Halabiya and Zalabiya

North-east of Deir al-Zor, there is a vast enclosing wall with three fortified gateways which enfolds within its towers a town that dates from Byzantine days. Both halabiya and Zalabiya were forward-defence lines against Persian invasions. At Mayadin is the Rahbi Citadel, which was built by Assad al-Din Shirgoh, the uncle of Salah al-Din al-Ayoubi.