Homs Governorate (Arabic: مُحافظة حمص / ALA-LC: Muḥāfaẓat Ḥimṣ) is one of the fourteen governorates (provinces) of Syria. It is situated in central Syria. Its geography differs in various locations in the governorate, from 40,940 km2 (15,807 sq mi)[2] to 42,223 km2 (16,302 sq mi).[3] It is geographically the largest governorate in Syria. Homs Governorate has a population of 1,763,000 as of 2010. The Homs governorate is divided into six administrative districts (mantiqah), with the city of Homs as a separate district. Homs is the capital city of the district of Homs. Its governor is Namir Habib Makhlouf.[4]

Homs Governorate
مُحافظة حمص
Map of Syria with Homs highlighted
Map of Syria with Homs highlighted
Coordinates (Homs): 34°18′N 38°18′E / 34.3°N 38.3°E / 34.3; 38.3
CountrySyria Syria
CapitalHoms
Manatiq (Districts)7
Government
 • GovernorNamir Habib Makhlouf[1]
Area
 • Total42,223 km2 (16,302 sq mi)
 Estimates range between 42,223 km² and 42,226 km²
Population
 (2011)
 • Total1,803,000
 • Density43/km2 (110/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)
ISO 3166 codeSY-HO
Main language(s)Arabic

A Homs Governorate also formed part of Ottoman Syria, when it was also known as the Sanjak of Homs.

In April 2023, Israel launched an air raid in the Governorate as one of several air attacks targeted against Iran's Revolutionary Guard troops.[5][6]

Districts edit

 
Al-Hawash, Homs in the Talkalakh District

The governorate is divided into seven districts, known as manatiqs. The districts are further divided into 25 sub-districts, known as nawahis:

* - a newly-created district since 2010, formerly belonging to Homs District

Demographics edit

The Al-Mukharram District is predominantly inhabited by Alawites. The Taldou, Talkalakh, Homs and Al-Qusayr districts have a mixed Alawite, Sunni Muslim and Christian population. The Al-Qusayr District is also home to a large number of Shia Muslims.

Notable people edit

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "President al-Assad issues decrees on appointing new governors for eight Syrian provinces". Syrian Arab News Agency. 20 July 2022. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  2. ^ "Syria Provinces".
  3. ^ "Syria: Governorates, Major Cities & Localities - Population Statistics in Maps and Charts".
  4. ^ Zwaan, Irene de (7 April 2014). "Pater Frans van der Lugt doodgeschoten in Homs - Burgeroorlog in Syrië - VK". de Volkskrant (in Dutch). Retrieved 7 April 2014.
  5. ^ "Israel attacks Syria's Homs, wounds five soldiers: Ministry | Politics News". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2023-04-03.
  6. ^ "Second IRGC officer dies after Friday attack on Syria by Israel | News". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2023-04-03.

External links edit

  • ehoms The First Complete website for Homs news and services