Syria Deir ez-Zor History: An Overview



The city of Deir ez-Zor, located in the eastern region of Syria, has a long and varied history, stretching back to the days of ancient Mesopotamia. The city has been occupied by various empires throughout its existence, including the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Persians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Arabs, the Seljuks, the Mamluks, the Ottomans, and the French.

Deir ez-Zor was first established as a settlement during the Bronze Age, and it was part of the Assyrian Empire from the 9th century BC until its fall in 605 BC. During this period, the city was known as Dur-Sharrukin and was the capital of the Assyrian Empire. After the fall of the Assyrian Empire, the city was conquered by the Babylonians, the Persians, and the Greeks.

The city was then part of the Roman Empire from 64 BC until its fall in the 7th century AD. During this period, the city was known as Dura Europos and was an important trading center for the Romans. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city was conquered by the Byzantines, the Arabs, and the Seljuks.

In the 12th century, the city was conquered by the Mamluks and then by the Ottomans in 1517. The city was then part of the French Mandate of Syria from 1920 until its independence in 1946.

Throughout its long history, the city of Deir ez-Zor has been a center of commerce, religion, and education. It is home to a number of important religious sites, including the Shrine of the Prophet Abraham, the Shrine of the Prophet Ishmael, and the Tomb of the Prophet Jonah. The city is also home to a number of universities, including the University of Deir ez-Zor and the University of Damascus.

Today, Deir ez-Zor is an important city in the region and is home to a large population of both Christians and Muslims. The city is a major agricultural center and is home to a number of industries, including oil and gas production. The city is also an important transportation hub, with a number of airports and highways connecting it to other parts of Syria and the Middle East.