Jazira region; significance of borders

Jazira region, which is in Rojava, has always been one of the most significant regions regarding the issues of security and trade in northern Syria. This region is a significant part of the historical geography of Kurds and is famous for its fertile lands, water resources, oil, and natural gas, and thus is a vital part of the Syrian economy.

Being situated at a strategically significant location between Syria, Iraq, and Turkey, Jazira region's significance does not only lie in agriculture and oil production, but also lies in its position as the regional transit corridor thanks to its logistical network

Jazira area has traditionally been referred to as "Syria's breadbasket" or more specifically as the "wheat basket of Syria," owing to the large expanses of land in agriculture along the rivers of Tigris and Euphrates. Traditionally, this area has produced between 60% to 70% of the country's total wheat production, amounting to about one million tons of wheat each year. The oil output of the Rmeilan oil fields is estimated to be about 120,000 barrels a day.

Strategic location of the region: The Jazira region lies to the north with Turkey, to the east with Iraq, and to the southwest with the rest of Syria. The M4 international road which connects the coast of the Mediterranean to the borders of Iraq represents one of the strategic roads of transportation in the region.

The M4 international road has many advantages, especially:

- It is a strategic logistics center, which allows the trading between Iraq and Syria.

- It is a transport road towards Europe through Turkey.

- Oil and energy resources transport corridor.

- Agricultural products marketing.

The Jazira's border crossings: Border crossings represent one of the most important elements that make Jazira region commercial.

Crossing at Tel Kocher (Rabia):

The crossing of Tel Kocher in proximity to the Iraqi town of Rabia is one of the most significant trading routes linking Syria and Iraq. As a result of its re-opening in April 2026, this route is currently playing an extremely important role in the revival of trade in oil, fuel, agricultural goods, and general commodities.

Crossing at Semalka:

Situated in the city of Derik, the Semalka crossing is one of the most significant links between North and East Syria and Southern Kurdistan. Its importance is not just in relation to trade, but this is also an important link through which humanitarian assistance is provided to people.

Qamishlo (Nusaybin) Border Crossing:

Qamishlo, adjacent to Turkey, is the administrative and economic capital of the Jazira region. As a result of the presence of an airport and industrial and commercial activities, it has become one of the main points of trading in the region.

Darbasiyah Border Crossing:

Darbasiyah, located close to the Turkish border, is considered one of the main historic centers of border trading because of its considerable role in agricultural activity.

Serê Kaniyê/ Ras al-Ain border crossing:

Serê Kaniyê/ Ras al-Ain is situated on the M4 Highway and has significant strategic value as part of the transport and trading network in Syria and Turkey.

An agricultural and oil center:

Jazira region is one of the most fertile regions of Syria, as it is one of the key areas in the cultivation of wheat, barley, cotton, and lentils.

The Jazira region has the greatest amount of oil and natural gas reserves in Syria, especially Rmeilan, Shadadi, Derik, and the areas nearby. This is the largest source of energy production in the country, and the M4 international highway provides the route for delivering them to various markets.

Reopening of Tel Kocher and its Economic Consequences

The reopening of the Tel Kocher crossing point, which was closed for almost 13 years, is the start of a new era for Jazira.

Following the reopening of the crossing:

- An accelerated process of transportation of fuel from Iraq to Syria.

- Beginning of oil and diesel transportation.

- Trading of agricultural and industrial goods.

- Revival of passenger transportation from one country to another.

- The addition of logistics and storage service to the list.

As the economic activities in the region grow and expand, the hopes are high for increased trade between Iraq and North and East Syria.

New transit hub for the region

The significance of the Jazira region is not only determined by the economic aspects of its development but rather due to its strategic location in the context of the new trade routes connecting Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Europe.

The transportation of energy resources of Iraq through Syrian territory and to the Mediterranean Sea will increase the likelihood of making the island an important energy corridor. Moreover, the presence of business activities on the M4 route and on the border will provide opportunities for the transformation of the North and East Syria into one of the new logistics centers in the Middle East.

As a result of the revival of the trade lines that had been interrupted during the years of war, a new economic period will commence for the area. More so, owing to the revival of the Tal Koçer checkpoint and the benefits offered by the M4 international road along with other checkpoints, the island may become one of the most strategic places for trading and transport on the Iraqi-Syrian-Turkish axis.

Tomorrow: Importance of the M4 international road (Part Three)