Aleppo: The Oldest Ancient City With Special Food, Industries, And Monuments

History And Location

According to Egyptian manuscripts, Aleppo is one of the oldest ancient cities, dating back to 7,000 BC. Its strategic location has made it an important trade, political, and industrial centre as it lies at the crossroads of East and West, serving as a passage for the Silk Road.

Name Meaning

There are many tales about the origin of its name, including one that attributes it to the legend of the prophet Ibrahim, who raised goats or sheep in the area and gave their milk to the poor. They referred to the place as "Milking" or "Milked." Another theory suggests that in the Amorite language, Aleppo means "iron and copper minerals."

Aleppo: A Trade and Industrial City

Aleppo has been known for its commerce and industry for centuries, making it a significant stop for traders heading towards the Mediterranean Sea and beyond, such as India. The Souks, which are long roads filled with markets that sell similar items, are popular tourist destinations. 

The Souks are named after the various crafts that were once prevalent in each market, such as perfumers, blacksmiths, and coppersmiths. Each Souk specializes in specific goods. The covered Souks are creatively designed, with overheads to protect visitors from the sun and rain. Additionally, the ceiling has windows that allow for fresh air to circulate.

Aleppo's Architecture and Inns

In ancient times, Aleppo was surrounded by square-shaped walls and numerous gates, with only seven remaining today. Aleppo Citadel, located at the city's centre and standing fifty meters high, was constructed to protect the citizens and rulers from invasion. There were 46 khans inside the walls, but only 37 remain, most of them in the Souks. Each khan has two floors.

The first floor comprises commercial shops, stables, and a central courtyard with a fountain, while the second floor is where travellers stay. One of the most famous Khans is Khan al-Wazir, which is one of the city's largest. It follows a traditional plan, with merchant storage areas and stores wrapping around the courtyard's perimeter and sleeping quarters for travellers on the second floor.

Special Food and Industries

Aleppo is renowned for its Middle Eastern cuisine, including dishes such as meat, cherry, and bread, which is especially delicious. Another staple is Zaatar, which is a simple breakfast meal made with olive oil and available in green or red. Vegetables stuffed with meat, rice, and peppers, such as eggplants and grape leaves, are also popular.

Aleppo has a wide variety of desserts and sweets unique to the city and is typically served on special occasions such as Eid. Additionally, the city has a special soap made from laurel leaves that are used for bathing and washing hair.

Ancient Monuments

Aleppo Citadel and Umayyad Mosque are two of the city's most well-known ancient monuments. The Citadel was built to protect citizens and rulers from invading armies and features half-buried buildings, old bathrooms, and the governor's room.

Umayyad Mosque offers Islamic prayers, and visitors can see the shrine of the prophet Zakaria. Visitors often leave coins at the shrine and pray for guidance.

Written By: Mohamed Mouafak