RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – Hassan al-Aboud, a rare animal enthusiast, has transformed his farm in the western countryside of Raqqa, northern Syria, into a bustling exhibition space for rare breeds. The weekly event now draws breeders and traders from across the country to showcase purebred Arabian horses and rare sheep.
The exhibition, held every Monday, attracts dozens of participants from different Syrian regions. Prices for some rams and horses reach tens of thousands of dollars, with certain animals even brought in from Gulf countries.
Al-Aboud, 35, from the village of Mazra’at al-Ya’rubiyah, founded the “al-Jazira Rare Breeds Exhibition.” He said his passion began years ago with raising gazelles, horses, and even lions, before moving into sheep breeding. Inspired by a friend’s suggestion, he launched the first exhibition of its kind in northeastern Syria last year.
“The idea started when I acquired a few sheep, and my friend suggested organizing an auction,” al-Aboud told North Press. “It was successful, so we expanded it into an exhibition, which quickly gained recognition.”
Breeders from Homs, Damascus, Hasakah, and Deir ez-Zor now attend, and the event has evolved into a lucrative marketplace. One rare ram was recently sold for $16,000, brought from the Gulf by its well-known owner Abu Zeinab al-Sarawi, which added prestige and drew significant attention.
Arabian horses on display
Alongside sheep, purebred Arabian horses remain a highlight. Abu Ali al-Qahtaniya, a trainer at the Equestrian Club and a horse trader, has participated since the exhibition’s launch. Though he displayed his horses this year without making a sale, he said the event has created a valuable new space for breeders and traders in the region.
Horse prices vary widely. One champion horse, “Barzan al-Hamoud,” was valued at $9,000, while al-Qahtaniya’s horse received offers up to $5,000.
Online sales expand reach
The exhibition also leverages social media to broaden participation. Auctions are broadcast live on Facebook, enabling traders unable to attend in person to purchase remotely.
Eid al-Khalaf, a broker in Raqqa’s livestock market, said all transactions are documented, with details of animals, prices, owners, and bloodlines recorded for buyers. Prices currently range from $200 to $1,000 for young goats and $300 to $1,500 for sheep, with rare rams sometimes selling for up to $15,000. Imported animals from the Gulf can exceed $20,000.
With its weekly schedule and growing reputation, the exhibition is becoming a fixture of Raqqa’s economic and social life. Organizers and participants hope it will cement the city’s role as a hub for rare horses and sheep in Syria, while also opening new opportunities for local residents.