# Orontes River

> river in Western Asia

**Wikidata**: [Q188871](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q188871)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orontes_River)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/orontes-river

## Summary
The Orontes River is a significant river in Western Asia, originating in Turkey and flowing through Syria and Lebanon. It serves as a vital watercourse in the region, supporting agriculture, settlements, and ecosystems along its course.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: River (larger natural watercourse)
- **Origin**: Turkey
- **Flow Path**: Flows through Syria and Lebanon
- **Geographic Coordinates**: 
  - 35.25°N, 36.583333333333°E
  - 34.196944444444°N, 36.3525°E
  - 36.045277777778°N, 35.963611111111°E
- **Aliases**: Orontes
- **Wikipedia Title**: Orontes River
- **Wikidata Description**: River in Western Asia
- **Sitelink Count**: 60

## FAQs
**Where is the Orontes River located?**  
The Orontes River is located in Western Asia. It originates in Turkey, flows through Syria, and continues into Lebanon, making it a transnational river in the region.

**What countries does the Orontes River flow through?**  
The river flows through three countries: Turkey (origin), Syria, and Lebanon. Its path connects these nations geographically and historically through shared water resources.

**What is the significance of the Orontes River?**  
The Orontes River is significant for its role in supporting agriculture, settlements, and ecosystems in Western Asia. It has historically been a crucial water source for civilizations along its banks.

**What are the geographic coordinates of the Orontes River?**  
Key coordinates associated with the Orontes River include 35.25°N, 36.583333333333°E; 34.196944444444°N, 36.3525°E; and 36.045277777778°N, 35.963611111111°E.

## Why It Matters
The Orontes River holds historical, ecological, and geopolitical importance in Western Asia. As a transnational river, it connects Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon, playing a key role in regional water management and cross-border cooperation. Historically, it has supported ancient civilizations and continues to be vital for agriculture and human settlements. Its flow through diverse landscapes also sustains ecosystems and contributes to the cultural and environmental heritage of the region.

## Notable For
- **Transnational Flow**: One of the few rivers that flows through Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon
- **Historical Significance**: Associated with ancient civilizations and historical trade routes
- **Agricultural Support**: Provides essential irrigation for farming communities in arid regions
- **Cultural Heritage**: Referenced in classical texts and regional history
- **Geographic Uniqueness**: Flows northward initially, a rare characteristic among Middle Eastern rivers

## Body

### Geography and Course
The Orontes River is a prominent river in Western Asia. It originates in the mountains of Turkey, flows southward into Syria, and then turns northward through Lebanon before eventually reaching the Mediterranean Sea. This unique northward turn distinguishes it from many other rivers in the region.

The river's path connects three key nations:
- **Turkey**: The source country, where the river begins in the eastern highlands
- **Syria**: A major portion of the river flows through this country, passing near historically significant cities
- **Lebanon**: The river continues northward here, contributing to the country's water resources

Key geographic coordinates associated with the river include:
- 35.25°N, 36.583333333333°E
- 34.196944444444°N, 36.3525°E
- 36.045277777778°N, 35.963611111111°E

These coordinates mark significant points along its course and are used in geographic databases and mapping services.

### Historical and Cultural Significance
The Orontes River has been a lifeline for civilizations throughout history. Ancient cities and settlements developed along its banks due to the reliable water supply it provided. The river is mentioned in classical texts and has been associated with various historical events and trade routes.

Its flow through modern-day Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon underscores its role in the cultural and historical narratives of these regions. The river has supported agriculture, trade, and urban development for millennia.

### Environmental and Ecological Role
The Orontes River supports diverse ecosystems along its course. It provides habitats for various species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. The river's waters are also used for irrigation, sustaining agricultural practices in otherwise arid regions.

In Lebanon, the river contributes to the northern region's water supply and supports local biodiversity. Its flow is subject to seasonal variations, with higher volumes during spring snowmelt and reduced flow during dry seasons.

### Modern-Day Relevance
Today, the Orontes River remains a critical water resource for the countries it traverses. It plays a role in:
- **Agricultural irrigation**
- **Municipal water supply**
- **Cross-border water management initiatives**

The river's transnational nature necessitates cooperation between Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon in managing its waters sustainably. This includes addressing challenges such as water allocation, pollution, and climate change impacts.

### Nomenclature and Identification
The river is also known by the alias "Orontes," which is used interchangeably in historical and modern references. It is cataloged in various databases and geographic information systems with the following identifiers:
- **Wikipedia Title**: Orontes River
- **Wikidata Description**: River in Western Asia
- **Sitelink Count**: 60

These identifiers help in cross-referencing the river in academic, geographic, and digital resources.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Asi;3871659.html)