Inside Raqqa: Living under IS rule

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Rosanna's Journey Back to Syria
3. Life in Raqqa Before the Islamic State
4. The Rise of the Islamic State
5. Women and the Niqab in Raqqa
6. Propaganda and Recruitment
7. Daily Life under the Islamic State
8. Religious Enthusiasm and Enforcement of Sharia Law
9. Executions and Brutality
10. Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement
11. Rosanna's Last Visit to the School

Rosanna's Journey Back to Syria

In this article, we will Delve into the extraordinary story of Rosanna, a young Syrian woman who embarks on a perilous journey back to her hometown of Raqqa. This town, once a bustling city on the banks of the Euphrates, has now become the de facto capital of the Islamic State. As Rosanna dons a full veil, known as the niqab, she sets off on a mission to capture the reality of life under the Islamic State through her camera lens. Despite the extreme dangers that await her, Rosanna believes that documenting the truth is the only way to fight for her country and bring awareness to the atrocities that are unfolding in Raqqa.

Introduction

The situation in Syria has become increasingly complex and devastating, with the rise of the Islamic State organization. In this article, we will follow the journey of Rosanna, a brave young woman who ventures back to her hometown of Raqqa, now under the control of the Islamic State. Through her eyes and camera lens, we will explore the daily challenges, brutality, and resilience of the people living under this extremist regime. Join us as we navigate through the intricacies of Rosanna's journey and shed light on the harsh realities faced by those living in Raqqa.

Rosanna's Journey Back to Syria

Rosanna, a native of Raqqa, had fled her hometown with her family in search of safety when the Islamic State took control. Determined to capture the truth about life under their rule, she embarks on a perilous journey back to Raqqa. Wearing a niqab to conceal her identity, Rosanna crosses checkpoints, armed with her camera Hidden within a small handbag. Her goal is to document the atrocities and everyday challenges faced by the people living in the once-vibrant town now shrouded in darkness.

Life in Raqqa Before the Islamic State

Before the Islamic State organization took root in Raqqa, it was a town where people enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. The town center buzzed with activity, and the streets were filled with a diverse population of Syrians from all walks of life. Rosanna reminisces about the open-door Sessions at schools, the lively marketplaces, and the vibrant cultural scene that once defined Raqqa. Little did she know that her hometown would soon succumb to the control of an extremist group, changing the lives of its inhabitants forever.

The Rise of the Islamic State

In June 2014, the Islamic State declared the establishment of a self-proclaimed Caliphate in vast parts of the Middle East, including Raqqa. The town became a stronghold for the jihadists, who paraded through the streets in captured U.S. armored vehicles and flaunted their heavy weaponry. The once-thriving town now bore the marks of black-painted Islamic slogans, as the Islamic State began to exert its control over every aspect of life in Raqqa.

Women and the Niqab in Raqqa

One of the most visible changes in Raqqa after the Islamic State's takeover was the strict enforcement of the niqab for women. Unlike other parts of Syria, where women had the freedom to choose whether or not to wear a full veil, in Raqqa, it became a requirement. As Rosanna navigates the town, she encounters women who wear the niqab out of fear or to comply with the strict regulations imposed by the Islamic State. Through her lens, she captures the perplexing sight of buildings adorned with Islamic slogans and the overwhelming presence of veiled women throughout the streets.

Propaganda and Recruitment

The Islamic State organization is notorious for its effective propaganda machine, which attracts fighters from around the world. Rosanna encounters foreign women who have left their countries, including France, to join the ranks of the jihadists. These women, often speaking French and disconnected from the Arabic language, have fallen under the influence of the Islamic State's Slick Western-style videos and messages. Rosanna documents their presence and tries to understand their motives for joining the brutal regime.

Daily Life under the Islamic State

Life under the Islamic State is far from ordinary. Rosanna observes how the jihadists have taken control of daily life in Raqqa. They roam the streets with their families, shop at marketplaces, and pay for goods in cash. The once-bustling town now operates under the strict regulations imposed by the Islamic State. Rosanna captures the sight of shops closing during prayer times and the newfound religious enthusiasm that has engulfed the town.

Religious Enthusiasm and Enforcement of Sharia Law

The Islamic State's strict interpretation of Sharia law becomes apparent during Rosanna's journey. Praying in the streets becomes a common sight, as mosques are filled to capacity. The Islamic State organization punishes those who do not attend prayers by shutting down their shops and even sending them to prison. Rosanna witnesses the implementation of severe punishments, such as public floggings for minor offenses and amputations for thieves. These brutal acts of enforcement reflect the uncompromising rule of the jihadists in Raqqa.

Executions and Brutality

Another harrowing aspect of life in Raqqa is the frequent executions carried out by the Islamic State organization. Rosanna documents the public display of bodies, left in a grotesque spectacle for days as a terrifying warning to others. The reasons behind these executions remain unclear to the people of Raqqa, adding to the Sense of fear and uncertainty that hangs over the town. The Islamic State even goes as far as executing their own fighters, promoting the idea that nobody is above the law in their regime.

Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement

Raqqa's population has swelled with the influx of displaced people escaping violence in other parts of Syria. The humanitarian crisis worsens as resources become scarce, and poverty takes hold. Rosanna encounters families reliant on soup kitchen volunteers for their daily sustenance. She visits children who long for the days when they could freely dance and express themselves, now hidden away due to the oppressive nature of the Islamic State. The struggles faced by the inhabitants of Raqqa only Deepen as the conflict rages on.

Rosanna's Last Visit to the School

One of the most poignant moments of Rosanna's journey is her last visit to a school where she used to tutor. The children, once filled with love for life and laughter, now hide their joy and expressions of freedom. Rosanna reflects on the profound impact that the Islamic State's presence has had on the younger generation. As she leaves Syria for what may be the last time, her heart carries the weight of the countless stories she has witnessed and captured on her camera.

Highlights

• Follow Rosanna as she embarks on a dangerous journey back to her hometown of Raqqa, now under the control of the Islamic State.
• Discover the daily challenges, brutality, and resilience of the people living under this extremist regime.
• Gain insights into the impact of strict Islamic regulations, such as the requirement for women to wear the niqab.
• Understand the role of propaganda in attracting foreign fighters to join the ranks of the Islamic State organization.
• Witness the implementation of harsh Sharia laws, including public floggings and amputations for minor offenses.
• Capture the devastating humanitarian crisis and displacement faced by the people of Raqqa.
• Experience the heart-wrenching plight of children who are stripped of their freedom and expression.
• Follow Rosanna's journey as she documents the last vestiges of life in Raqqa before leaving Syria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did Rosanna manage to return to her hometown of Raqqa?

A: Rosanna, determined to document the reality of life under the Islamic State, wore a niqab as a disguise and crossed checkpoints armed with her camera hidden inside a small handbag. She took great risks and relied on her bravery and resourcefulness to make her way back to Raqqa.

Q: What impact did the Islamic State's rule have on women in Raqqa?

A: The Islamic State enforced strict regulations requiring women to wear the niqab, which covers their entire face except for their eyes. Women in Raqqa were compelled to adhere to this dress code out of fear or to comply with the extremist regime's rules.

Q: How did the Islamic State organization attract fighters from other countries?

A: The Islamic State used a sophisticated propaganda machine to appeal to individuals worldwide. Their slick Western-style videos and messages, produced with high production value, were effective in recruiting foreign fighters. Many foreign women, disconnected from the Arabic language, were drawn to join the organization and contribute to its brutal regime.

Q: How did daily life change in Raqqa under the Islamic State?

A: Daily life in Raqqa became heavily regulated under the Islamic State's rule. The jihadists controlled every aspect of life, implementing strict enforcement of Sharia law, compelling residents to attend prayers, and imposing severe punishments for any perceived offenses. Sharia law became an integral part of the residents' lives, defining their routines and actions.

Q: How did Rosanna capture the reality of life under the Islamic State?

A: Rosanna used her camera to document the daily challenges, brutality, and resilience of the people living under the Islamic State. Armed with a hidden camera inside a small handbag, she ventured through the streets of Raqqa, capturing the perplexing scenes that unfolded before her lens.

Q: What impact did the Islamic State have on the children of Raqqa?

A: The presence of the Islamic State organization had a profound impact on the children of Raqqa. They were deprived of their freedom to dance and express themselves openly. The once-bustling schools turned into somber places where expressions of joy were hidden away due to the oppressive nature of the Islamic State regime.