Jindires

Jindiris is the site of the ancient town of Gindarus or Gindaros (Ancient Greek: Γίνδαρος) also called Gindara (Ancient Greek: Γίνδαρα).[6] The Middle Persian and Parthian transliterations, attested in Shapur I's inscription at the Ka'ba-ye Zartosht, are Gndlswy and Gndrws respectively.[7]

The ancient town was originally an acropolis of Cyrrhestica during the Hellenistic period.[8] The Battle of Mount Gindarus took place near the town in 38 BC. The Parthians under Pacorus I suffered a massive defeat to the Roman armies of Ventidius and Pacorus himself was killed in battle.[9][7] Under the Romans the city belonged to Antioch.[8] In 252/3, during the second Roman campaign of Sasanian King Shapur I (r. 240–270), the city was captured by the Persians.[7] Emperor Theodosius I fortified the city during his reign (379–395).[10] Traces of the fortified wall still remain on the south and west side of the tell, while the modern village is located at the base.[11]

In the 14th century, during Mamluk rule, Jindires was visited by Syrian geographer al-Dimashqi who described it as "a town near Tizin, and in the territory of Jumah. It is a place full of habitations. There are thermal springs here, but it is unknown where the waters rise, or whither they flow."[12]

The 19th-century British writer, William Harrison Ainsworth, visited the village and described it in his magazine as "containing about fifty cottages, and characterized by its artificial mound, or tel, upon which but few traces are now to be met of the castle or citadel (Acropolis in Greek; Arx in Latin) of Cyrrhestica, and described by Strabo as 'a fit receptacle for thieves.'"[13]

In late 19th century, German orientalist Martin Hartmann noted Jindires as a settlement with 20 houses inhabited by Kurds.[19]