Taldou: A Profile of the Syrian City in the Houla Region

Taldou: A Profile of the Syrian City in the Houla Region

Taldou (also spelled Talldū, Tall Daww, Taldo, Tall Dhu, or Taldao) is a city located in the Houla region of northern Syria. Situated north of Homs within the Homs Governorate, it serves as the center of its own district and subdistrict, playing a significant role in the local geography of the region.

Key Facts

  • Location: Homs Governorate, Syria.
  • Population: 15,727 (as of 2004).
  • Coordinates: 34°52′59″N 36°30′0″E.
  • Demographics: Predominantly Sunni Muslim inhabitants.
  • Time Zone: UTC+3 (Arabia Standard Time).

Geography and Surrounding Areas

Taldou is centrally positioned among several smaller towns and villages. To its east lies Burj al-Qa'i, while Tallaf is located to the northeast. The northern borders are shared with Kafr Laha and Tell Dahab, and to the northwest are Qarmas and Maryamin.

To the west, the city is flanked by al-Taybah al-Gharbiyah and al-Shinyah. Its southern and southwestern reaches are bordered by Kabu and Sharqliyya, respectively, with Ghur Gharbiyah situated to the southeast.

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Demographics and Administration

Administratively, Taldou functions as both a district and a subdistrict center. According to data from the Syria Central Bureau of Statistics, the city had a total population of 15,727 people in 2004. The population is predominantly composed of Sunni Muslims.

Category Details
Country Syria
Governorate Homs
District/Subdistrict Taldou
2004 Population 15,727
Primary Religion Sunni Islam

Recent History and Conflict

Taldou has been a site of significant conflict during the Syrian civil war. On May 25, 2012, the city and the neighboring village of al-Shumariyeh were the locations of the Houla massacre. During this event, 108 civilians were killed, including 32 women and 49 children. These deaths were allegedly caused by Syrian Army shelling and ground attacks carried out by pro-government Shabeeha militiamen.

Following the massacre, government forces were driven from the town center by June 21, 2012, remaining only on the periphery. However, control shifted again on May 15, 2018, when Syrian forces retook the town.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Taldou located?

Taldou is a city in the Houla region of northern Syria, located north of Homs within the Homs Governorate.

What was the population of Taldou in 2004?

According to the Syria Central Bureau of Statistics, the population was 15,727.

What is the religious demographic of Taldou?

The inhabitants of Taldou are predominantly Sunni Muslims.

What happened during the Houla massacre in Taldou?

On May 25, 2012, 108 civilians (including 49 children and 32 women) were killed in Taldou and al-Shumariyeh, allegedly due to Syrian Army shelling and attacks by Shabeeha militiamen.

When did Syrian forces retake control of the town?

Syrian forces retook the town of Taldou on May 15, 2018.

References

  1. General Census of Population and Housing 2004 Deprecated link archived 2012-07-29 at archive.today. Syria Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). Homs Governorate. (in Arabic)
  2. Smith, in Robinson and Smith, 1841, vol 3, 2nd appendix, p. 179
  3. Houla eyewitness: 'They had no mercy'. BBC News. 2012-05-28.
  4. “Some rebels wonder if Syrian troops' poor use of tanks, helicopters is intentional,”[permanent dead link] McClatchy Newspapers, 21 June 2012.
  5. "YouTube". Retrieved 25 October 2014.