🏰 Aleppo, Syria

“A Timeless Crossroads of Civilizations”

---

🗺️ Overview

Aleppo (Halab), one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, carries the weight and wonder of over 4,000 years of history. Once a flourishing Silk Road metropolis, its grand markets, mosques, caravanserais, and majestic citadel stood as symbols of its prosperity. Though scarred by conflict, Aleppo today remains an emblem of resilience and cultural endurance.

Fly All Over Rating: 
✔️ Rich historical and architectural heritage
✔️ Deeply authentic Syrian culture
✔️ Vibrant traditional food scene
❌ Post-conflict restoration ongoing
❌ Infrastructure and safety considerations

---

✈️ Getting There & Around

• Main Airport: Aleppo International Airport (ALP) — reopened to limited flights

• Transport Options:

  • Taxis & ride services within the city

  • Walking recommended in Old Aleppo

  • Intercity buses connect to Damascus and other cities

---

🌟 Top Attractions

🏯 1. Citadel of Aleppo

An iconic fortress rising from the center of the city, dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. Despite damage, it remains a powerful symbol of Aleppo’s heritage.

🛍️ 2. Al-Madina Souq (Old Covered Market)

A labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with spice stalls, textiles, perfumers, and metalwork artisans. Parts have been restored after war damage.

🕌 3. Great Mosque of Aleppo (Umayyad Mosque)

Founded in the 8th century, it's a sacred architectural masterpiece with a layered Islamic history.

🏛️ 4. Beit Ghazaleh (House of Ghazaleh)

A traditional Ottoman-era merchant house with exquisite mosaics and Damascene woodwork. Limited public access but culturally significant.

🛕 5. Churches of Jdeideh Quarter

Explore the beautiful Armenian and Maronite churches nestled among cobbled alleys in this historic Christian quarter.

---

🍽️ What to Eat

Must-Try Dishes

• Kibbeh Labanieh – Meat-stuffed bulgur balls in yogurt sauce

• Aleppine Kebab – Spiced kebabs with cherry or pomegranate sauce

• Muhammara – Spicy red pepper and walnut dip

• Makdous – Pickled baby eggplants stuffed with walnuts

• Znood El-Sitt – Cream-filled fried pastry with syrup

Recommended Spots

• Beit Wakil Restaurant – Beautiful setting in an old Aleppine mansion

• Abo Abdo al-Fawwal – Famous for ful (fava bean stew) and hummus

• Local Street Stalls – Sample freshly baked flatbread, meat pies, and sweets

---

🏨 Where to Stay

💰 Budget

• Al Mansour Hotel – Basic accommodation in the city center

• Old House Hostel – Modest rooms in a heritage building

🏨 Mid-Range

• Shahba Aleppo Hotel – One of the few operational larger hotels

• Dar Halabia Boutique Hotel (partially restored) – Old world charm

🌟 Luxury

Most luxury hotels remain closed or under renovation post-conflict.

---

🛍️ What to Buy

• Aleppo Soap – Legendary laurel and olive oil soap

• Handwoven Textiles – Embroidered scarves and traditional attire

• Silverware & Copper – Beautiful handmade trays, teapots, and jewelry

• Spices & Sweets – Aleppo pepper, sumac, pistachio-based desserts

• Mosaic Boxes – Inlaid wooden crafts, reflecting Ottoman influence

---

📅 Best Time to Visit

• Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures, best for sightseeing

• Fall (September–November): Pleasant weather and fewer tourists

• Avoid: Summer (hot and dry) and winter (cold, risk of unrest)

---

🛡️ Travel Tips

• Visa: Required; check Syrian embassy regulations

• Currency: Syrian Pound (SYP); cash only

• Language: Arabic; French and English occasionally understood

• Safety: Varies; consult travel advisories before planning

• Cultural Respect: Dress conservatively, especially in religious or old areas

• Avoid Military Zones: Always ask before photographing

---

📊 Aleppo Ratings

Category	Score	Notes
Historical Significance	10.0	One of the oldest inhabited cities globally
Culture & Heritage	9.0	A melting pot of Islamic, Christian, and Armenian cultures
Food & Cuisine	9.0	Unique dishes with Levantine flair
Safety & Accessibility	5.0	Gradually improving, but unstable in parts
Tourism Infrastructure	6.0	Post-conflict revival, some services returning
Affordability	8.5	Very affordable for most international travelers
Authentic Experience	9.5	Rare, raw, and historically rich
Overall Travel Value	7.2	Ideal for seasoned, cautious, and culturally driven travelers

---

🧭 Final Word

Aleppo is not a typical vacation destination—it’s an emotional journey through history, conflict, and revival. For intrepid travelers who seek depth, culture, and timeless beauty, Aleppo is unforgettable. Despite challenges, its soul endures in every cobbled alley, every smoky dish, and every ancient stone.