Rojava

de facto autonomous region in Syria

Rojava is a semi-autonomous region of Syria, inhabited mostly by Kurds, and also known as Syrian Kurdistan, and officially since Sep 2018, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.

The term "Kurdistan" also refers to a whole region in the Middle East. For more information on the region, please see Kurdistan.

Cantons

 Afrin Canton
The westernmost canton in Rojava. The largest city is Manbij.
 Jazira Canton
Home to the capital of Rojava, Al-Qamishli.
 Euphrates Canton
Largest city is Kobane, famous for a siege by ISIS in 2014–2015.

Cities

Afrin Canton

Jazira Canton

  • 🌍 Al-Qamishli — the de facto capital.
  • 🌍 Deir-ez-zor — Capital of Deir Ezzor Governorate (split control between Assad regime and SDF)
  • Mayadin — ISIS's former headquarters in Eastern Syria.
  • Al-Hasakah- a Kurdish town just south of Al-Qamishli.

Euphrates Canton

Get in

The Turkish border is closed. Al-Qamishli has an airport that had infrequent flights from Damascus, the capital of Syria. There are also two border crossings open from Iraqi Kurdistan and Iraq proper.

Stay safe

Despite the immense progress that the SDF and the Kurds in general have made in stabilizing this area, it is still highly dangerous. While ISIL isn't that much of a problem anymore, the area could be invaded by Turkey, which opposes a Kurdish autonomy being created in the area. There is also the unlikely chance of an invasion by the Syrian Arab Army if and when their shared enemy of the Turkish-backed FSA is destroyed.

Go next

The border with Turkey and the rebel areas is closed, and Syria proper is still highly unstable. Your best bet is to fly back to Damascus from the airport or head back to Iraqi Kurdistan through their shared border crossing.

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