Where the ancient roads of Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and the Levant once crossed, Aleppo rose and thrived. This city is not just old; it is alive with memories that stretch back to 5000 BCE. Its weathered stones carry the warmth of countless summers and the silence of long-forgotten winters.
The Citadel’s Watchful Gaze
In the centre of Aleppo, the Citadel stands like a guardian of time. Built on a hill and fortified since the Bronze Age, it has seen rulers come and go. Hittites, Romans, Mongols, and Ottomans all left their mark here. Every layer of stone feels like a page from history, written by empires and read by generations.
Souks Full of Stories
Walk through Aleppo’s old city and you step into its soul. The UNESCO-listed souks wind through narrow stone lanes where merchants once sold silks, spices, and pearls. Their voices may have faded, but the air still carries whispers of trade and travel. Some of these markets stretch for 13 kilometres, linking the past with the present. Nearby, the Great Mosque, built in the 8th century, holds centuries of prayer within its arches.
A Mosaic of People and Culture
Aleppo has always been a meeting place of cultures. Arabs, Armenians, Kurds, Turks, Jews, and Greeks shared its streets and stories. Its famous Aleppine soap, made from laurel and olive oils, has been crafted for over a thousand years. A simple bar of soap here is more than a product; it is a living thread that ties today’s city to its ancestors.
Rising from Ruin
Aleppo has suffered much: earthquakes, invasions, and modern wars left deep scars. Yet, even in ruin, life pushes forward. Craftsmen rebuild the souks stone by stone. Musicians keep alive the melancholy notes of Aleppine maqam, a sound that feels like memory itself.
A City That Endures
To speak of Aleppo is to speak of resilience. It has felt the glory of golden ages and the pain of battles. Yet, it continues to rise. Its Citadel watches over the city, steady as the mountains around it, reminding the world that Aleppo is not just a place, it is a testament to human endurance.
