Al-Bab

Al-Bab lies northeast of Aleppo on an agricultural steppe and, with more than one hundred thousand inhabitants, is one of the larger cities of the governorate. The name literally means "the gate" and reflects its historic function as a passage between Aleppo and the middle Euphrates region. Already in the Middle Ages, under the name Bab Buza‘a, it was an important caravan junction and Mamluk administrative seat. The city is ringed by olive groves, pistachio plantations and grain fields and maintains a strong tradition of dairy and cheese production. During the civil war Al-Bab became a key flashpoint: it was first held by the armed opposition, then by the so-called Islamic State, and was retaken in 2017 by the Turkish army and its Syrian allies after a lengthy operation. Since then it has been one of the most important towns in the Turkish-secured buffer zone of northern Syria.

Nearby cities

Aleppo

Aleppo was the most populous city in Syria before the war and is a major commercial center in the north.

Manbij

Manbij is an ancient city in northern Syria, located near the Euphrates River and holding a strategic position.

As-Safira

As-Safira is a city southeast of Aleppo that is traditionally an important industrial and agricultural center.

Kobanî

Kobanî, also known as Ayn al-Arab, is an important city in northern Syria near the Turkish border that gained worldwide fame.

History & landmarks

Great Mosque of Aleppo

One of the most important Islamic structures in Aleppo, situated deep in the heart of the ancient souks and considered an architectural j…

Bab al-Faraj Clock Tower

A prominent landmark in the center of Aleppo, built at the end of the 19th century by the Ottoman governor.

Church of Saint Simeon Stylites

The remains of one of the oldest surviving Christian churches in the world, built on the site where Saint Simeon the Stylite lived.

Nature

Afrin

The Afrin River flows through the olive-grove-dominated northwest of Syria before returning to Turkey.

More places

Sheikh Najjar Industrial City

The industrial heart of Aleppo and one of Syria's most important economic centers, known for its textile and pharmaceutical production.

Citadel of Aleppo

A massive fortified palace in the center of one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.

Aleppo Public Park

A historic green space in Aleppo that offers residents a peaceful place to relax from urban life.

Al-Sabil Park

One of the oldest and best-known parks in Aleppo, famous for its large water basins and shaded avenues.

Sabkhat al-Jabbul

An important wetland and salt lake southeast of Aleppo, serving as a major wintering ground for flamingos.

Tishrin Dam

An important dam and hydroelectric power plant on the Euphrates, located north of the Tabqa Dam near Manbij.

Mount Simeon

Mount Simeon is a limestone massif known for the ruins of the Church of Saint Simeon Stylites and the surrounding famous Dead Cities.

Kurd Mountains

Kurd Dagh is a mountainous highland in northwestern Syria, characterized by its dense olive groves and rich cultural history.