Turalei

Turalei is the capital city of Twic State and the largest city in the state. Its location is in Turalei County,the current government headquarters of Twic State,[1] in the North of South Sudan, near the borders with the Republic of Sudan and with the Abyei Region. This location lies about 834 kilometres (518 mi) by road, northwest of Juba, the capital and largest city in the country.[2]

Turalei is renowned as the birthplace of several exceptionally tall basketball players, including the late NBA star Manute Bol, who was 7 feet 7 inches (231 cm) and Ring Ayuel,[3] who is 7 feet 4 inches (224 cm). Bol's remains were buried in Turalei.[4]

Due to its proximity to the border with Sudan, Turalei suffered extensive destruction during the Second Sudanese Civil War of 1983 to 2005. Efforts are underway to assist in the rehabilitation of the settlement. The late Manute Bol was involved in some of those efforts. As a result, a hospital was built in the area.

More recently in 2011, as hostilities have flared up in neighbouring Abyei, Turalei has received an influx of refugees, who have overwhelmed local resources.[5] In June 2011, Turalei itself was attacked by militiamen believed to be affiliated with the Khartoum government. Several fatalities were recorded.[6]

The population of Turalei is estimated to be over one hundred thousand. Its population was gathered from the previous bomas which were later made into payams when the country emerged from ten states to 28 before four others were added that year. These include, Ayen Amuol, Anyiel Kuac, Nyiel Abiel, Pandit Amuol, Mangok Amuol, Majak Aher, Tongliet, Kacbeek, Abayok and the current new payams of Madow and Amuol.

• Gogrial
• Aweil
• Abyei
• Mayom

• Turalei is very near Abyei
• South Sudan's Administrative Divisions

• Photo of Turalei
• Satellite Map of Turalei
• Photos Taken In Turalei At Flickr.com