• Men pose for a 'selfie' at Jaabar Citadel (Qalaat Jaabar) in Syria's Lake Assad reservoir in Raqa province. All photos by AFP
    Men pose for a 'selfie' at Jaabar Citadel (Qalaat Jaabar) in Syria's Lake Assad reservoir in Raqa province. All photos by AFP
  • Tourist boats cruise off the coast.
    Tourist boats cruise off the coast.
  • People visit the ruins of the Jaabar Citadel (Qalaat Jaabar) in Syria's Lake Assad reservoir in Raqa province on June 3, 2022. - The ancient lake-side fortress, once used by jihadists to launch attacks, is slowly regaining its status as a top cultural destination, attracting visitors from across war-torn Syria. Families posed for pictures under the hot June sun, some perched on an ancient brick wall overlooking the banks of Lake Assad, a man-made reservoir in north Syria's Raqa province. (Photo by Delil SOULEIMAN / AFP)
    People visit the ruins of the Jaabar Citadel (Qalaat Jaabar) in Syria's Lake Assad reservoir in Raqa province on June 3, 2022. - The ancient lake-side fortress, once used by jihadists to launch attacks, is slowly regaining its status as a top cultural destination, attracting visitors from across war-torn Syria. Families posed for pictures under the hot June sun, some perched on an ancient brick wall overlooking the banks of Lake Assad, a man-made reservoir in north Syria's Raqa province. (Photo by Delil SOULEIMAN / AFP)
  • Syria's Lake Assad is a tourist hot spot thanks to its breathtaking views.
    Syria's Lake Assad is a tourist hot spot thanks to its breathtaking views.
  • The ruins of Jaabar Citadel draw in the crowds.
    The ruins of Jaabar Citadel draw in the crowds.
  • Tourists flock to Syria's Raqa province.
    Tourists flock to Syria's Raqa province.
  • A man takes a photo in front of Lake Assad reservoir.
    A man takes a photo in front of Lake Assad reservoir.
  • People climb the ruins of Jaabar Citadel.
    People climb the ruins of Jaabar Citadel.
  • The citadel is surrounded by water.
    The citadel is surrounded by water.
  • Men share a meal at the ruins.
    Men share a meal at the ruins.
  • An aerial view of Jaabar Citadel.
    An aerial view of Jaabar Citadel.

MENA

Tourists return to Syrian heritage sites - in pictures

Historic locations once occupied by ISIS have now been reclaimed

The National

June 10, 2022

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Updated: June 10, 2022, 7:37 AM
SyriaISISPhotography