Youssef KANJOU
(University of Tubingen, Tubingen, Germany)
Keywords: Aleppo, Military conflict, Local community
Abstract:
Aleppo City, in northwest Syria, is located at a strategically important geographical position both locally and globally. This location has attracted many cultures throughout antiquity, in an unbroken sequence, dating back to deep prehistory. As a result of the Syrian conflict, raging for over six years now, the heritage traditions of Aleppo have become victimized. The most important cultural elements destroyed by the war include large parts of the old bazaar, the minaret of the grand mosque, other mosques, and several historic buildings, as well as extensive damage to parts of Aleppo castle. In addition to the destruction of historic monuments and property, the war has also pushed its occupants out of the city. There are people that have lived and worked there for hundred of years. This displacement and interruption of traditional life has affected the social and religious structure of the city, and will eliminate the return of any semblance of its previous context; such restoration will certainly require an indefinite amount of time. The restoration of the Old City will need immense economic and academic support that will only be possible through collaboration with the international community and local people, in conjunction with official Syrian heritage (and other) institutes. If a massive restoration effort is not conducted in the future, the old city will suffer permanently, and remain a hollow reflection of the many atrocities and tragedies of war. This lecture presents a discussion of the importance of the cultural heritage of Aleppo throughout antiquity, and its sequential pathway to destruction from armed conflagration during the ongoing Syrian war. Finally, a discussion of potential plans concerning the future rehabilitation and conservation of the Old City will be presented.
Relevance for the conference: Aleppo is one of the most importante world Heritage