It
is the pearl of the Euphrates basin. It is mentioned
in the Syrian and Byzantine scriptures as an important
trade center on the silk road, under the reign of the
Byzantine Emperor Leon (457 – 474). So it was known as
Leontopolis.
Deir
Ezzor is the most important urban center in the east of
Syria. With the construction of al-Assad dam, it has
become possible to regulate the Euphrates flow and to make
plans for new harvests. The river divides the city into
two parts, with an island in the middle of the river.
Its
old name is Tortosa. It is the second most important
Syrian seaport on the Mediterranean. The phoenicians used
it. Much later it became one of the main supply ports for
the Crusaders and a military base of considerable
importance. It was held by the Templars, but conquered by
Saladin in 1188. Tartous reminds of Medieval times.
Sweida
is considered as the capital of the modern province of
Horan. At the beginning of the 20th century, most of the
stones of its ruins were used for building new barracks by
the Ottoman army. The site is impressive because of its
volcanic black basalt stones, and witnessed a succession
of civilizations which left behind their ruins.
