"A charming city" Aleppo by dabuwan

Aleppo Travel Guide: 757 reviews and 1,848 photos

Evening prayer in the Umayyad Mosque - Aleppo
Evening prayer in the Umayyad Mosque

Aleppo ("Haleb" in arabic), with almost 3 million inhabitants, is the second largest city in Syria, after Damascus.
Together with the capital, it is believed to be the oldest inhabited city in the world. If we forget the myth that Abraham was milking the grey cow on top of Aleppo hill, the first written proof of the city existence dates back to the Hittites period (2nd millennium B.C.). Recent archeologic discoveries, anyway, seem to demonstrate that it was inhabited already in the 6th millennium B.C.. Aleppo has remained a very important economic and cultural centre through the centuries until now.
The old part of the city is wonderful: it is a living museum. Every building is made of stone and dates back to the medieval age. The covered souq is amazing; it is the largest in the islamic world and there are different sections named after the different crafts.
On top of a hill in the center of town the majestic 12th century Citadel, a marvellous fortress, overlooks the whole city.
I was there not so recently (in 1990), but I am sure things did not change so much there. Why should they?For a most recent experience you can check also the excellent Aleppo page by VT member call_me_rhia who has been there recently (in 2003).

  • Last visit to Aleppo: Aug 1990
  • Intro Updated Feb 19, 2003
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Reviews (21)

A small packet of tobacco for waterpipe - Aleppo Tobacco for waterpipe Shopping (2)

Smoking the waterpipe is very common in Syria, as in most countries in the Middle East. If you have a waterpipe at... more travel advice

Stamping the cloth - Aleppo Embroidered cloths Shopping (2)

This is real craftmanship. And it is amazing to see. First you choose the design, then they stamp the design on the... more travel advice

Some western tourists visiting the mosque. - Aleppo Women must cover head & shoulders in the... Local Customs (1)

Syria it is a modern islamic country. Non moslims are allowed to visit mosques at any time, but women must cover their... more travel advice

Street scene - Aleppo A very safe city Warnings and Dangers (1)

Aleppo is a very safe city and there are no dangers to walk around anywhere at any time. I met many solo female... more travel advice

Comments (29)

  • Reply
    LuisGuimaraes's Profile Photo
    Aug 3, 2006 at 9:17 AM

    I have wandered a b it through your pages and actually think you're a good photographer and writer. I would therefore expect larger intros, which I would read with pleasure! Auguri! (p.s.: I also aprove your travel destinations)

  • Reply
    iwys's Profile Photo
    Jun 7, 2006 at 4:58 PM

    I hope that I can withstand the midsummer heat!

  • Reply
    Bavavia's Profile Photo
    Feb 27, 2005 at 9:50 PM

    I totally agree with your comment on the sales people in syria, they are not pushy at all, which is different from Egypt and Turkey where the pressure was very high..in Syria they didnt mind if you bought something or not, no pressures which was very nice

  • Reply
    isa1167's Profile Photo
    Feb 5, 2005 at 5:23 PM

    Beautiful pics. and tips.Isa from Peru.,South America

  • Reply
    oana16's Profile Photo
    Nov 23, 2004 at 11:48 PM

    Your page is great. I really enjoyed reading about Aleppo and the side trips. Greentings from Romania!

  • Reply
    MalenaN's Profile Photo
    Sep 26, 2004 at 3:27 AM

    I hope the Great Mosque will be open after its renovation next time visit Aleppo. Nice tips and photos!

  • Reply
    globetrott's Profile Photo
    Mar 17, 2004 at 5:32 PM

    What an interesting destination and excellent pics !

  • Reply
    gandara's Profile Photo
    Feb 12, 2004 at 10:48 AM

    oupssssssss? are you sure? Umayyad dynasty begining of the 13th century??????

  • Reply
    andal13's Profile Photo
    Dec 13, 2003 at 1:55 PM

    A trip to the past... to the origin of civilization... Excellent pictures and descriptions; tante grazie, Davide.

  • Reply
    nada1712's Profile Photo
    Nov 15, 2003 at 1:05 PM

    Wonderful and fascinating page on Alleppo - and Non muslims can enter the mosques!!! -amazing you took all those photes inside. Best wishes Nada

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