Syria Trust for Development begins restoration work in the Al-Abi Market in the Old City of Aleppo

Aleppo (ST)-The Syria Trust for Development, in cooperation with the Aleppo City Council and the Directorate of Antiquities and Museums, have begun the rehabilitation of the Al-Abi Market in the Old City of Aleppo, which is one of the markets of the Straight Street and the main axis that starts from Bab Antakya in the west and reaches the Aleppo Citadel in the east.

The Director of the Old Aleppo Lighthouse, lawyer Bashar Skaif clarified that the market consists of 57 shops and it is distinguished by its heritage, antiquity and economic activity for it includes various types of old oriental products, cloaks and old looms.

He pointed out the municipality’s keenness to preserve all the old heritage professions that constitute part of the intangible heritage that the people of Aleppo inherited from their fathers and grandfathers and pass on to future generations.

Skef added: After its official launch, the Old Aleppo Lighthouse will continue its role in the Al-Abi Market, like other markets, in terms of social, legal and economic communication, providing all services, electing the market committee and issuing identification documents through the lighthouse.

He pointed out that the rehabilitation work of the Al-Zarb Market will begin soon and the work of the Al-Mahmas Market will be completed to join the four other markets in which work has been launched.

In the 2025 plan, work will also be accomplished outside the markets in the old city, providing services to merchants and residents, which is part of the work of the Old Aleppo Lighthouse.

Engineer Heba Farah from Diyari Company spoke about the damages that the market suffered as a result of the terrorist war and the earthquake. The rehabilitation works will include building the demolished part according to the “Cadstro” plans and will be implemented by trained national cadres and expertise working at a high pace to restore the market to what it was in terms of UNESCO specifications, and to rehabilitate the remaining sections that were severely damaged.

The head of the implementation department in the Old City Directorate, Eng. Hussam Halabi stated that most of the shops in the Al-Abi market were damaged by the fires.

Aourwa Deep