05:06After years of fierce battles and hostilities in the northern city of Aleppo during the decade-long war, restoration started in al-Ahmadiyah Souq (Souk) in the old part of the city.
Workers on Thursday worked on restoring the Souq, which is considered to be one of the nine Souqs in the city's Straight Street, extending from Bab Antakya to the end of Souk al-Zerb that overlooks the renowned Aleppo Castle.
The Administrative officer at Aga Khan Cultural Services, Tariq Sarraj, said that the Foundation has been carrying out restoration works for the last two months "according to studies conducted by our engineers and experts".
For her part, Lulwa Kharbotli, an engineer in the supervisory authority of Aga Khan Foundation, explained that the Souq has "unique architectural elements including a water fountain, the attractive dome with its exceptional vaultings", adding that they "strive to maintain the old stones and preserve the spirit of the Souq, so that all dismantled items are documented and preserved in order to be returned to their original place."
Kharbotli went on to say that the rehabilitation works consist of a constructional part that deals with "completely rebuilding the dome" and architectural works to "replace the missing stones", noting that the workshop is also implementing "works on the roof include re-levelling the surface, fixing the drainage system and full insulation works."
She also pointed out that Foundation closely collaborates with government entities regarding the infrastructure "including the underground power grid, as well as the design works."
One of the shopkeepers in Al-Ahmadiyah Souq, Ahmed Sheikh Al-Ashra, was optimistic that the Souq will be vibrant again, expecting that "Al-Ahmadiyah Souq will become even better than before given the efforts being exerted."
The rehabilitation works come as part of an agreement to restore the Souq signed in May 2021 between the Ministry of Culture and Aleppo Governorate, as well as the Syrian Trust for Development, Aga Khan Culture Foundation, Antiquities and Museums Authority and Aleppo City Council.
Syria: Restoration of ancient al-Ahmadiyah Souq ongoing as revival of war-torn Aleppo old city continues
After years of fierce battles and hostilities in the northern city of Aleppo during the decade-long war, restoration started in al-Ahmadiyah Souq (Souk) in the old part of the city.
Workers on Thursday worked on restoring the Souq, which is considered to be one of the nine Souqs in the city's Straight Street, extending from Bab Antakya to the end of Souk al-Zerb that overlooks the renowned Aleppo Castle.
The Administrative officer at Aga Khan Cultural Services, Tariq Sarraj, said that the Foundation has been carrying out restoration works for the last two months "according to studies conducted by our engineers and experts".
For her part, Lulwa Kharbotli, an engineer in the supervisory authority of Aga Khan Foundation, explained that the Souq has "unique architectural elements including a water fountain, the attractive dome with its exceptional vaultings", adding that they "strive to maintain the old stones and preserve the spirit of the Souq, so that all dismantled items are documented and preserved in order to be returned to their original place."
Kharbotli went on to say that the rehabilitation works consist of a constructional part that deals with "completely rebuilding the dome" and architectural works to "replace the missing stones", noting that the workshop is also implementing "works on the roof include re-levelling the surface, fixing the drainage system and full insulation works."
She also pointed out that Foundation closely collaborates with government entities regarding the infrastructure "including the underground power grid, as well as the design works."
One of the shopkeepers in Al-Ahmadiyah Souq, Ahmed Sheikh Al-Ashra, was optimistic that the Souq will be vibrant again, expecting that "Al-Ahmadiyah Souq will become even better than before given the efforts being exerted."
The rehabilitation works come as part of an agreement to restore the Souq signed in May 2021 between the Ministry of Culture and Aleppo Governorate, as well as the Syrian Trust for Development, Aga Khan Culture Foundation, Antiquities and Museums Authority and Aleppo City Council.
After years of fierce battles and hostilities in the northern city of Aleppo during the decade-long war, restoration started in al-Ahmadiyah Souq (Souk) in the old part of the city.
Workers on Thursday worked on restoring the Souq, which is considered to be one of the nine Souqs in the city's Straight Street, extending from Bab Antakya to the end of Souk al-Zerb that overlooks the renowned Aleppo Castle.
The Administrative officer at Aga Khan Cultural Services, Tariq Sarraj, said that the Foundation has been carrying out restoration works for the last two months "according to studies conducted by our engineers and experts".
For her part, Lulwa Kharbotli, an engineer in the supervisory authority of Aga Khan Foundation, explained that the Souq has "unique architectural elements including a water fountain, the attractive dome with its exceptional vaultings", adding that they "strive to maintain the old stones and preserve the spirit of the Souq, so that all dismantled items are documented and preserved in order to be returned to their original place."
Kharbotli went on to say that the rehabilitation works consist of a constructional part that deals with "completely rebuilding the dome" and architectural works to "replace the missing stones", noting that the workshop is also implementing "works on the roof include re-levelling the surface, fixing the drainage system and full insulation works."
She also pointed out that Foundation closely collaborates with government entities regarding the infrastructure "including the underground power grid, as well as the design works."
One of the shopkeepers in Al-Ahmadiyah Souq, Ahmed Sheikh Al-Ashra, was optimistic that the Souq will be vibrant again, expecting that "Al-Ahmadiyah Souq will become even better than before given the efforts being exerted."
The rehabilitation works come as part of an agreement to restore the Souq signed in May 2021 between the Ministry of Culture and Aleppo Governorate, as well as the Syrian Trust for Development, Aga Khan Culture Foundation, Antiquities and Museums Authority and Aleppo City Council.