Holland Heights, Israel: detailed information, description and history

The Dutch heights, or the Golan, are to the north-east and east of the Sea of Galilee (Tiberias Lake) and are part of the Northern District of Israel, or rather, are controlled by this country. This is a disputed territory between Syria and Israel, which seized it as a result of the Six Day War, which was fought in the Middle East in 1967 from June 5th to 10th. The coalition, which included Egypt and Syria, Jordan, Iraq and Algeria, opposed Israel in this war.

Disputed areas

In fairness, it must be said that historically Israel's Dutch heights belonged to more than 3000 years and were allegedly bestowed by God. They became part of this country under King David and were part of the Holy (Promised) Land. Syria, however, owned these lands, which entered its province of Quneitra, just 21 years. Her disputed territories were given as gifts from the French, who, leaving these lands in view of the end of the mandate, gave the Dutch heights of Syria solely in order to annoy the Israelis.

Historical name

What is this territory? From the very beginning, it should be noted that the name of the height was obtained from the biblical city of Golan. This ancient settlement was located in Bassan, a historical area located on the east bank of the Jordan. Therefore, the correct name for these heights is "Golan", and not "Dutch". Holland, whose territory is mostly below sea level, does not have any heights except sand dunes.

The Golan borders

Golan Heights - a mountain plateau of volcanic origin, which in Israel occupies 1150 square kilometers. Its height is 1200 meters above sea level. The western border of these territories, which in the Bible is called Bashan land, is the Sea of Galilee and the headwaters of the Jordan, the eastern - the rocks of the Trachon volcanic origin and the Druz Mountains. The Yarmuk River is the southern border of the Golan, and on the north side these lands are guarded by the Hermon Mountains (in Israel there is only 7% of their total area). Ash-Sheikh or Hermon is the highest mountain in Israel. It reaches 2,236 meters above sea level.

There is something to argue about

The Dutch heights are divided into the Upper and Lower Golan. Naturally, there is very little arable land in the highland part, mostly herds are grazing here. But in the lower part of a lot of land, suitable for processing. They are located on numerous plains, which alternate with basalt hills. And if the Upper Golan is called a country of herds, then the Lower Golan is a country of flour, since for both Israel and Syria these lands are the main breadbasket. And here they grow not only wheat, but also cotton, olives, vegetables, almonds and subtropical fruits.

Territory of War

It should be noted that the Dutch heights were never bypassed by the war. Even after the death of Solomon, that is, in the X century BC, the country disintegrated, and Israel arose (in the north) and Judah (in the south). On the territory of the Golan, for 200 years, continuous battles were fought between the Israeli and Aramaic kingdoms. The kingdom of Israel was periodically destroyed. So in 722 BC, the Assyrians, under the command of King Tiglath-Palasar, destroyed the country. The Jews left their promised lands (on which there was never a long peace), but already in the middle of the first millennium BC. E., That is, during the Second Temple, the Golan was returned, but then they became part of the Jewish kingdom.

Symbol of Courage

The history of the Dutch heights is the history of constant wars. In the first century AD (67 years), the Golan captured the Romans. Jews very courageously defended their fairly well-fortified cities. Particularly strong resistance was rendered by the Roman invaders Gamal, which at that time was the capital of the Golan. The fearlessness and sacrifice of the defenders shocked the Romans, and the city became a symbol of the courage of Israeli soldiers in the centuries. During the excavations that are being carried out in our time, in these territories no objects or remains of structures were found that would indicate the presence in those distant times on these lands of someone other than Israelis. They find here only synagogues or settlements of ancient Jews.

The true masters of the earth

In the IV century, here came the Byzantines, who harshly persecuted the Jews, and in the 7th century these conquerors were replaced by Muslim Arabs. In the XI century battles begin between them and the Crusaders. And none of the invaders cultivated these lands, except the Jews, whom the enslavers constantly expelled, and they returned again and turned the deserts into gardens. And this fate befell not only the Dutch heights. In Israel or Eretz Israel all the territories revived and blossomed when they were settled by Jews and turned into deserts with the advent of conquerors. One of the most striking examples is Gaza. The malarial marshes, sands and wastelands have turned into blooming gardens since the formation of Jewish settlements there. 35% of all floral production of Israel gives this territory. And here in abundance grow vegetables and fruits.

Nothing has changed in the XX century

400 years (1517-1918) Golan was owned by Turkey, turning these lands into desert "backyards of the empire". From 1918 to 1946, Britain and France dominated here, which, as noted above, leaving the Golan's "gifted" to the newly emerged new state called Syria.

In 1948, Ben-Gurion proclaimed the creation of a Jewish state. And immediately began the war. After 1967, these territories of heights became actively populated by the Israelis, the ancient settlement of Katsrin was revived. In all, 34 settlements were built here, and the number of residents exceeded 20,000. In 1973, Israel repulsed the attack of Syria and defended the Dutch heights. But the question of whether the world has come for a long time has always flown in the air. The Israeli jurisdiction was extended to these lands in December 1981 by the Knesset decision. But officially the Golan is considered a disputed territory.

Distracting maneuver

October 3, 2015 IGIL began an offensive against the Dutch heights. 3,000 militants with the help of rocket artillery have set themselves the goal of capturing the former UN observation post on Mount Cuba. Jabat Al-Khashab and Tranj settlements hit the militants. IGIL undertook this maneuver with the aim of diverting the Syrian army and the Russian Federation Civil Aviation Commission from Damascus. But to date all the local conquests of Igilovites in this region have been brought back by the Syrian government army.

Attractions Golan

The Golan is the most remote Israeli territory and one of the most picturesque. The main attraction is located 16 km from the Lake of the Sea of Galilee, the Wheel of Spirits or the Wheel of Rephaim. In its center is a mound, and the megalithic monument dates back to the late Neolithic period (IV-III millennium BC) Mountains and waterfalls, Druze villages and ski resorts (on Mount Hermon), dolmens and the oldest synagogues (for example, in Gamal), reserves and national parks are all Golan heights (Israel). Details of the wars in these territories were outlined above.