Damascus, April 15 (SANA) Perched on a hill overlooking the town of al-Zabadani in the Damascus countryside, al-Koko Castle stands as a layered archaeological site reflecting the evolving history of the region across centuries.
Located about 2 kilometers west of the town, the site combines architectural remains, inscriptions and landscape features that offer insight into its changing roles, from a possible place of worship to a later defensive position.
The name “al-Koko” is believed to derive from the Greek word Kokkos, meaning “grain” or “seed,” a reference that may reflect the agricultural environment in which the site developed.
From sacred space to strategic site
Ammar Mohammad al-Nahhar, head of the History Department at Damascus University, said the remaining structures suggest the site was originally a religious center dating to the Hellenistic or Roman period, rather than a military fortress.
He noted that stone columns, architectural bases and Greek inscriptions point to the presence of a temple or ritual space, likely linked to the surrounding rural economy. The discovery of rock-carved olive and grape presses further supports this interpretation.
Al-Nahhar said such conclusions remain based on available evidence, noting the absence of inscriptions identifying a specific deity or type of worship.
Layers of use across time
Over time, the site was repurposed, particularly during the Byzantine period, when it appears to have served as a defensive or observation point due to its elevated position overlooking key routes.
This reuse reflects a broader historical pattern in the Levant, where earlier religious sites were adapted for military purposes without major reconstruction.
Rock-cut caves containing multiple tombs indicate that the site also had a funerary function, suggesting periods of settlement and use linked to surrounding communities.
Inscriptions and cultural crossroads
Greek inscriptions found at the site remain an important source for researchers, though scholars stress the need for careful interpretation. Al-Nahhar said some circulating readings lack academic grounding and require detailed epigraphic study.
He added that the historical name of al-Zabadani, recorded as “Zabadon” or “Zabadoni”, points to a blend of linguistic influences, likely of Semitic origin later adapted into Greek, reflecting the region’s role as a meeting point of cultures.
A site in need of preservation
Parts of al-Koko Castle have been damaged in recent decades due to conflict and military activity, resulting in the loss of some structural elements. However, the remaining features continue to provide valuable insight into the site’s historical development.
Today, the site stands as an example of how places in Syria have evolved over time, with layers of religious, economic and military significance shaping their identity.
R.D/ABD
