during the same census. No subsequent national census has been conducted in Syria, and no reliable post-2004 population estimates specific to Yaafour appear in available sources, likely due to disruptions from the Syrian civil war affecting statistical collection in . As a result, the 2004 figure remains the most recent official population count for the town.

Religious composition

The inhabitants of Yaafour are predominantly , consistent with the religious majority in much of the west of . The town is situated near areas with more diverse sectarian compositions, including a "Druze/Christian belt" encompassing nearby locations such as , , and .

Economy

Traditional economy

The traditional economy of Yaafour has historically been rooted in agriculture and rural land use, typical of small towns in the Qatana District and . The area's suitability for planting and farming activities is indicated by environmental initiatives such as the 2015 "My Tree" project, which involved planting 1200 tree saplings in Yaafour in collaboration with Syria's Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs, , and the Syrian-Korean Business Center. Specific details on pre-modern crops, livestock, or farming practices in Yaafour remain limited in available documentation.

Real estate development

Yaafour has become a prominent location for upscale real estate development west of , attracting projects focused on luxury residential properties with large plots, private amenities, and a combination of classical and contemporary designs. These developments emphasize spacious villas and high-end apartments, often featuring private gardens, swimming pools, parking, and premium finishes to appeal to affluent buyers seeking tranquility near the capital. One notable example is the WATER WAY project, which consists of standalone luxury villas with 4+1 layouts (including multiple bedrooms, a salon, and bathrooms), private gardens, dedicated parking spaces, and high-quality interior finishes. The villas occupy plots ranging up to approximately 2,600 m² in some categories, with prices starting at around $1.4 million and reaching $2.2 million, and some units available for immediate delivery while others are slated for completion in early 2026. Another significant development is Park Residence, developed by Kuwait Syrian Holding, comprising 71 modern residential buildings with 1,174 high-end apartments sized between 140 and 415 square meters. Each apartment includes wide terraces and balconies offering views of the surrounding area, with the project allocating 60% of its land to (including 60,000 m² of gardens and walking paths), alongside amenities such as swimming pools, a , and security services. Additional upscale projects in the area include The Address in West Yaafour by Sendos Investment and Development, contributing to the town's growth as a premium residential enclave. These initiatives have supported the expansion of luxury housing options in Yaafour, enhancing its status as a sought-after suburban destination.

Tourism and hospitality

Yaafour's tourism and hospitality sector is primarily anchored by the Yafour Hotel & Resort, a 4-star luxury property that serves as the town's main draw for visitors seeking upscale accommodations and leisure near . Established in 2008, the resort is situated in a quiet, green setting approximately 12-15 minutes from central Damascus, offering a tranquil escape from urban bustle while remaining accessible to the capital. The comprises 79 rooms and suites designed for comfort and refinement, complemented by three unique restaurants providing diverse dining experiences, along with cafes set amid lush tropical gardens. Guests have access to a state-of-the-art , spa, fitness center, swimming pools, , , and other leisure facilities, supporting a range of relaxation and recreational activities. The Yafour Hotel & Resort plays a key role in regional tourism by attracting business travelers, executives, and leisure visitors with its impeccable service and high-end amenities, positioning Yaafour as a convenient luxury retreat west of .

Infrastructure

Transportation

Yaafour is connected to primarily via the Damascus- highway (designated as M2/M30), a major route linking the Syrian capital to Beirut, Lebanon. This highway passes through or near the town, providing direct road access and facilitating movement of goods and people between Damascus and western rural areas. The town's proximity to —approximately 15–20 km west—allows for quick travel by private vehicle, with typical driving times of around 20 minutes under normal conditions. User reports from visitors to the Yafour Hotel & Resort describe the drive to Damascus as taking about 20 minutes. Transportation in Yaafour relies mainly on private cars and , reflecting its character as a small, upscale residential and with limited options documented. No specific bus routes or rail connections serve the town directly.

Public facilities

Public facilities in Yaafour primarily consist of basic government-provided services typical for small towns in the , including public education and primary healthcare. Due to the town's small size and population of approximately 4,638 (2004 census), specific details on local public schools, clinics, or utilities are limited in available sources, with residents often relying on nearby for more advanced public services. There have been private sector initiatives to expand local healthcare, including the licensing of two medical compounds in 2007 by the Syrian Investment Authority at a combined investment of SYP 8.4 billion. Additional projects, such as a proposed Yafour Hospital, have been documented in construction contexts but lack confirmation of public status or completion. Overall, public infrastructure remains modest compared to the town's upscale private real estate and hospitality developments.

References

  1. https://mapcarta.com/12670922
  2. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294011-d1654189-Reviews-Yafour-Damascus.html
  3. https://www.installation-international.com/case-studies/case-study-four-star-yafour-hotel-in-syria-comes-alive-with-sgm
  4. https://www.constructionweekonline.com/business/article-13468-maf-properties-starts-work-on-1bn-syria-project
  5. https://syria-report.com/maf-suspends-yaafour-development/
  6. https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/maf-properties-launches-1b-syrian-project
  7. https://www.getamap.net/maps/syria/rif_dimashq/_yafour/
  8. https://weatherspark.com/y/99641/Average-Weather-in-Qa%C5%A3an%C4%81-Syria-Year-Round
  9. https://www.geonames.org/162622/ya-fur.html
  10. https://en-us.topographic-map.com/map-vbgh51/Rif-Dimashq-Governorate/
  11. https://www.arabicacademy.gov.eg/ar/search_engine?criteria=%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%8E%D8%B9%D9%92%D9%81%D9%8F%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8F&exact_search=true
  12. https://www.islamweb.net/ar/library/content/122/5572/%D8%B9%D9%81%D8%B1
  13. https://www.almaany.com/en/dict/ar-en/%D9%8A%D8%B9%D9%81%D9%88%D8%B1/
  14. https://shs.hal.science/halshs-00554925/file/2010_VCAH_BE_Property_Investments_and_Prestige_project_in_Damascus.pdf
  15. https://joshualandis.com/blog/the-eighth-gate-of-damascus/
  16. https://www.livetheworld.com/activities/syrian-arab-republic/yafour-hotel-and-resort
  17. https://datacommons.org/ranking/Count_Person/Village/wikidataId/Q4120498
  18. https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/sites/default/files/pdf/SyriaAtlasCOMPLETE-3.pdf
  19. https://archive.sana.sy/?p=138930
  20. https://sana-syria.org/?tag=%D8%B6%D9%85%D9%86-%D9%85%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B9-%D8%B4%D8%AC%D8%B1%D8%AA%D9%8A-%D8%B2%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%A9-1200-%D8%BA%D8%B1%D8%B3%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D9%8A%D8%B9%D9%81%D9%88%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D8%B1
  21. https://www.imtilak.sy/en/villas/water-way
  22. https://www.ksh.com.kw/en/alfayhaa.html
  23. https://syria-report.com/sendos-begins-construction-works-on-upscale-residential-development-in-yaafour/
  24. http://www.araboo.com/site/syria-yafouresort-125138
  25. https://syria-report.com/investors-to-build-two-new-health-centres-in-yaafour/
  26. https://www.buna.sy/tenders-archive
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