Queiq

Queiq, also spelled Queik, Qweik, or Qaiq, is a transboundary river in the Near East that runs from southern Turkey into northern Syria, passing near the city of Aleppo. The name has multiple spellings and uncertain etymology, reflecting local languages and historical usage.

The river’s sources lie in the southern Turkish Taurus foothills near the border with Syria. It generally flows westward through the frontier region before entering Syria, where it historically traversed the Aleppo area. The Queiq has several tributaries and catchment streams that contribute to its flow, forming a riparian corridor that has supported agriculture and settlement for centuries.

Historically, the Queiq provided water for drinking, irrigation, and urban use in Aleppo, a city that developed along the river’s floodplain and relied on its seasonal freshwater supply. In the 20th century, modern water management, dam construction upstream, and regional climate variability substantially reduced discharge in the lower reaches, altering the river’s role in the city and surrounding landscapes.

In contemporary times, much of the lower river course is seasonal or dry for parts of the year. Water quality concerns—driven by agricultural runoff and urban waste—have affected ecosystems and agricultural practices that depended on the river. Despite these challenges, efforts by local communities and authorities in both Turkey and Syria have focused on managing water resources, preserving remaining riparian habitats, and exploring restoration options where feasible.

See also Rivers of Turkey; Rivers of Syria.