April 5, 2022
1 min read

SYRIAN SOUQ

Amid the ruins in the old city of Aleppo, energetic construction workers are building and fixing the famous walled ancient marketplace, hoping to restore business life in the area to its former glory…reports Asian Lite news

During Syria’s protracted war, many sections of the al-Madina Souq, the world’s largest covered historic market, were destroyed, either ruined or burnt.

The reconstruction of the ancient market started in late 2018, about two years after the government regained control of the eastern part of Aleppo city. As in any other place in Aleppo, the workers and engineers have shown admirable determination and precision when carrying out such delicate work, as rehabilitating historic sites requires high skills, patience and thoroughness.

Loulwa Kharboutly, an engineer, told Xinhua that they are restoring the souk not only to their pre-war status but to their original real look which had been changed in the course of time. “Tremendous work is being done, and may God help everyone to rebuild and revive the old Aleppo and keep it on the world heritage list,” she said. However, the reconstruction work of the old market is facing many challenges, mainly from the U.S. and Western sanctions which forbid foreign companies to do business in Syria or even take part in its reconstruction. (XINHUA)

ALSO READ: World should not forget suffering in Syria: UN

“We are facing a lot of difficulties such as the embargo. The sanctions imposed on Syria are making it hard for us to secure the raw materials,” Kharboutly told Xinhua.

Because of the sanctions and the resulting limited capacity, the work is being carried out only in the least damaged areas, she said.

“Faster restoration means faster return of shop owners. The main goal is to bring life back to these souks, so we have to attract people before fixing all the areas,” the Syrian engineer noted.

Previous Story

APOLLO HOSPITALS: Mission to ‘Touch a Billion Lives’

Next Story

EGYPT UNVEILS E-VISAS

Latest from Arab News

US Presses Hamas on Ceasefire Deal

The new proposal seeks to address some of Hamas’ concerns, and Israeli hostages will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners during the ceasefire….reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump has

Trump Ends Syria Sanctions

Syria has been designated a State Sponsor of Terrorism by the United States since December 1979…reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump signed an executive order terminating Syria sanctions, according to

Araghchi: Hold US, Israel Accountable

The Iranian foreign minister emphasised that the UNSC should hold the “aggressors” accountable and act to prevent the recurrence of such “crimes.”…reports Asian Lite News Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi urged
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Iran to Help Syria To Build Ties With Turkey

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad said his country welcomes any

Syrian President, Iran Foreign Minister discuss nuclear deal

Syrian President Bashar Assad discussed the developments of talks on