Ancient City of Aleppo

Ancient City of Aleppo

The Ancient City of Aleppo is located in the heart of the Aleppo Basin in northwestern Syria, situated between the Mediterranean Sea and Mesopotamia, as well as to the north of the fertile crescent between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. It lies 350 kilometers north of Damascus and marks the westernmost end of the Silk Road. In 1986, UNESCO inscribed the Ancient City of Aleppo as a cultural heritage site on the World Heritage List.

The most famous Islamic cultural monument in Aleppo is the Aleppo Citadel, perched on a gently sloping hill east of the ancient city. It stands as a testament to the history and culture of the Hittites. In addition to the renowned Aleppo Citadel, the ancient city preserves numerous sites of significant cultural value, and even its narrow, car-inaccessible alleys are captivating. At the heart of the ancient city lies the Umayyad Mosque, originally built in the 7th century. After being completely destroyed, it was rebuilt and renovated in the 12th century. What stands today no longer reflects the early Islamic architectural features but instead showcases the style of the Mamluk era of ancient Egypt. Nearby the great mosque are a collection of historic Islamic structures, all of which together contribute to Aleppo’s unique character, drawing reverence from visitors around the world.