Amid the devastating aftermath of Syria’s civil war, the ancient city of Aleppo is slowly but steadily regaining its former glory. While the article “Out of the Ruins: Will Aleppo Ever Be Rebuilt?” (20 January) rightly highlights the local efforts driving the city’s reconstruction, it overlooks the significant international involvement in this endeavour.
Since 2018, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) has been at the forefront of restoring eight key areas of Aleppo’s medieval souk, the city’s historic covered market. This ongoing rehabilitation project has not only revived shops and commercial activity but also inspired private traders to restore their own shops in the peripheral areas of the souk, all in accordance with local standards.
Additionally, UN organisations such as UNESCO and UN-Habitat have joined the effort to restore elements of Aleppo’s historic centre. An article published this month on the Aga Khan Development Network website, titled “The Aleppo Souk, Crucible of Memory,” provides a detailed account of these international restoration efforts.
Alongside the immense loss and destruction caused by the war, this narrative paints a picture of a city where international restoration is bringing a genuine sense of cautious optimism to the ancient medina. The article’s author, Luis Monréal, the general manager of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, emphasises that this story of international involvement and its impact deserves greater attention.
As Aleppo continues its arduous journey of rebuilding, the collaborative efforts of local and international stakeholders are proving instrumental in reviving the city’s rich cultural heritage and instilling a renewed sense of hope among its resilient residents.
