Qatma

Qaṭma, (Arabic: قطمة) mainly Kurdish village in Northwestern Syria. Qatma lies between Afrin and Aleppo. The total population in Qatma amounts to approx. 5000 - 6000 inhabitants (conditions: 2006).

Religions

Qatma consists of Sunnis and Yazidis. In this village there is in addition also a mosque. Likewise two holy places are in the proximity of the village.

Economics

The agriculture is the main source of income of the population living in the village. Mainly olives, grain, chickpeas and grapes are cultivated there, in addition, figs, cherries and further fruits are cultivated there. The agriculture is worked on nearly only by machine. There are many agriculture machines, like for example tractors and combines. It is very important that in the village olives in own olive presses are pressed. In the village are some restaurants, which offer ceremony possibilities for weddings etc.

Traffic

In the village there is a railway station. It connects Aleppo with Turkey. Besides many cars of all kinds and trucks are in the village.

Education

The illiterate rate is reduced to a minimum, only old people can't read and not write. The first school in Katma was created in the middle of the 1940s years. At that time there was only one teacher, who informed three/four classes. At present there are education up to 9. class. The school maintains some 100 pupils, who are informed by several teachers and in particular subject teachers. It is taught in Arabic, English and French.

Climate

Qatma lies in the subtropics, where there are also winter rains. The village is appropriate for about 80 km far away from the Mediterranean. Katma is on mountains, which 500m N.N. is appropriate for 600 m.