The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea, or the Sea of Salt or Lot, is a unique water concentration in the Jordan Valley. It is 85 km long and 17 km wide and covers an area of 677 square km. It is located at a depth of 417 meters below sea level, which makes the Dead Sea meet earth at its lowest point. In addition, the Dead Sea is considered one of the most saline lagoons, with up to 10 times the salinity of the Mediterranean Sea. The oldest archaeological evidence of human presence near it dates back to the Chalcolithic period (around 4500-2500 BC). It was mentioned in the Bible and was described by many Greek, Roman, Arab, and Muslim writers.
The Dead Sea is a scenic landscape with abundant ecosystems, including subtropical swamps or mud flats, semi-desert wetlands, and arid deserts. The diverse ecosystems surrounding the Dead Sea in this region, represent an important site for biodiversity, as it is home to some rare and threatened plants and animals, such as the Lesser Kestrel.
The Dead Sea Basin is one of the significant global bird migration routes, and the surrounding area is home to essential birds in the Middle East. In addition to the environmental importance of the Dead Sea, the Dead Sea is rich in minerals, and attracts millions of visitors who want to relax and benefit from the therapeutic qualities of its waters.