Aleppo City
Aleppo, known as “Al-Shahbaa,” is one of the prominent cities within the Syrian Republic and stands as one of the largest urban centers in the Levant region. The city covers an area of 190 square kilometers and had a population of approximately 99,179 residents, according to the census conducted in 1883. The demographic composition includes a majority of Arab inhabitants, along with minority groups of Circassians, Armenians, Kurds, and Turkmens. The primary language spoken is Arabic, often interspersed with Turkish phrases. The predominant religion among the population is Islam, while a minority adhere to Christianity.
Historical Landmarks
Aleppo boasts a wealth of archaeological and historical sites, including:
- Historical schools such as the Al-Shadhbakhthi School, Al-Zahiriya School, Al-Halawiya School, and Al-Muqaddamiya School.
- Traditional markets including the Grand Souq, Al-Attarin Market, Jasmine Market, Goldsmiths’ Market, Al-Atama Market, Blacksmiths’ Market, Al-Abara Market, and Khan Al-Sire.
- Forts such as the Aleppo Citadel and the Seif al-Dawla Citadel.
- The National Library.
- Historic gates, including Bab Al-Jinan, Bab Al-Faraj, Bab Al-Nasr, Bab Antakya, Bab Al-Hadid, Bab Qansrin, Bab Al-Ahmar, Bab Al-Maqam, and Bab Al-Nayrab.
- The Throne Hall.
- Significant mosques, including the Al-Khusrawiya Mosque.
- The clock tower at Bab Al-Faraj.
- The Argun Al-Kamali Hospital.
- The Red Cliff.
- The City Hall building.
- Churches such as the Church of the Forty Martyrs and the Al-Sheibani Church.
- The Ajami Library.
- The minaret of the Umayyad Mosque.
- Caravansaries including Khan Al-Burghul, Khan Al-Saboun, Khan Al-Qadi, Khan Al-Wazir, Khan Al-Nahhasin, Khan Khairi Bek, Khan Al-Banadiqah, Khan Al-Shouna, and Khan Al-Jumruk.
- Museums such as the Aleppo Citadel Museum and the Museum of Popular Traditions.
- Other historical sites: Ain Dara, Jeddah Al-Maghara, Deir Wadi Al-Sahour, Qaf Al-Didriya, the tomb of Saint Mar Moun, and the village of Qasr Al-Breij.
- The Seven Lakes Square.
- The Baghdad Train Station.
General Information
- Aleppo has been a crossroads of various civilizations throughout history, including Byzantine, Islamic, Persian, Hellenistic, Roman, Hittite, and Aramean cultures.
- In 1516, the city became part of the Ottoman Empire.
- Some of the city’s renowned industries include the production of Aleppo soap, textile manufacturing, chemical production, electronics, dairy products, food processing, vegetable oil production, and solar energy industries.
- Aleppo is situated at an elevation of 1,240 feet above sea level.
Geography
Geographically, Aleppo is located in the northern part of the Syrian Republic, marking the eastern terminus of the Silk Road that connects Anatolia and Mesopotamia. It is positioned at a longitude of 37.1590 degrees east of Greenwich and a latitude of 36.2053 degrees north of the equator. The climate in Aleppo is classified as semi-continental, influenced by the proximity of mountains adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea, which shield the region from the influx of Mediterranean climatic currents.