From ancient olive groves to a modern geopolitical flashpoint, the story of Idlib
In short: Idlib has transformed from a quiet Ottoman-era agricultural hub into a central theater of the Syrian conflict. Once famous for its expansive olive groves and soap production, the city now sits at the intersection of international diplomacy, shifting control, and a complex humanitarian landscape in northwestern Syria.
Located 59 kilometers southwest of Aleppo, Idlib has a history spanning millennia. It was incorporated into the Armenian Empire under Tigranes the Great before falling to Roman rule around 64 BCE. By the 17th century, the town emerged as a significant center for olive oil and cotton, with its soap reaching markets as far as Istanbul. Travelers once described it as an oasis of olive trees in a bleak landscape, supporting a population that included a notable Christian minority.
The city's modern trajectory shifted dramatically during the Syrian uprising that began in 2011. After changing hands multiple times between government forces and various rebel factions, the city fell under the control of Tahrir al-Sham in 2017. This period of instability saw the city become the seat of the Syrian Salvation Government. In 2018, international efforts attempted to stabilize the region through a demilitarized buffer zone agreement brokered by the leaders of Russia and Turkey, aiming to separate opposing military forces.
Today, Idlib remains a vital agricultural hub, producing cherries, wheat, and olives. Its economic life has been as volatile as its politics; the city adopted the Turkish lira as legal tender in 2020 to combat the devaluation of the Syrian pound, a policy that was later reversed in 2025. Despite the ongoing conflict, the Idlib Regional Museum preserves over 17,000 Ebla tablets, serving as a reminder of the region's deep historical roots that persist beneath the layers of contemporary struggle.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Idlib
- Also: Wikidata — Idlib · CC0
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