Syria
Syria, officially known as the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq, Jordan, and Israel. Here's an overview:
Geography
Syria has a diverse landscape that includes fertile plains, high mountains, and deserts. The country is divided into several geographical regions:
History
- Ancient History: Syria was home to several ancient civilizations including the Ebla, Mari, and Ugarit. It was later part of the Hittite Empire, Assyrian Empire, and Babylonian Empire.
- Hellenistic and Roman Periods: Following the conquests of Alexander the Great, Syria was ruled by the Seleucid Empire and then became a province of the Roman Empire.
- Islamic Caliphates: After the rise of Islam, Syria was part of the Rashidun Caliphate, Umayyad Caliphate, and Abbasid Caliphate.
- Ottoman Rule: From the 16th to the early 20th century, Syria was under the control of the Ottoman Empire.
- Modern Era: Post-World War I, Syria was placed under French mandate until it gained independence in 1946. The country has since experienced numerous political upheavals, including a series of coups and the ongoing Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011.
Economy
Syria's economy was traditionally based on agriculture, petroleum, and phosphates. However, due to the civil war:
- The economy has suffered greatly, with significant infrastructure damage and disruption to trade.
- Agricultural production has been severely affected by conflict, displacement, and economic sanctions.
- The oil and gas sector, once a significant revenue source, has been compromised due to the conflict.
Politics and Governance
Syria's political system is dominated by the Ba'ath Party, with Bashar al-Assad as the current president since 2000, following his father, Hafez al-Assad. The government faces internal and external challenges due to the ongoing conflict.
Conflict
The Syrian Civil War started in 2011 with protests against the Assad regime, escalating into a full-scale war involving numerous factions:
Culture
Syria is known for its rich cultural heritage, with:
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Ancient City of Damascus and the Ruins of Palmyra.
- A diverse population including Arabs, Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, and others, contributing to a rich tapestry of languages, religions, and traditions.
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