An agreement to restore the economic and social role of Homs’ heritage markets

Homs-(ST)- With the aim of restoring life to the heritage markets of Homs, an agreement was signed in Khan al-Qaysariyya in the heritage markets area in the old city by the heads of the Homs Chambers of Industry and Commerce, Labib al-Ikhwan and Iyad Darraq al-Sibai, and the executive director of the Syrian Trust for Development Shadi al-Ilshi.  At the beginning of the signing ceremony, a documentary film was screened about the reality of Heritage markets and a short video about the secretariat’s work in these markets.

The head of the Homs Chamber of Commerce praised the efforts of the Syrian Trust for Development, pointing to the importance of Homs historically, culturally and economically as it conatin architectural styles according to eras and times. He explained that a specialized work team is currently being formed concerned with the return of archaeological buildings to the markets and the preservation of their artistic and historical identity.

The head of the Homs Chamber of Industry highlighted the importance of taking practical steps to begin the return of these markets by providing all facilities from the Chambers of Commerce and Industry and benefiting from the decrees issued in this regard, in addition to securing all infrastructure services, completing the restoration of roofs, eliminating legal obstacles to reopening the rehabilitated shops, and forming a committee to communicate with displaced owners.

He pointed out the necessity of overcoming all obstacles through the concerted efforts of all civil and official efforts, each from his position, stressing that it is necessary to work internally and externally, as more than 25 Syrian personalities from Homs in various countries of diaspora followed the signing ceremony via the direct communication network.

In turn, the Executive Director of the Syrian Trust for Development explained that the goal of the Trust for Development’s work since its inception twenty years ago is to preserve the Syrian cultural identity, relying on an accurate scientific approach. The agreement today includes the importance of enhancing the activity of heritage markets in Homs and the return of social and economic life to them, he clarified.

Elshi pointed out that today’s agreement comes as a milestone within a development work process that began two years ago and stopped due to the earthquake, noting its importance in restoring the brilliance of the markets, protecting their cultural identity and preserving the social fabric. He indicated that according to the agreement, the energies of the signatory parties are directed to understanding the reality of the markets and the requirements of merchants and shop owners through employing all expertise, according to agreed priorities that serve the return of the markets.

Hanan Shamout