Turan Kışlakçı
Sometimes maps determine not only roads, but also the fate of nations, the ambitions of empires, and the direction of civilizations. There are cities that, on the surface, appear quiet, modest, and alive like water overflowing and dispersing on the surface, but in fact they are buried deep in grand plans, global projects, and historical conflicts. Suwayda, located at the southern tip of Syria, is such a city: A crossroads that carries storms in its silence and hides big plans in its smallness…
Syria has never been left to itself throughout history. For centuries, these lands have been the center of transitions, invasions, alliances, and conflicts between East and West. The ancient Persians, Egyptians, and later the Roman Empire viewed this region not just as land, but as a corridor of destiny. Both Rome and the Ottomans knew that holding on to Anatolia was possible by holding Syria.
In this historical context, the Hawran region—and to its east, the city of Suwayda on the Jordanian border—has always been a key marker in Syria’s unity map. In this geography where empires clash, Hawran is the chessboard; Suwayda is a piece that cannot be overlooked.
Today, Suwayda is one of Syria’s 14 provinces, bordered by Jordan to the south, Daraa to the west, and Rif Dimashq to the north and east. Its name comes from the Arabic word “سوداء” (sawda), meaning black or dark-colored… But this darkness is not one of gloom, but of depth. The “suwayda” believed to be located in the heart refers to this — a hidden center of insight, maturity, and truth. Like an inner essence that gives meaning to the entire existence of a human… Just like the timeless soul of this ancient city…
In the 19th century, descendants of Syrians who had emigrated to Venezuela returned to their homeland, bringing with them South American culture, Spanish language, and a new wave of capital. Hence, the city is now also known as “Little Venezuela” — a cultural bridge between the memory of the outside world and the tradition of the inside.
Suwayda made its first appearance on the stage of history during the Nabataean era under the name “Suada.” During the Hellenistic period, it was named “Dionysias Soada” in reference to Dionysus, the god of wine and enthusiasm; during the Roman Empire, it was included in the province of Arabia Petraea. In the 2nd century AD, it was granted city status and became a bishopric center under the influence of the Ghassanid Arabs during the Byzantine period.
In 629, the city was conquered by Islamic armies and became part of the Islamic world. The famous Muslim geographer Yaqut al-Hamawi referred to it as “a village connected to Hawran” in the 13th century. Despite appearing small throughout history, Suwayda has always acquired new meaning and strategic depth in every era.
Today, Suwayda has regained regional and global focus due to its position at the heart of a major project called the “David Corridor.” This corridor begins in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, passes through Daraa and Suwayda, and reaches the U.S. base in al-Tanf. From there, it extends eastward through areas controlled by the PYD/YPG, reaches the Iraqi city of Erbil, and then touches the Turkish border.
This route is not just a strategic path; it is a massive project intertwining energy, security, economy, and cultural influence. It could serve as an alternative to the Suez Canal, balance China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and transform Israel into a logistical hub between the Gulf and Europe. Although it appears to be Israel’s project on the surface, the architecture of interests behind it belongs to the U.S. and the U.K.
Suwayda lies at the very heart of this corridor. It is the last geopolitical and demographic junction before reaching al-Tanf. It acts as a natural buffer zone between the Sunni Arab belt in the south and the American-PYD/YPG belt in the east.
In the security doctrine of Israel, the only country in the world with no defined borders, the presence of the Sunni population along the corridor is considered a potential threat. History has shown that peoples deeply rooted in their land will one day rise again. Recent tribal uprisings in Suwayda hint at an awakening of this collective memory.
The construction of the David Corridor is not merely a logistical or military matter; it is also an intervention into the demographic, cultural and political fabric of the region. Just like the Sykes–Picot maps drawn with rulers a century ago… This new route also threatens the memory of peoples, the sovereignty of states and the continuity of identities.
If completed, this project would not only elevate Israel into a regional hub but also allow goods to be transported from the Gulf to Israeli ports, from there to the Mediterranean, and then to Europe. On the other hand, the risk of marginalization, being put under control, and disidentification of the ancient peoples of the region, namely the Arab, Turkish, and Kurdish peoples, will increase.
What’s happening in Suwayda today may appear to many as a local sectarian conflict, an anti-regime movement, or a minor rebellion. But the issue is far deeper. The spark igniting in this city is, in fact, a reflection of an intervention aimed at dismantling the final link obstructing the “David Map.” This is not a local crisis, but a keystone of the region’s future.
If Syria is fragmented along sectarian and ethnic lines, each part will turn into a battlefield for global powers. For this reason, Syria’s territorial integrity is a vital issue not only for Syrians but also for every nation and country in the region. Aware of its historical and geographical responsibility, Türkiye must pursue a determined policy for a “unified Syria.”
To view the Suwayda issue merely through the lens of a single city is to miss the larger truth. What is unfolding here is not just a popular movement, a minority uprising, or a local clash. The issue is the construction of a new map, a new order, and a new power route…
Who is laying this new line?
Who is considered an obstacle to it?
And who is being prepared for sacrifice along the way?
Suwayda is the critical junction point for the answers to these questions.
And that’s why… even its silence resounds.