Deir Ezzor

320 km south-east of Aleppo, Deir Ezzor is the most important urban centre in the east of Syria. Its river is the Euphrates, lifeline of the region and fount of civilization throughout the ages. With the formation of Lake al-Assad, it is now possible to regulate its once capricious flow and to make plans for new harvests.

85 km south of Deir Ezzor, on the western bank of the Euphrates, is the archaeological site of the birthplace of Seleucus, near the Arab village of Salihiyeh. This was the historic town built by Seleucus Nicator, Alexander’s lieutenant, the fortified town of Doura Europos. This town was closely linked with Palmyra, serving as an important forward-line of Defence against the Persians.

•        Halabiya – Zalabiya

North-east of Deir Ezzor, there is a vast enclosing wall with 3 fortified gateways which enfolds within its towers a town that dates from Byzantine days. Both Halabiya and Zalabiya were forward-defense lines against Persian invasions. At Mayadin is the Rahbi Citadel, which was built by Assad al-Din Shirgoh, the uncle of Salah al-Din al-Ayoubi.