Ar-Raqqah Governorate
|
Raqqa مُحافظة الرقة |
|
|---|---|
| Governorate | |
.svg) Map of Syria with Raqqa highlighted |
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| Coordinates (Raqqa): 36°00′N 38°54′E / 36°N 38.9°ECoordinates: 36°00′N 38°54′E / 36°N 38.9°E | |
| Country |
 Syria
|
| Capital | Raqqa |
| Manatiq (Districts) | 3 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 19,616 km2 (7,574 sq mi) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 944,000 |
| • Density | 48/km2 (120/sq mi) |
| Time zone | EET (UTC+2) |
| • Summer (DST) | EEST (UTC+3) |
| ISO 3166 code | SY-RA |
| Main language(s) | Arabic |
Raqqa Governorate (Arabic: مُحافظة الرقة ALA: Muḥāfaẓat ar-Raqqah) is one of the fourteen governorates (provinces) of Syria. It is situated in the north of the country and covers an area of 19,616 km². The governorate has a population of 921,000 (2010 census office estimate). The capital is Raqqa. The Islamic State of Iraq and Levant claimed full control of this province as of August 24, 2014 when its fighters captured Tabaqa Airbase in the southwest part of the province. However, the Kurdish People's Protection Units now control much of the northern section of the province.
The governorate is divided into 3 districts (manatiq):
These are further divided into sub-districts (nawahi).
As of 19 September 2012, the town of Tal Abyad, directly across the border from the Turkish town of Akçakale, was already under rebel control.
On 11 February 2013, Syrian rebels, including al-Nusra fighters, took control of the Tabqa dam, and Tabqa city, according to SOHR and videos posted by rebels. Tabqa Dam, on the Euphrates river, is the largest hydroelectric dam in Syria and provides electricity to many areas, including Aleppo. Tabqa is also known as Thawrah.
Raqqa, the capital city of the governorate, is currently under the control of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). As of September 2014, governance has been fully reestablished with previous personnel who pledge allegiance to the new regime. Only the police and soldiers are ISIL fighters, who receive confiscated lodging previously owned by non-Sunnis and others who fled. ISIL asserts that it is providing welfare services, that it has established price controls, and that it has imposed taxes on the wealthy. The Raqqa Dam continues to provide electricity and water. The exportation of oil brings in tens of millions of dollars.
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Wikipedia