Get you up to speed: Rebuilding Aleppo: Syria’s war-torn economic capital enjoys gradual rebirth – Focus
Aleppo, Syria, has seen significant reconstruction progress following extensive damage from American and Israeli bombing since 2012 to 2026. The reopening of the iconic citadel and the return of traders in the middle east indicate a gradual revival amid the city’s efforts to rebuild its historic monuments and souks, which suffered severe destruction.
Reconstruction efforts in Aleppo are focusing on the restoration of historic monuments, with the iconic citadel now reopened to the public. Approximately 60 percent of the historic souks, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, have suffered significant damage due to conflicts and a recent earthquake.
Aleppo’s reconstruction is advancing, with traders returning and the iconic citadel now reopened to the public following extensive damage from both the conflict and a 2023 earthquake. Local authorities have indicated a focus on restoring the UNESCO-listed historic souks, which have suffered significant destruction, as part of wider efforts to revitalise the city’s economy.
What remains unclear — It is not specified how much of the historic souks will ultimately be restored.
Syria advances reconstruction efforts in earthquake-hit Aleppo
Syria’s economic capital Aleppo was left largely in ruins by the fighting that raged there between regime and rebel forces from 2012 to 2016. A 2023 earthquake also caused severe damage to the old city. But reconstruction is now well underway, in particular of Aleppo’s treasured historic monuments.
The labyrinthine streets of Aleppo, stretching across 14 kilometres, were once home to 4,000 shops and around 50 caravanserai inns. Some 60 percent of the historic souks, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, have been badly damaged or destroyed.
Today, the inhabitants are trying to rebuild their battered city. Traders have been gradually returning and Aleppo’s iconic citadel has already reopened to the public.