Raqqa is sometimes spelled as Rakka. It is a city on the banks of the Euphrates River, some 160 km (99 mi) east of Halab (Aleppo). The city used to known as Callinicum during Roman times and it was the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate from 796 and 809. In 640 the city fell to the Muslim conqueror Iyad ibn Ghanm and since then it has been known as ar-Raqqah, which means 'the swamp', after the marshy surroundings that existed at the time. During that time the city's first mosque was built. It survived until the early 20th century.

During the Syrian civil war, Raqqa was first captured by the Syrian rebels and later by Daesh (Islamic State, or ISIS), Who made it its capital in 2014. 3 years later the city was taken by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), another faction that was fighting the Sytian government. During the fighting, most structures in the city were destroyed, including the Shia Uwais al-Qarni mosque.

Raqqa used to have numerous palaces and monasteries, but most of them were destroyed when new housing complexes were built in the late 20th century. The ruins of the historic Baghdad Gate can still be seen.

Nowadays most of Raqqa is in ruins and there is not much to see for travellers. Rebuilding efforts are on its way, but it will take a long time to repair the damage.

Accommodation is hard to find and food is available from food stalls and small shops. About 40 km (25 mi) west of the city is Syria's largest dam, the Tabqa Dam. Raqqa is 370 km northeast from Dimashq (Damascus).

ar-Raqqah ©Roy Digital Design