Sorkel Sheikho

Tal Tamr - The region of North and East Syria is home to thousands of mountains, hills, caves, and springs that have witnessed the Neolithic revolution and the rise of early human civilization.

The mountains, caves, and hills of this region carry a rich legacy of the local people's history, customs, and ancient cultures — a heritage that refuses to fade into the depths of time. These natural landmarks were not only shelters for modern humans but were inhabited by people since prehistoric eras. Yet, the exact period when life first began in these areas remains shrouded in mystery.

 

“Umm al-Sarj”: The Cave Yet to Be Discovered

Located about 40 kilometers southwest of Mount Kizwan, the “Umm al-Sarj” cave extends approximately 50 meters below the earth’s surface. Visitors or explorers must enter through a narrow opening, making access challenging and requiring caution and courage.

Due to the pitch-black darkness inside, the path leading into the cave is rough and extremely difficult to navigate, necessitating safety measures to prevent accidents such as falls or slips. Thus, visitors are forced to use lighting equipment and proceed carefully and deliberately.

The cave ends in a source of pure, drinkable water that contains some calcareous material. To this day, the exact source or destination of this water remains unknown, as no scientific research has confirmed any details about it. The absence of historical or geological studies has left the cave’s mysteries untouched.

Only birds inhabit the cave — no snakes or other reptiles — making it a relatively safe and appealing spot for families. It also serves as a resting place for shepherds during their travels and has become an attraction for nature enthusiasts.

According to one eyewitness, in 2011 a vehicle marked with the words “Damascus Villagers” arrived and detonated explosives inside the cave. The identity of those responsible and what was taken from the site remain unknown. The witness stated that after the explosion, he found human bones with unusually thick and long limbs and teeth in the lower jaw — but no neck. He reburied the remains, believing they belonged to an ancient human who once lived on this land.

The “Umm al-Sarj” cave has suffered repeated damage over the years due to climate change, earthquakes, and looting by artifact smugglers. It was completely neglected under the former Syrian regime and has received no attention since, as no research missions or excavations have been conducted there. Ongoing conflict in Syria has prevented specialized teams from accessing the area — a reality that persists today.

“Umm al-Sarj”: An Undiscovered History and Endangered Heritage

Aliya Al-Issa recounted her experience inside the “Umm al-Sarj” cave, which she explored with her husband and nine-year-old son. She explained that they descended roughly 50 meters underground to reach the bottom, where a natural spring flows.

“While going down, we encountered rocks dripping with water, making the ground slippery. Anyone who isn’t careful could easily fall while moving forward,” she said.

Al-Issa also noted the presence of black rocks that appeared volcanic. “It’s likely that these black rocks are remnants of ancient volcanic activity, as many walls and formations inside the cave indicate that possibility,” she added.

She further explained, “Mountains are usually above the ground, but what we see here inside the cave gives the impression of another hidden mountain beneath the earth.” Upon reaching the spring, she found that its source was invisible but that the water flowed outward from south to north, suggesting the existence of an underground stream system.

According to local folklore passed down through generations, an old shepherd once hid a jar filled with gold coins inside a cave spring. Many years later, a man found a similar jar near the springs of Ras al-Ayn/Serekaniye (now under Turkish occupation). Locals believe that the spring inside “Umm al-Sarj” is geographically connected to those springs in Serekaniye.

 

“Umm al-Sarj Is Not Just a Cave”

Regarding its formation, Al-Issa said that no scientific mission has yet studied the cave, though it is believed to be extremely ancient and shaped by climatic changes over the centuries. These shifts have reduced its water levels significantly. “If there were underwater channels or caverns deep within the spring, we could have determined their exact source and depth,” she noted.

She emphasized that the cave’s isolated location gives it a unique character, making it a potential tourist destination during summer. Although no agricultural activity exists nearby due to its remoteness, the spring’s water could be utilized for irrigation purposes.

Al-Issa stressed that the protection and monitoring of archaeological sites fall under the responsibility of the Antiquities Authority. “The end of this cave and the spring within it are still unknown,” she said, highlighting the need to preserve the site until experts can properly study it. She urged for organized pathways and safety measures for visitors, as well as prohibitions on littering to protect the natural environment.

With proper care and preservation, “Umm al-Sarj” could become a significant tourist site rich with undiscovered historical landmarks.

She concluded by emphasizing the need for scientific studies to understand the cave’s complex formation, which has been shaped by multiple factors such as climate change, rock slides, and geological shifts. The cave extends to a point where water flow becomes visible, but as the water level drops, cavities appear, making the rocks unstable and prone to collapse.

The “Umm al-Sarj” cave remains one of the region’s mysterious, unexplored sites — its true story still hidden beneath layers of time. The absence of official archaeological research has left the site neglected, opening the door to illegal excavations by artifact smugglers, posing a grave threat to the heritage and buried secrets of the region.