Aleppo’s vibrant history as a cultural crossroads is truly remarkable. From ancient civilizations like the Hittites and Assyrians to the Greeks and Romans, each left a lasting impact on the city’s identity. This diverse heritage is reflected in the architectural marvels that adorn Aleppo, such as the imposing Citadel, the majestic Great Mosque, and a plethora of other structures that span centuries of history. The city’s charm lies in its ability to preserve and showcase this rich tapestry of cultures, making it a treasure trove for historians, archaeologists, and travelers alike.
The Citadel of Aleppo stands as a testament to the city’s enduring history and cultural significance. Its ancient walls have witnessed the ebb and flow of civilizations, from Arab dominance in the medieval period to earlier occupations dating back millennia. Within its fortified confines lie the remnants of mosques, palaces, and baths, each telling a story of Aleppo’s rich past. Surrounding the Citadel, the city itself reflects this diverse heritage, with traces of Greek, Roman, Christian, and Islamic influences evident in its architecture and layout. Despite the passage of time and the changes it has brought, Aleppo’s essence endures, permeating through its bustling markets, winding streets, and resilient communities, ensuring its place as a cherished and irreplaceable gem of human history.
Aleppo’s ancient cityscape is a testament to the myriad cultures that have woven their threads into its history. Over the centuries, it has been shaped by the footsteps of the Hittites, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ayyubids, each leaving an indelible imprint on its architectural tapestry. The Citadel, a towering presence on the skyline, is a prime example of this amalgamation, boasting elements from Hittite, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ayyubid periods. As one navigates the labyrinthine streets, one encounters a mosaic of structures spanning different epochs. The Great Mosque, initially established by the Umayyads and later refurbished in the 12th century, stands as a testament to the city’s Islamic heritage. Similarly, the Madrasa Halawiye, incorporating remnants of Aleppo’s Christian cathedral, serves as a poignant reminder of its diverse religious past. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the markets and caravanserais, one can catch glimpses of Aleppo’s vibrant social, cultural, and economic life, each edifice bearing witness to the city’s enduring resilience and storied legacy.
Criterion (iv) recognizes Aleppo as an outstanding example of a 12th-century Ayyubid city, distinguished by its formidable military architecture developed after Salah El-Din’s triumph over the Crusaders. The city’s defensive infrastructure, including its encircling wall, protective ditch, and imposing gateways equipped with defensive mechanisms like machicolations, reflects the zenith of Arab military engineering. Structures from the subsequent 13th to 14th centuries, such as towering fortifications and stone entry bridges, further underscore the architectural ingenuity of this era. Within the city confines, the presence of numerous mosques, notably the Madrasah al Firdows erected in 1235 by Daifa Khatoun, adds to the historical significance of the area.
While the property’s boundaries encompass the old city walls and adjacent suburban zones to the north, northeast, and east, certain significant features lie beyond these confines and necessitate protection through the establishment of a buffer zone. This recognition highlights Aleppo’s unparalleled contribution to the understanding and appreciation of medieval Ayyubid urbanism and military architecture, underscoring its global importance as a cultural heritage site.
The enduring prominence of the Citadel notwithstanding, recent urban interventions, such as the erection of an eight-story hotel in the Bab al-Faraj precinct, have raised concerns regarding the preservation of Aleppo’s visual integrity. Preceding interventions, predating the area’s designation as a heritage site, have similarly posed challenges to maintaining the city’s coherence and historical authenticity. To safeguard Aleppo’s cultural heritage, concerted efforts are imperative to mitigate vulnerabilities in the urban fabric and archaeological remnants, thereby ensuring their conservation and transmission to succeeding generations. Such endeavors are essential for upholding the city’s status as a distinguished emblem of human history and civilization.
Following its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aleppo’s old city, centered around the Citadel, has retained its original layout largely intact. Conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding its distinct characteristics have yielded positive results, thereby maintaining its Outstanding Universal Value. Nonetheless, the area is confronted with notable risks stemming from inadequate planning controls, notably the absence of a buffer zone. Despite these challenges, traditional crafts and commercial activities persist, underscoring the enduring vibrancy of urban life in Aleppo.
To ensure the preservation of the site, legal protection is provided through the Antiquities Law, administered by the Directorate of Antiquities and Museums. Additionally, collaborative efforts between the Municipality of Aleppo and international partners led to the initiation of the Rehabilitation Project for Old Aleppo in 1992. Subsequently, in 1999, the Directorate of the Old City was established, tasked with overseeing restoration efforts and comprising departments dedicated to planning, permitting, monitoring, and implementation. Under the guidance of the Old City Directorate, a comprehensive plan for the city’s future development is currently underway. This plan is integrated into the broader framework of the “Programme for Sustainable Urban Development in Syria,” a joint initiative involving both international agencies and Syrian governmental bodies. These coordinated endeavors aim to ensure the sustainable preservation and evolution of Aleppo’s historic urban fabric.
To uphold the integrity of the site, it’s imperative to maintain a focus on traditional conservation techniques while crafting a comprehensive conservation management plan. This plan should encompass directives for future developments, including regulations on height and density in designated areas. Additionally, it should outline protocols for preserving any archaeological sites unearthed during construction endeavors. Furthermore, the establishment of a buffer zone, accompanied by pertinent planning regulations, is vital to protect the site’s coherence and historical significance.