Aleppo advances restoration of Old City to preserve Syria’s heritage, revive economy

Authorities in Aleppo are moving ahead with plans to restore the city’s UNESCO-listed Old City, aiming to preserve its historic character, revive centuries-old markets and encourage residents to return as part of broader efforts to support economic recovery. Abdul Hamid Dahna, director of the Old City Directorate in Aleppo Governorate, said the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) has played a central role in the restoration effort. The organisation began operating in Syria in 1999 and has carried out conservation projects around the Aleppo Citadel and parts of the Old City’s historic markets since 2006, based on studies designed to meet international heritage preservation standards. Earlier last week, Aleppo Deputy Governor Ali Hannoura met a delegation from the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), led by its Syria Executive Director Mohannad Obeido, to discuss ongoing restoration projects in the governorate and plans to expand them. The two sides also reviewed progress on conservation work at the Aleppo Citadel under a project funded by the network.