Syria

Land of Ancient Civilizations and Modern Resilience

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Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a historically rich country in Western Asia, situated at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. Known as the cradle of civilization, Syria is home to some of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Despite ongoing conflict since 2011, Syria remains geopolitically significant in Arab and regional affairs.

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Formation and Historical Background

• Ancient cities like Damascus, Aleppo, and Palmyra have been inhabited for millennia.

• Once part of empires including Egyptian, Assyrian, Persian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman.

• Became a French Mandate after WWI and gained full independence on 17 April 1946.

• Experienced multiple coups and Ba’athist rule since 1963.

• Current president Bashar al-Assad took office in 2000 following the death of his father Hafez al-Assad.

• Since 2011, the country has faced a devastating civil war, leading to mass displacement and humanitarian crises.

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Administrative Information

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Government and Leadership

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Recent Political Transition

• Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which ruled Syria for over two decades, collapsed in December 2024 after widespread military defeats and loss of control over Damascus and major cities.

• The new leadership, led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, emerged from former opposition group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), now reorganized under a civil-administrative transitional model.

• The new government has pledged to:

  • Reform the judiciary and electoral process

  • Engage with international organizations for reconstruction

  • Restore national unity through inclusive governance

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Administrative Divisions (Governorates)

Syria is divided into 14 Governorates (Muhafazat), each subdivided into districts (manatiq) and subdistricts (nawahi).

List of Governorates and Capitals:

1. Damascus (دمشق) – Damascus

2. Rif Dimashq (Rural Damascus) (ريف دمشق) – Douma

3. Aleppo (حلب) – Aleppo

4. Homs (حمص) – Homs

5. Hama (حماة) – Hama

6. Latakia (اللاذقية) – Latakia

7. Tartus (طرطوس) – Tartus

8. Idlib (إدلب) – Idlib

9. Deir ez-Zor (دير الزور) – Deir ez-Zor

10. Raqqa (الرقة) – Raqqa

11. Hasakah (الحسكة) – Hasakah

12. Daraa (درعا) – Daraa

13. Quneitra (القنيطرة) – Quneitra

14. As-Suwayda (السويداء) – As-Suwayda

Each governorate is headed by a Governor appointed by the central government.

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Local Government Structure

• Local councils operate in governorates, districts, and municipalities.

• Local governance disrupted in parts due to conflict and presence of non-state actors.

• Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) functions semi-independently in Kurdish-controlled areas.

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Leadership & Governance

• Power is concentrated in the Ba’ath Party and presidency.

• Political pluralism allowed in theory but restricted in practice.

• Constitution amended in 2012 to allow multi-party elections, but effective control remains with the Assad regime.

• Governance remains centralized, with high military and intelligence influence.

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Law Enforcement & Safety

• Agencies include:

  • General Security Directorate

  • Military Intelligence

  • Political Security Directorate

• Armed conflict continues in parts of the north and east.

• Crime levels vary by region; many areas under local control or international supervision.

• Emergency response limited in opposition or rebel-held zones.

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Economy & Industry

• Pre-war economy based on:

  • Agriculture, oil and gas, tourism, textiles

• Post-2011 crisis led to:

  • Infrastructure collapse

  • Sanctions and hyperinflation

  • Reduced oil exports and loss of national assets

• Key sectors now:

  • Reconstruction

  • Humanitarian aid

  • Localized agriculture and trade

• GDP (2023 est.): Approx. $22 billion USD

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Education & Institutions

• Notable universities:

  • University of Damascus

  • Aleppo University

  • Tishreen University (Latakia)

• War has devastated education infrastructure, with millions of children out of school.

• Government-run schools dominate in regime-held areas; NGOs support education in others.

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Healthcare

• Major hospitals in Damascus, Aleppo, Homs.

• Health system heavily impacted by war and sanctions.

• Limited access to medical equipment and pharmaceuticals.

• Humanitarian organizations provide aid in conflict zones.

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Transport & Connectivity

• Airports:

  • Damascus International Airport

  • Aleppo and Latakia airports (functioning intermittently)

• Road and rail networks damaged but partially operational

• Ports:

  • Latakia and Tartus (main trade routes, including via Russia)

• Reconstruction of roads ongoing in government-controlled areas

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Tourism & Attractions

• UNESCO Sites (many damaged):

  • Ancient Palmyra

  • Crac des Chevaliers

  • Old City of Damascus

  • Ancient Aleppo

• Religious:

  • Umayyad Mosque (Damascus)

  • Sayyidah Zaynab Shrine (Shia pilgrimage site)

• Natural:

  • Syrian coastline (Latakia, Tartus)

  • Al-Ghab Plain, Orontes River Valley

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Culture & Lifestyle

• Rich in Arabic, Kurdish, Assyrian, Druze, and Armenian influences

• Renowned for:

  • Literature, poetry (e.g., Nizar Qabbani)

  • Traditional crafts: mosaic, glassblowing, embroidery

  • Cuisine: kebab, kibbeh, hummus, mutabbal, maqluba

• Religious diversity: Sunni, Alawite, Shia, Christian, Druze

• Social life deeply rooted in family, hospitality, and resilience

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Summary

Syria is a land where history breathes through ancient ruins and resilient people. Despite conflict and hardship, the nation’s spirit endures through its culture, heritage, and hope for stability. As it charts its future amid reconstruction and reform, Syria remains central to the story of the Middle East.