Raqqa: from darkness to city embracing all Syrians

From the Sahlat al-Banat camp to the city neighborhoods, the testimonies of displaced people intersect with the words of administrators to tell the story of a city that transformed from what was known as the "capital of the Caliphate" into a warm embrace for all Syrians.

Since its liberation by the Syrian Democratic Forces on October 20, 2017, the Raqqa region has received thousands of displaced families from cities and towns in Syrian provinces such as Deir ez-Zor, Homs, and Hama. Additionally, it welcomed thousands of displaced people from the Afrin and Shahba regions in late December 2024.

The number of displaced people living in 39 informal camps spread across the rural areas of Raqqa stands at 9,413 individuals. Meanwhile, displaced families from Afrin and Shahba total 1,120 families distributed across 37 shelter centers within the region.

Voices of Gratitude and Dignity from the Camps

Mohammed Al-Masroua, displaced from Deir ez-Zor and living in Sahlat al-Banat camp in northeastern Raqqa countryside, expressed his gratitude to the people of Raqqa, saying: "We have been here for eight years; we have only seen kindness from them. They helped us from the very first moment, provided us with what we needed, and even when we go to the market, someone is always ready to lend a helping hand."

Mohammed added: "They allowed us to build rooms from mud bricks to protect us from the cold of winter and the heat of summer. We live among them safely and steadily. Although we live in tents, we are among our people and brothers."

Sabha Al-Ali, from the village of Aqirbat in eastern Hama countryside and displaced in Sahlat al-Banat camp, arrived in Raqqa in 2019. She spoke about a difficult beginning that turned into a stable life, saying: "We faced hardships at first, but the people of Raqqa did not hesitate to help us. They gave us water and food, and even land to set up our tents. Today, we live safely and work in agriculture and trade because Raqqa is the only city where we found real stability."

Arifa Habash, displaced from Afrin, linked the anniversary to national transformation, saying: "We congratulate the people of Raqqa on the anniversary of their liberation from ISIS terrorism. This city, which was the capital of the mercenaries, was liberated by the blood of our children from all regions. There is no difference between a son of Afrin and a son of Raqqa. We are not displaced; we are among our people."

Arifa emphasized that the people of Raqqa opened their homes to them and provided everything they needed, adding: "We live with them as brothers on the land of Syria, the land of everyone."

Raqqa: A Miniature Model of Syria

Kadim Aidan, Co-Chair of the Peoples’ Council in the Raqqa region, began by saying: "When we say Raqqa, we remember the city of al-Rashid, the jewel of the Euphrates, the city of wheat and barley. But it transformed in 2014 into the capital of the Caliphate, in an attempt to fragment Syrian components."

Aidan explained: "During ISIS control of Raqqa, the Kurdish component was forced to leave the city in a clear racist policy. But thanks to sacrifices, Raqqa returned to its people and regained its unifying culture for all components."

He pointed out that Raqqa has become a refuge for all Syrians: "It welcomed people from the south, the coast, and the interior, providing them with all the necessities of life thanks to the autonomous administration. No one felt like a stranger; they felt as if they had been residents for hundreds of years."

Kadim Aidan noted that they faced a special war aimed at dismantling the city’s social fabric: "We faced malicious media campaigns that talked about different levels of displaced people, but we invited the media to see the reality. Raqqa is the mosaic of Syria, a miniature model of the unity of the people."

He stressed that returning to original areas is not always the best option: "Some of the camp residents returned to their homes for a few days, then came back to Raqqa because they found a significant difference in education, economy, and security. We believe that all Syrians are like the teeth of a comb, and this is thanks to the Democratic Nation ideology from which we draw strength and determination."

On the eighth anniversary, Raqqa does not only celebrate liberation but also its humanity, its ability to embrace everyone, and its role as a model for the Syria that its children dream of.

ANHA