Analytical Study of Interventions in Soqs of Al-Mdineh in Old Aleppo

Abstract

The ancient city of Aleppo was exposed to the most systematic types of destruction, which targeted important archaeological monuments of exceptional universal value throughout the course of five years during the war from 2012 AD to 2017 AD, especially the central commercial zone (al-Mdineh). Which constitutes the largest economic complex in the region and is the longest-covered commercial market in the world, with that being said, the central commercial zone (al-Mdineh) was chosen by UNESCO to be on the list of world cultural heritage, alongside the old city of Aleppo and the Citadel in the year 1986 AD.

The market was exposed to great destruction and a massive fire during the war, which severely damaged the shops.

The economic activity in the heritage markets has deteriorated dramatically in the war and continues to gradually recover and restore life in the region. Soon, the features of life were restored until the city suffered a devastating earthquake on February 6^th, 2023, AD: exacerbating the situation and causing new dramatic damage to the Old City, particularly the market.

In view of the above, the research presents theoretically the urban development of the market as public spaces in Roman times and before, until the beginning of the emergence of its features as a market in Islamic times and its prosperity as an essential component of the Islamic city, Then accordingly will be presented a comprehensive architectural description of the markets and their divisions, followed by a field and analytical study of the current state of the city market in old Aleppo, that addresses city damages caused by war, and the seismic history of the city ending with the last destructive one, and its impact on the city’s urban reality, in addition to the market developments, as well as work methodologies and policies followed by restoration and reconstruction.