Reports | 25 05 2020
Aleppo is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and it is home to several historical sites dating back to several eras.
Today, Aleppo’s rich historical heritage and ancient relics are exposed to vandalism and destruction a result of the ongoing clashes and constant bombardment.
The urgency of the situation has prompted some activists to dedicate themselves to protect and preserve the rich heritage of their city . According to one Aleppian living next to its famous castle, there has been a non-stop shelling since the FSA entered the area.
The regime has used all kinds of weapons in its vicious attacks on the area which caused massive fires and destruction in Aleppo old souqs. There are some magnificence ancient souqs in Aleppo’s old city. Yet, barely a day passes without intense shelling targeting the old city. An FSA fighter stationed in the area told us "since the beginning of the clashes our primary goal was and still is to protect these ancient buildings and souqs. We did try our best to avoid fighting in the area, but this brutal regime is forcing us to do so.
” Some activists are working to document the damages and are trying to contact international organization to estimate the costs necessary for the restoration process, after all Aleppo old city is an international heritage. Warrd, a founding member of the Syrian Society for the Conservation of Historical Heritage, told us the society was formed by a group of activists who managed to document up to 60% the damage in the area.
They also managed to take some measures to protect several historical buildings such as Al-Halawiyah Madrasa and pulpit of the Grand Umayyad Mosque, in addition to some repair work at other sites such as the dome of Al-Halawiyah Madrasa Dome.