ANA, a town on the Euphrates in 34°3o' N. and 42° L., 192m. below Deir, and 119 above Hit. The town has retained its name at least since the beginning of the end millennium B.C., but the actual site seems to have changed slightly. The earlier writers describe it as being on an island, and even as late as the 16th century A.D. at least a part of the town was so situated. At this time, however, the greater part of the town already lay on the right bank of the Euphrates, to which it is confined to-day. The town is important as the end of the desert journey from Tadmor in the west, as a station controlling the Euphrates waterway, and as a point of contact and trade with the desert to the south-west. In the early 17th century A.D. at one of its most flourishing periods, the emir of Ana seems to have controlled the desert as far west as Tadmor; it was then the most flourishing Arab town on the Euphrates but since then it has fallen into decay, suffering in roads from the desert. It was formerly known for its wine, and, later on, for its palm groves; it is a region of great fertility.
To-day the population is 15,000 (a rather uncertain estimate) most of whom are Sunni Arabs. It is a centre of considerable trade along the valley road, and for trade with the Bedouins. It is also an agricultural oasis, growing mainly cereals, fruit and dates, the latter of which are traded, and its exports also include butter and wool. The modern motor route and aeroplane track to Da mascus runs south of the old caravan route and leaves the Euphrates at Ramadi.