Kobani

Kobani (also known as Ayn al-Arab) is a city in the Ḩalab (Aleppo) Governorate of northern Syria, located on the Turkish border about 120 km northeast of Aleppo. It became world-famous during the siege of Kobani (2014–2015), when Kurdish fighters (YPG/YPJ) with US air support defeated the Islamic State in a pivotal battle that is widely considered a turning point in the Syrian conflict. The city was reduced to rubble during the siege but has been extensively rebuilt. Its population is predominantly Kurdish. Kobani is a symbol of Kurdish resistance and self-governance.

The climate is semi-arid: hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit.

By Plane

The nearest airports are Aleppo (ALP, 120 km southwest) and Gaziantep (GZT, 80 km north, in Turkey — requires border crossing).

By Car / Road

Kobani is on the M20 highway from Aleppo to Raqqa. From Aleppo it is about 120 km (1 hr 45 min). Shared microbuses from Aleppo serve Kobani (fare about SYP 6,000–10,000).

The city is spread out but walkable in the central area. The rebuilt city centre is modern and well-planned.

• Kobani Reconstruction: The rebuilt city is a remarkable sight — new apartment blocks, wide streets, and modern infrastructure rising from the rubble.

• Kobani Memorial/Square: Monuments and commemorative spaces dedicated to the battle and the martyrs of the resistance.

• Turkish border: The border runs along the northern edge of the city.

• Kobani Museum: A small museum documenting the battle and the Kurdish cultural heritage.

• Visit the memorial sites: Pay respects at the monuments dedicated to the fighters who died in the siege.

• City tour: See the transformation from war-torn city to modern urban centre.

• Cultural exploration: Kobani is a centre of Kurdish cultural identity.

• Day trip to the Euphrates: The river valley is about 30 km south.

• Kobani Restaurant: Kurdish-style grilled meats and kebabs. A meal costs SYP 4,000–8,000.
• Local cafés: Modern cafés have opened in the rebuilt city centre, serving coffee and pastries.

Kurdish tea and Turkish coffee are popular. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Basic hotels have opened in the rebuilt city. Rooms from SYP 12,000–20,000.
• Mid-range: Several new hotels built during reconstruction offer comfortable rooms from SYP 25,000–40,000.
• Upscale: The nearest upscale hotels are in Gaziantep, Turkey (80 km north).

The Kobani market sells Kurdish textiles, local produce, and Turkish imported goods. Rebuilding has brought new shops and businesses to the city centre.

• Kobani Reconstruction (city itself) — The rebuilt urban landscape is the main attraction.
• Jarabulus (40 km west, 45 min) — A Euphrates border town with the Carchemish site.
• Aleppo (120 km southwest, 1 hr 45 min) — Syria's largest city with the Citadel.
• Tell Abyad (70 km east, 1 hr) — A border town on the Raqqa road.
• Gaziantep, Turkey (80 km north, 1 hr 30 min, border crossing required) — A major Turkish city with world-class museums.