In the sweltering heat of summer, couples sat on benches by the bubbling fountain and families stretched out on lawns nearby. There was a bouncy castle for the children to play in. And music streamed from outdoor speakers, mixing with the sound of children's laughter.

"Raqqa was a very normal city," recalled the 23-year-old during one of several interviews with Mashable.

Raqqawi, who managed to flee in October, told his story on condition that his real name not be used since it might endanger family members still trapped inside the city. (His story is told in his own words in the animation above.)