The River Barada

Barada gives rise to 6 “rivers” or canals at the gorge of Rabwa. Two on its left or northern bank (Yazid and Tora) and four on its right or southern bank (Mezzawi, Derani, Qanawat, Banias). The Yazid canal runs north to the Salihya and Qabun whereas that of Tora passes towards the Jisr Abyad heading to Jobar and Harasta. The Mezzawi naturally heads to Mezza and the Derani to Darya. Banias passes behind the National Museum to reappear north of the Citadel and finally exit the at Bab Touma. The Qanawat irrigates the southern quarters of the old city following Via Recta. After leaving the city the polluted waters gather in what is called River Qleit that continues to the eastern Ghouta. The oldest of these canals is that of Tora as it goes all the way back to the Aramean era. Derani, Mezzawi, Qanawat, Banias are Romans whereas Yazid dates from the times of the Umayyads 

Damascus: A History
Ross Burns
ISBN: 9780415413176