Idlib Governorate

Idlib Governorate is an administrative region in northwestern Syria, situated between Turkey, Aleppo, Hama and Latakia, with mountains rising in the west and desert terrain spreading eastward. This territory covers more than 6000 square kilometers (over 2300 square miles) and forms a self-contained administrative unit managed separately since 1957.

The region separated from Aleppo Governorate in 1957 under President Shukri al-Quwatli, receiving its own administrative status. This decision marked an important reorganization of Syrian territorial structure and gave the area its own independent administrative identity.

Since June 2020, the Turkish lira has become the everyday currency used in local shops, markets and street vendors across the entire area. This shift shapes daily transactions and appears on price tags, cash registers and in the wallets of residents throughout the territory.

The border crossings with Turkey to the north provide the main connections to the region, while roads within the territory run mostly through mountainous terrain in the west. Visitors should be aware that infrastructure varies greatly depending on the specific area.

The Bab Al-Hawa crossing served as the sole United Nations authorized entry point for humanitarian aid from Turkey into Syria between 2014 and July 2023. Dozens of trucks carrying medical supplies, food and other essential materials passed through this crossing daily, destined for millions of people.