Nabi Huri Castle is one of the symbols of Kurdish history and civilization. Nabi Huri Castle is located 45 kilometers northeast of Afrin. It is about 10 kilometers from the Bilbil area and 2 kilometers from the Triya border. Different names have been given to this castle in each historical period; one of these names is Nabi Huri.
The name of Nabi Huri is derived from Uriah, son of Hanan, a friend of Prophet David. A thousand years BC, Uriah Hanan was killed in battle in the area and was later buried there, hence the name was chosen for this. Another name is Huri. The Hurrians were one of the ancient peoples who lived in the Zagros and Taurus Mountains. According to history, the Hurrian people lived on this land for 3000 years BC, and it is said that the people now known as Kurds belong to the Hurrian people. It is worth mentioning that many caves and monuments bearing the name of Huri have been found in the mountain of Kurmenj.
Another important opinion is that Huri is derived from the name of the god Ahura Mazda. The prophet's word also comes from the word of the god of the two rivers (Nabu). According to this name, it is as follows; thus, we understand that God (Ahura Mazda) came from the Hurrians in the time of the city. However, the newly created city is called Syros, taking its name from Seleucus Nicator, one of the Greek commanders and founder of the Seleucid Empire in the east from 280-312 BC.
In the ancient monuments of Syros, there is a theater 112 meters wide and consists of 24 rows of stairs. The stage is 48 meters long. It dates back to the 12th-13th centuries AD. The city has a principal plaza, bathroom, and building of the most advanced and innovative standard. At the bottom of the plaza is the tomb of the Greek commander, and a tall building in the form of a hexagonal dome has been built over the tomb. The city is surrounded by a wall.
There is still a mosque in the courtyard of the dome, a spring in front of the mosque, and several rows of springs and trees down the side of the theater on deep ground. The water of these springs is called "Garmik" water. As the name suggests (in Kurdish), the water in these springs is hot in summer and winter. When the water of these springs joins, a stream is formed and this water flows into the Sabun River. The Sabun River originates in the Northern part of Kurdistan, passes through the banks of Nabi Huri, enters the Afrin River, and passes through the city of Afrin. On the eastern side of the city of Syros or Nabi Huri, there is an ancient bridge over the river Sabun called the Bridge of Roma. These areas are still like historical monuments. This place attracts a lot of foreign tourists because of its spectacular scenery. In summer, locals visit this place to have fun.
When you pass by this castle, you will see a beautiful and colorful landscape that attracts people from all over the country with its spectacular view. Unfortunately, today this beautiful place is under the control of the invaders. Not only this place, but dozens of other attractions are in the same situation.
Source:
Penusa Ziman Magazine, History of Afrin, No 2
