Things to Do in Deir ez-Zur
Deir ez-Zur
Deir ez-Zur (transliterated in at least ten different ways) is a great spot to base yourself to get a feel for the east. Numerous cheap eating places are available, good and inexpensive coffee and sheesha (nargileh) abound, and the people are friendly.
Things to Do
Dura Europa
elyobo — Wed, 29/04/2009 - 5:40am
Location:Deir ez-ZurPrice:150/10 SYP full/studentDura Europus (arabic Tell Salhiyeh) occupies a commanding position on the cliffs above the Euphrates, just north west of the modern village of Salhiyeh. The main city wall and gate remain in good condition, while much of the former city has been thoroughly excavated.
Halabiyya
elyobo — Wed, 29/04/2009 - 5:46am
Location:Deir ez-ZurPrice:FreeNot much remains here aside from the walls, but Halabiyya is still worth a trip out, especially if you come on a Friday when it's a popular picnic spot for locals.
There doesn't appear to be any ticket for the site, at least, not the day we came.
Mari (Tell Hariri)
elyobo — Wed, 29/04/2009 - 5:47am
Location:Deir ez-ZurPrice:150/10 SYP full/studentOne of the oldest publicly accessible sites in Syria, Mari dates back over 5000 years. Given that they built in mud back then, it's not surprising that there's not all that much to see here nowadays.
Qala'at Rahbeh
elyobo — Wed, 29/04/2009 - 5:52am
Location:Deir ez-ZurPrice:FreeQala'at Rahbeh is currently under excavation, but is still worth a quick look around if you're passing through. The excavation team leader let us into the locked sections and showed us around, as well as supplying us with lots of sweet, sweet tea.
Unknown Marqab
elyobo — Wed, 29/04/2009 - 5:50am
Location:Deir ez-ZurPrice:FreeA brief wander south of Qala'at Rahbeh will take you to this small building and graveyard on top of a hill. Probably murderous on a hot day though! Not much to see here, but it's probably only a 20 minute walk if you're coming to Rahbeh anyway, and the road back into town leads directly from the hill this is on, so it's a good spot to drop in on if you're hitching back to Mayadin.