travelling the unknown.

Previously known to be the capital of ISIS, Syria’s Raqqa province has got a lot to offer to tourists. Jaabar Castle is perhaps my favourite touristic site in the province, located just over a hour’s drive from the city. If you’re interested in a tour to Raqqa or North East Syria, or Syria group tours in other provinces, make sure you contact us. We were fortunate to visit Jaabar Castle for the first time in April 2025 on a day-trip from Raqqa city.

History of Jaabar Castle

Prior to the 11th Century AD, the castle was known as Dawsar castle. Although the exact age is unknown, locals there believe that it dates back to the 7th Century. However, it was named Jaabar Castle after Ja’bar ibn Sabiq, who possessed the castle and was also killed there in the 11th Century. However, most of the construction of Jaabar castle took place at the hands of Nur al-Din in the 12th Century AD, making up most of what we see today.

One interesting part of the castle’s history is that it was home to the tomb of Suleyman Shah, grandfather of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman empire. Until 1973, due to a special treaty with Turkey, the area of the tomb was actually considered as Turkish territory, with Turkish soldiers guarding the tomb. However, due to rising water levels, the tomb was moved, and it became fully sovereign Syrian territory.

The Lake

In the 1970, the Syrian government of Hafez Al Assad built the Tabqa dam, creating Syria’s largest lake. Water levels surrounded Jaabar castle, and it has since become an island in the lake, connected to the rest of Raqqa province by a short strip of land. This lake was known as Assad Lake, although I expect that a new name will be given to it soon!

Before the dam was built, Jaabar Castle looked like this:

How to visit?

To visit North Eastern Syria, and all areas under SDF control, you will require special permission. The easiest way to do this is if you book a tour, but if you know local people, it’s also possible for them to sponsor you by visiting the residency directorate in Raqqa or Qamishli city. Once you’re in Raqqa, you can take a private taxi to Jaabar Castle for around 40 USD return. Or, you can take public transport to Tabqa city, and take a taxi from there (cheaper).