Ancient City of Aleppo

The Ancient City of Aleppo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban centers in the world, is a sprawling historical palimpsest in northern Syria. For millennia, it served as a vital crossroads for the Silk Roads, linking the Mediterranean to the Euphrates Valley. While the city suffered catastrophic damage during the Syrian Civil War and the 2023 earthquakes, 2026 marks a period of significant, internationally supported restoration.

The site is a 350-hectare labyrinth of limestone courtyard houses, narrow alleys, and monumental architecture.

The Citadel: A massive medieval fortified palace sitting atop a 50-meter-high mound, considered a masterpiece of Islamic military architecture.
The Souks: The Al-Madina Souq is one of the world’s largest covered markets, stretching over 13 km. Many sections have been meticulously restored using traditional stone-cutting techniques.
Religious Landmarks: The 12th-century Great Mosque of Aleppo (Umayyad Mosque) and various Ottoman-era madrasas (schools) and khans (caravanserais).

Attraction

Aleppo attracts travelers through its resilience and authenticity:

Living History: Unlike a museum, the Old City is a functional heart where artisans still weave silk, boil traditional laurel soap, and trade spices.
Architectural Layering: Visitors can see Hittite, Roman, Byzantine, Ayyubid, and Ottoman remains physically stacked atop one another.
Gastronomy: Aleppo is widely regarded as the culinary capital of the Middle East, famous for its kibbeh (over 17 varieties) and cherry-infused kebabs.

The Citadel (Eusebius, Flickr/CC BY 2.0).

Heritage

Inscribed in 1986, Aleppo is protected under Criteria (iii) and (iv):

Criterion (iii): It provides an exceptional testimony to the diverse cultures that settled here over 4,000 years, including the Hittites, Assyrians, Greeks, and Romans.
Criterion (iv): It is an outstanding example of a medieval Islamic city, particularly from the 12th-century Ayyubid era, characterized by its urban fabric and military fortifications.

Gateway

Gateway: The city itself serves as the gateway.
Airport: Aleppo International Airport (ALP) has resumed commercial operations, with regular connections to Damascus and select regional hubs.
Lodging: Reopening heritage hotels provide unique stays. Options include the Sheraton Aleppo and boutique guesthouses like Beit Salahieh (located directly opposite the Citadel) or the restored Dar Zamaria.

When

Spring (March to May): The most pleasant time, with mild temperatures and blooming flora.
Autumn (September to October): Ideal for exploring the souks and outdoor sites without the intense summer heat.
Tip: Avoid July and August, when temperatures can exceed 35°C.

Considerations

Safety Status: While tourism is returning, most Western governments still maintain “Do Not Travel” advisories due to regional instability. Check your local embassy’s current status before booking.
Entry Requirements: Most travelers require a visa and must be part of an organized tour or have a local sponsor.
Photography: It is strictly prohibited (and legally dangerous) to photograph military checkpoints or government buildings.
Cash Economy: Due to international sanctions, Western credit/debit cards often do not work. You must bring sufficient cash (USD or EUR) to exchange for Syrian Pounds (SYP).

Resources

UNESCO World Heritage – Aleppo: The official record of the site’s history and ongoing restoration.
Syrian Guides: A local resource for real-time airport and visa updates.
Aga Khan Trust for Culture: Information on the major restoration projects in the Souks and Citadel.
ZenHotels – Aleppo: A platform for checking current hotel availability in the city.
Viator: Useful for finding specialized guided tours that navigate current security protocols.