The Euphrates Basin:
The Euphrates River is the longest and most historically significant river in Syria and Western Asia covering a distance of about 3000 Km, flowing from Central Turkey for about 1230 km to reach the Turkish-Syrian border at Jarablous. It runs in Syria for 710 km before reaching Iraq at BouKamal, where it continues for about 1060 km when it reach the Persian Gulf at Shatt Al-Arab. Most of the waters of the Euphrates River are from the rainfall and melting snow. Three tributaries rivers flow into the Euphrates; Sajur, Balikh, and Khabur. The Euphrates drains an area of more than 400,000 square Kilometres with the greater part of the Euphrates basin located in Syria, Turkey, and Iraq. The river is a major source of water for most households living along its banks. It is also an important source of fish and water for irrigation. The Euphrates also supports natural vegetation growing along its banks and a rich biodiversity of birds and other types on animals. Some of the earliest human agricultural activities were started in this valley.