How to Pronounce Latakia (Laodicea)

Meaning and Context

Latakia, historically known as Laodicea, is a principal port city on the Mediterranean coast of Syria, serving as the capital of the Latakia Governorate. Founded in the 4th century BCE by Seleucus I Nicator and named for his mother, Laodice, the city is a nexus of ancient history and modern Syrian life, renowned for its bustling harbor, vibrant cultural scene, and proximity to significant archaeological sites like the nearby Ugarit ruins. Its economy is bolstered by the Latakia port, tobacco production (specifically the aromatic Latakia tobacco used in pipe blends), and tourism drawn to its Mediterranean beaches and temperate climate. The cityscape is marked by landmarks such as the Latakia Museum and the distinctive Latakia Corniche, reflecting its blend of Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences, making it a key hub for travel to Syria and studies of Levantine history.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary term has two dominant spellings: the modern Arabic-derived "Latakia" and the ancient Hellenistic "Laodicea." Common misspellings and variants include "Lattakia" (with a double 't'), "Latakiyah," "Al Ladhiqiyah," and the simplified "Latakya." For the tobacco product, "Latakia" is the standard spelling, though it is sometimes erroneously written as "Latakian tobacco" or confused with geographic terms. Historical texts may also reference "Laodicea ad Mare" ("Laodicea by the Sea") to distinguish it from other ancient cities of the same name. A frequent error is the misspelling of the ancient city as "Laodiceia" or "Laodicaea," and the conflation of the city with the tobacco, which is a cured product, not a botanical variety.

Example Sentences

After exploring the ancient tablets at Ugarit, we returned to Latakia to enjoy a sunset meal of fresh seafood along the Corniche.

The unique, smoky flavor of Latakia tobacco is a defining component in many traditional English pipe blends.

Historians note that Laodicea served as a vital Roman port, and its modern counterpart remains Syria's primary gateway to the Mediterranean.

Despite the challenges of recent years, the cultural vibrancy of Latakia, with its annual theater festivals and university life, endures.

The city's strategic importance is underscored by the constant activity at the Port of Latakia, which handles a significant portion of the country's imports and exports.

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