Raqqa

Raqqa is a city in Syria, best known for serving as the headquarters of ISIS between 2014 and 2017.

Understand
While Raqqa became know to the world as the capital of the self-declared Islamic State between 2013-2017, the city has a long history as a Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine city. Many historic sights and artifacts have however been destroyed or lost during the fight to liberate the city. As of early 2020 the local government is still struggling to bring back basic services, however efforts have been made to save and restore some of the historic buildings and sights within the city.

Get in
As of 2022, the border with Turkey remains closed, and all other overland routes remain dangerous. Buses and shared taxis do run from Damascus and Aleppo but as they crosses the border between government-held areas and self-declared Rojava, there are many security checkpoints.

Get around
Shared taxi is the most common way of getting around with in the city, walking is an option in the centre. Be aware that many buildings are still in rubble and can be hazardous.

See




Stay safe
See the warning in the Syria article.