City of al-Tabqa from ruins to renewal

Hamoud Al-Rahil, the Co-Chair of the Al-Tabqa City Council and one of the early organizers of the Autonomous Administration following the liberation of Raqqa, stated:

“Since the commune is the foundational unit of community organization, we began forming communes immediately after Al-Tabqa's liberation. Citizens from all backgrounds took part in organizing them. Later, institutions of the autonomous administration were established through the efforts of Al-Tabqa’s people, strengthening brotherhood and unity among the region's communities. Today, after eight years, the people of Al-Tabqa manage their own affairs, drafting their laws and systems through their representatives and councils.”

 Al-Tabqa district includes three civil councils in the cities of Al-Tabqa, Al-Mansoura, and Al-Jarniyah. It comprises 206 communes distributed as follows: 60 in Al-Tabqa, 68 in Al-Mansoura, and 60 in Al-Jarniyah.

 Riyad Wali, the Co-Chair of the Interior Authority in Al-Tabqa, emphasized that security and stability have been among the top priorities of the Autonomous Administration since the liberation. Internal security forces and their civil institutions—including transportation and civil documentation—were activated.

He added: “From the beginning, Al-Tabqa’s citizens were eager to contribute to maintaining internal security. All societal components played a clear role in enhancing stability. Cooperation between residents and internal security forces helped cement public safety, as citizens provided reports and assistance, reinforcing the protection of lives and property.”

 From Destruction to Reconstruction

 Emerging from the devastation left by ISIS, Al-Tabqa faced significant challenges, particularly for its municipalities. Nevertheless, it managed to overcome these challenges and bring about fundamental improvements in public services over the past years.

Ali Al-Mahmoud, the Co-Chair of the Al-Tabqa Municipal Federation, explained: “Upon liberation, the public service situation was dire. Since then, we began working to restore and improve basic services, focusing primarily on drinking water and sewage systems. With an average annual budget of $5.1 million, service quality has improved by 70%.”

 Rebuilding the Backbone of Daily Life

 The economy—considered the backbone of daily life—was devastated during ISIS control. Rebuilding it on solid foundations was essential, especially since agriculture and industry are the main sources of income for the region’s population.

Mohammad Al-Matar, the Co-Chair of the Economy and Agriculture Authority in Al-Tabqa, indicated that the Autonomous Administration worked on “launching targeted developmental projects to establish an integrated community economy that meets residents’ needs. We supported agriculture and developed a robust infrastructure for it while also fostering a favorable environment for industrialists. This, in turn, encouraged local industries and facilitated trade, which has become an important component of the regional economy.”

 Reviving Heritage After Years of Suppression

 During its control, ISIS directly targeted the community’s culture, attempting to destroy it through bans on arts, libraries, and other cultural resources.

In response, the Culture Authority focused its efforts on reviving the cultural heritage of Al-Tabqa’s diverse communities, which had been suppressed during ISIS rule.

 Cultural Revival After Erasure

 Ali Al-Aliya, the Co-Chair of the Culture Authority within the Autonomous Administration of Al-Tabqa, stated:

“The presence of ISIS in Al-Tabqa obliterated most cultural expressions and destroyed cultural life. However, we have made great strides and managed to develop a vibrant cultural model that embraces all social components. Through the restoration of archaeological sites and the organization of exhibitions and festivals, Al-Tabqa has become a cultural destination for intellectuals and artists from across Syria.”

 From Marginalization to Leadership: The Role of Women

 Women have played a pivotal role in shaping Al-Tabqa’s future after its liberation. They have been actively involved in the institutions of the Autonomous Administration and women’s organizations, becoming integral to the process of transformation.

 Mazkin Abdulaziz, the Co-Chair of the Al-Tabqa Civil Council, affirmed:

“Before the liberation, women had no role and were entirely oppressed. But following the liberation, women joined the institutions of the Autonomous Administration and feminist organizations, beginning their lives as free women. Over the past eight years, women in Al-Tabqa have come to represent the free Syrian woman and now lead the women’s struggle across the country.”

 Building the Future Despite Challenges

 The Education Authority of the Autonomous Administration has made tremendous efforts to compensate for the educational gaps caused by years of school closures due to war. Today, the number of schools in Al-Tabqa has reached 215, serving 58,000 students taught by 1,618 teachers.

 Additionally, 26 new classrooms have been established and several schools—including Nourjeban, Mohammad Faris, Tal Othman, and Al-Safsaf Intermediate School—have been renovated to ensure the continuity of education and to provide a conducive learning environment for students.

 a.k

ANHA