Aleppo Things to Do Tips by siaki68

A labyrinth of tiny alleys, busy, noisy, full of colours and fragrances, Aleppo’s covered souq is fascinating and one of the bests in the Middle East. Some of its sections date from the 13th century, while others from the 16th-19th century. Little seems to have change here from the Ottoman’s era; a buzzing crowd of merchants, buyers, porters and donkeys are packing the tinny alleys. Only the presence of small trucks and motorbikes carrying merchandises or some western dressed people remind someone of the present. In this shopper’s paradise, the visitor can find everything: carpets, hand-woven fabrics, gold, silver, spices, perfumes and woodworks. Since Aleppo’s souq is still the centre of the everyday shopping for the locals, there are only few tourist shops and there isn’t any pressure to the visitors to buy. Nevertheless, there are young touts who will try to direct you to a certain shop, but a polite “no” or “maybe later” are enough to leave you alone. Don’t be afraid to get lost in the souq. This will probably end to be one of your best experiences in Aleppo!

Leave a Comment

The Old City begins at Bab Antakya, which was the central gate of the town until the 19th century, when the new city was established. Listed by Unesco as a World Heritage Site, the whole Old City is a “must see”. Numerous khans, mosques, (among them the Great Mosque which was under renovation when I was visiting and closed for the tourists) and the traditional Al-Joubaili Soap Factory (also closed and impossible to find out why and when it opens again) are among the places worth visit. You don’t need a guide to visit the city. Just walk around, enjoy the busy and at the same time relaxed atmosphere and everything you want to see is just few steps away.

Leave a Comment

The Citadel of Aleppo, listed by Unesco as a World Heritage Site, stands upon a natural hillock, which dominate the city. Archaeological findings show that in the 10th century BC the place was a temple. Sayf Al-Dawla, governor of Aleppo, was the first who built a citadel there during the 10th century AC. In the 12th century, Nur Al-Din fortified the citadel and added some structure, but the citadel took its present form during the Mamluk era by the Sultan Al-Zahir Al-Ghazi. Unquestioned, the Citadel worth the visit; it is very well preserved and the view from there is spectacular. Admission 150SP. Open 9am-6pm Wednesday-Monday.

Leave a Comment

This Hammam is famed for being the best in Syria, and although I can’t verify it because I didn’t visit all the Hammams in Syria, I ensure you that visiting Hammam Yalbougha an-Nasry (although I know it is a bit touristy) was one of the highlights of my visit in Aleppo. Not only because I really enjoyed being scrubbed and massaged, but also because I had the change to see women of all ages having fun, away of the strict rules that dominate their everyday lives. Hammam Yalbougha an-Nasry was constructed in 1491, destroyed and rebuilt several times during the years and finally restored and reopened to the public in the mid 80s. Looking like every typical Mamluk building from the outside, it is marvellous inside. The full package includes the entry, scrubbing and massage and costs 450SP. Open 10-2am, women’s day 10am-5pm on Monday-Thursday and Saturday.

Leave a Comment

Directions: Near the citadel

Al-Jdeide is the most elegant part of Aleppo. Although the name means “the new”, this quarter is not new at all. Developed in the late 16th century by rich Armenian and Maronite traders, who built here their luxurious mansions, it is a fine example of the distinguished Aleppine architecture. Today, these mansions have been converted into charming boutique hotels, restaurants and bars.

Leave a Comment

The Museum of Popular Tradition, even if you are not interested in this kind of things, still worth a visit. Situated in Al-Jdeide quarter, it is sheltered in Beit Ajiqbash, a beautiful decorated house of the 17th century. Each room has a different collection: an exhibition of guns from the ancient till the crusader and the Ottoman’s era, the bride’s room with her dresses and all her dowry or the craftsmen’s room are only some of them. Admission 75SP. Open 8.30-2pm Wednesday-Monday.

Leave a Comment

Phone: 963-21-3336111
Address: Haret al-Yasmin.

The Armenian Cathedral of the 40 Martyrs is located in Haret al-Yasmin. Built in the 17th century, it is dedicated to the 40 soldiers who were tortured in 320 AD in order to deny their faith to Christ. Their martyrdom took place in the Armenian town of Sebaste (Sivas, Turkey) and they are considered to be of the most important Armenian saints. The church is very interesting, with some beautiful paintings and icons inside. At the courtyard there is an impressive monument, dedicated to the Armenians who died in the Genocide of 1915.

Leave a Comment

Address: Haret al-Yasmin