A'zaz

Overview

A'zaz stands on the plain 32 km north of Aleppo, a border market town on the road to Turkey whose great tell and medieval fortress made it a repeatedly contested prize between Crusaders, Zengids and Ayyubids.

History

The Battle of Azaz in 1125 saw Baldwin II of Jerusalem defeat a far larger Artuqid-Seljuk force; Saladin besieged and took the town in 1176 and survived an Assassin attempt on his life beneath its walls. The tell at the town's edge holds occupation layers back to the Bronze Age.

Highlights

• 01Tell A'zaz
• 02Medieval fortress remains
• 03Border trade market
• 04Northern Aleppo plain

Major Attractions

• 01

  Tell A'zaz

  The town's ancient mound, with Bronze Age through medieval occupation and views over the plain where the 1125 battle was fought.

• 02

  Fortress remains

  Fragments of the medieval citadel fought over by Crusader and Ayyubid armies survive on and around the tell.

• 03

  Border market

  A busy commercial town on the Bab al-Salameh crossing route, with a lively produce and goods market.

Traveller Tips

• ›This is an active border district — confirm the current security and crossing situation before travel.
• ›Photography near the crossing and checkpoints is not permitted.
• ›Combine with Afrin and Cyrrhus only if regional access allows.

What to Eat

• Aleppine kebab

  Cherry and pepper kebab traditions from Aleppo carry into the northern plain towns.

• Pistachios

  The Aleppo plain is Syria's pistachio heartland; roadside stalls sell the autumn crop.

Other local flavours: Aleppine grills · Pistachios · Olive oil · Muhammara

Where to Stay

• Aleppo

  Base city

  An hour south, with the region's established hotels.

• Town hotels

  Basic

  Simple accommodation exists for traders and travellers using the crossing.