Idlib Governorate Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Idlib Governorate مُحافظة ادلب
Governorate
Map of Syria with Idlib highlighted
Country	Syria
Capital	Idlib
Manatiq (Districts)	5
Area
• Total	6,097 km² (2,354 sq mi)
	Estimates range between 5,933 km² and 6,097 km²
Population (2011)
• Total	1,501,000
• Density	246.19/km² (637.62/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+2 (EET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+3 (EEST)
ISO 3166 code	SY-ID
Main language(s)	Arabic

The Idlib Governorate (Arabic: مُحافظة ادلب Muḥāfaẓat Idlib) is one of the fourteen governorates in the country of Syria. Think of a governorate like a large region or state within a country. Its main city and capital is Idlib.

Where is Idlib Governorate?
- Size and Population
What is a Governorate?
History of Idlib
- Ancient Civilizations
- Later Periods
Important Cities and Sites
- Ma'arrat al-Numan
- Other Historic Places
Images for kids
See also

Where is Idlib Governorate?

Idlib Governorate is located in the northwestern part of Syria. It shares a border with Turkey to the north. This makes it an important area for trade and travel between the two countries.

Size and Population

The Idlib Governorate covers an area of about 6,097 square kilometers. That's roughly the size of a small country like Brunei. In 2011, about 1.5 million people lived there. This number can change over time.

What is a Governorate?

A governorate is a type of administrative division. It is similar to a province or a state in other countries. Each governorate has its own capital city. It also has a governor who is in charge of the region. The governor helps manage local services and projects.

History of Idlib

The area around Idlib has a very long and interesting history. People have lived here for thousands of years.

Ancient Civilizations

One of the most famous historical sites is Ebla. Ebla was an ancient city that existed over 4,000 years ago. It was a powerful kingdom with its own writing system. Archaeologists have found many important artifacts there. These discoveries help us learn about ancient life.

Later Periods

Over the centuries, many different empires ruled this land. These included the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and various Islamic caliphates. Each group left its mark on the region. You can still see ancient ruins and old buildings today. For example, there are Byzantine temples and old mosques.

Important Cities and Sites

The capital city, Idlib, is a central hub for the governorate. It has markets, schools, and other important buildings.

Ma'arrat al-Numan

Another important city is Ma'arrat al-Numan. It is known for its historic Great Mosque of Maarrat al-Numan. This mosque is a beautiful example of old Islamic architecture. The city also has a museum with ancient mosaics.

Other Historic Places

Many smaller towns and villages in Idlib Governorate have historical significance. Salqin is a town with an old minaret, which is a tall tower on a mosque. There are also ancient ruins like those found in Serjilla. These sites show how people lived long ago.