Karnaz

Karnaz ( Syriac ܟܪܢܵܫْܹܐ, ''Kirnaz'' or ''Kernaz'') modified from ''Kafr Naz'' ܟܦܪ ܐܢܵܫْܹܐ, is a town in northern Syria, administratively part of the Hama Governorate, located northwest of Hama, its elevation rang is 220-240 meter. Nearby localities include Kafr Zita and Khan Shaykhun to the east, Kafr Nabudah to the north, Qalaat al-Madiq and al-Suqaylabiyah, Tremseh, and Shaizar to the south.

According to the Syria Central Bureau of Statistics, Karnaz had a population of 14,075 in the 2004 census.General Census of Population and Housing 2004
. Syria Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). Hama Governorate. Its inhabitants are predominantly Sunni Muslims. People of Karnaz are known for openness and coexistence with other groups in Syrian society. They are living in harmony with other nearby Christian villages like al-Suqaylabiyah and Mhardeh, as well as with nearby Alawite villages like Hurat Ammurin, Ein Elkorum and Tell Salhab to the west. This feature stands despite the complications of the Civil War after 2012.

Etymology

''Karnazes'' is modified from ''Kafr Naz'' or ''Kafrnaz'' (also spelled ''Kfar Naz''), likewise many villages in the area: ''Kafr'' ܟܦܪ is a Syriac word which means "farm" or small "village". The second part ''Naz'' is probably derived from the root ''nasheh'' ܐܢܵܫْܹܐ, which means either irrigated land or people. That coincides with the existence of an intermittent river that crosses the village. So, ''Karnaz'' means the irrigated village. ''Kurnaz'' is another spelling in some local dialects, and ''Kur'' is a '' Syriac'' word which means ''local'', so ''Kurnaz'' means local people.

Syrian Civil War

During the Syrian Civil War, rebel forces had controlled the town until early February 2013, when Syrian Army and pro-government forces surrounded the town from the west and south. On February 8, 2013, government and rebel sources confirmed the battle ended with the withdrawal of rebel forces. Later on March 14, 2018, rebel forces launched an offensive on the city along with Hamamiyat and Magha'ir. This offensive is known as the Anger for Ghouta campaign. Rebel forces captured all 3 towns and surrounding areas. The government in response launched several airstrikes at the city and recapture it later that day.

On 18 September 2018, to avoid a possible attack of the government forces on Idlib and possible consequences on civilians, and to avoid a possible refugees stream, Russia and Turkey made an agreement to create a buffer zone of about around Idlib. Karnaz is located in the Russian observed part of the buffer zone.

From June 2019 to November 2024, it was controlled by the Syrian Army. On 30 November 2024, HTS rebels captured the city from the Syrian Army during the Hama offensive. Two days later, on 2 December, it was recaptured by HTS following a Syrian Army counter-attack.

References

Bibliography

*

{{Hama Governorate, mhardeh

Populated places in Mahardah District
Towns in Hama Governorate