Restoration works in the “Blacksmiths Market” in Old Aleppo nears completion

Aleppo (ST): The restoration and rehabilitation works in Souk Al-Haddadin (the Blacksmiths Market) in the old city of Aleppo is nearing completion, after the completion of the stone facades of the market, the installation of wooden doors and traditional umbrellas, and the preparation of stone tiles for the floor of the market, which includes 38 stone shops that were used to sell nuts, sweets and copper utensils.

The Director of the Old Aleppo Council, Eng. Ahmed Al-Shihabi, stated in a statement to SANA news reporter that the Blacksmiths Market, adjacent to the Umayyad Mosque, is one of the most important entrances to the traditional markets in the old city of Aleppo, and its shops, which were damaged by terrorism have been restored, in partnership with the local community.

Al-Shihabi explained that the owners of the shops in the market took the initiative to obtain restoration licenses and start rehabilitation, and two restoration projects were implemented inside the first market. He added that  according to the agreement signed between the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums, the Aleppo Governorate, the City Council, the Syrian Trust for Development, and the Spanish Rescata organization, the wooden doors and umbrellas and lighting with alternative energy were implemented.

The stone arches of seven shops have also been restored and rehabilitated.

Engineer Ghaith Makansi from the Diyari company, whuc is executing the project, explained that the restoration work included the installation of wooden doors and umbrellas for the shops, and the restoration works for 17 shops within the market, in addition to restoring the damage to the walls and ceilings of the market as a result of the earthquake.

Engineer Bayan Dabbas, representative of the Spanish Rescata organization that funded the project said: “The implementation of the restoration and rehabilitation works of the blacksmith market comes within the Rescata organization’s plan to support livelihood projects.

K.Q.