Ar-Raqqah, the capital of the Raqqa Governorate in Syria, is an ancient city situated on the banks of the Euphrates River. It is known as the “City of Mosques” due to its many Islamic monuments, including the Great Mosque of al-Nuri, which dates back to the 12th century. Ar-Raqqah is also home to a number of archaeological sites, including the ancient city of Harran and the ruins of the Ar-Raqqah Citadel. Here are the top 20 places to see in Ar-Raqqah, Syria.
1. Great Mosque of al-Nuri: This 12th-century mosque is one of the most important religious sites in Ar-Raqqah. It is named after Nur al-Din, the founder of the Zengid dynasty, who built the mosque in 1174. The mosque is known for its distinctive minaret, which is decorated with intricate stonework and glazed tiles.
2. Ar-Raqqah Citadel: This ancient fortress is located on a hill overlooking the city. It was built in the 12th century by Nur al-Din and was used as a military garrison until the 14th century. Today, the citadel is a popular tourist attraction and offers spectacular views of the city and the Euphrates River.
3. Harran: This ancient city is located about 30 kilometers south of Ar-Raqqah. It is believed to have been founded by the Sumerians in the 3rd millennium BC and was later occupied by the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Romans. Today, the ruins of the city are a popular tourist attraction and include the remains of temples, palaces, and an ancient university.
4. Al-Faruq Mosque: This mosque is located in the old city of Ar-Raqqah and dates back to the 12th century. It is named after the Islamic leader Umar ibn al-Khattab, who was known as “Faruq” or “the one who distinguishes between right and wrong”. The mosque is known for its distinctive minaret, which is decorated with intricate stonework and glazed tiles.
5. Al-Mansur Mosque: This mosque is located in the old city of Ar-Raqqah and dates back to the 13th century. It is named after the Abbasid caliph Al-Mansur, who built the mosque in 1278. The mosque is known for its distinctive minaret, which is decorated with intricate stonework and glazed tiles.
6. Al-Hajar al-Aswad Mosque: This mosque is located in the old city of Ar-Raqqah and dates back to the 15th century. It is named after the black stone, which is believed to have been brought from Mecca by the Islamic prophet Muhammad. The mosque is known for its distinctive minaret, which is decorated with intricate stonework and glazed tiles.
7. National Museum of Raqqa: This museum is located in the old city of Ar-Raqqah and houses a collection of artifacts from the region, including pottery, coins, and jewelry. It also features a number of archaeological exhibits, including the remains of a 7th-century Byzantine church.
8. Al-Kasra Palace: This palace is located in the old city of Ar-Raqqah and dates back to the 12th century. It was built by Nur al-Din and is known for its distinctive minaret, which is decorated with intricate stonework and glazed tiles.
9. Al-Borj al-Kabir: This fort is located in the old city of Ar-Raqqah and dates back to the 12th century. It was built by Nur al-Din and is known for its distinctive minaret, which is decorated with intricate stonework and glazed tiles.
10. Al-Hassan Mosque: This mosque is located in the old city of Ar-Raqqah and dates back to the 16th century. It is named after the Islamic leader Hassan ibn Ali, who was known as “the Lion of God”. The mosque is known for its distinctive minaret, which is decorated with intricate stonework and glazed tiles.
11. Al-Qasr al-Bustan: This palace is located in the old city of Ar-Raqqah and dates back to the 15th century. It was built by the Mamluk Sultan Qaitbay and is known for its distinctive minaret, which is decorated with intricate stonework and glazed tiles.
12. Al-Rasheed Mosque: This mosque is located in the old city of Ar-Raqqah and dates back to the 16th century. It is named after the Islamic leader Rashidun, who was known as “the Righteous Caliph”. The mosque is known for its distinctive minaret, which is decorated with intricate stonework and glazed tiles.
13. Al-Badiya Mosque: This mosque is located in the old city of Ar-Raqqah and dates back to the 16th century. It is named after the Islamic leader Abu Bakr, who was known as “the Truthful”. The mosque is known for its distinctive minaret, which is decorated with intricate stonework and glazed tiles.
14. Al-Khadra Mosque: This mosque is located in the old city of Ar-Raqqah and dates back to the 16th century. It is named after the Islamic leader Umar ibn al-Khattab, who was known as “the Green One”. The mosque is known for its distinctive minaret, which is decorated with intricate stonework and glazed tiles.
15. Al-Khalil Mosque: This mosque is located in the old city of Ar-Raqqah and dates back to the 16th century. It is named after the Islamic leader Ibrahim, who was known as “the Friend of God”. The mosque is known for its distinctive minaret, which is decorated with intricate stonework and glazed tiles.
16. Al-Qasr al-Bari: This palace is located in the old city of Ar-Raqqah and dates back to the 16th century. It was built by the Mamluk Sultan Qaitbay and is known for its distinctive minaret, which is decorated with intricate stonework and glazed tiles.
17. Al-Nuri Mosque: This mosque is located in the old city of Ar-Raqqah and dates back to the 16th century. It is named after the Islamic leader Nur al-Din, who was known as “the Light of Islam”. The mosque is known for its distinctive minaret, which is decorated with intricate stonework and glazed tiles.
18. Al-Fateh Mosque: This mosque is located in the old city of Ar-Raqqah and dates back to the 16th century