Post-Syrian War Residential Heritage Transformations in the Old City of Aleppo: Socio-Cultural Sustainability Aspects

Abstract

The rehabilitation and sustainable transformation of residential heritage of the Old City of Aleppo (Syria) is one of the most pressing issues to regain the livability of this city. This research paper aims to gain insight into the residents’ conditions and needs by studying/mapping/analyzing the status of the residential heritage and the interventions on it during the aftermath of the city’s devastation. It also intends to provide a better understanding of the residents’ attitude towards living in the Old City, their expectation for its reconstruction and transformation, and the difficulties they encountered in the process. In fact, in order to start a collective reconstruction and transformation process, it is important to understand the readiness of the inhabitants and their financial capabilities to engage in this process. A combination of research methods was used to explore the above-mentioned issues and their relation to the socio-cultural sustainability. These methods included: gathering data in the field (specifically, Al-Jalloum, Al-Farafra and Al-Aqaba, three neighborhoods in the Old City of Aleppo, were used as case studies), and setting up a questionnaire (Winter 2020) and conducting interviews (Summer 2021) with 39 returnees and their families. AutoCAD and Excel programs were used for data visualization. This research has highlighted the main problems and factors that have affected the interventions on courtyard houses in the Old City of Aleppo since 2012—the outbreak of the Syrian War in Aleppo City. Lack of funds and craftmanship, high costs and long bureaucratic procedures related to the enforcement of the regulations have been identified as the main causes that discouraged the residents to carry out repairs in a proper way.

Identifying the Mobility Patterns of the Historic Centre of Syrian Cities Using Cluster and Spatial Analysis

“…between the Taurus mountains in the north and Homs desert in the south as shown the Figure 2. The city is located between the plains of the Euphrates valley in the east and the plains of Ghor al-Haddam in the west [26][27][28][29]. It occupies an area of 190 km 2 .…”

“…These different variations of influences have left their effects on the city, forming a unique urban fabric and a rich cultural heritage. Examples of complex Syrian heritage include Aleppo citadel, the Great Mosque, and various religious and educational schools, residences, khans, markets, and public baths [26][27][28][29].…”

“…The first stage: The basic core of the city, known as the Old City, which has a dense urban and residential fabric and includes residential neighborhoods and a group of traditional covered markets, which together constitute the most important and oldest commercial center of the city. [30][31][32][33] The second phase: From the eighteenth century until independence in 1946, the city expanded beyond the old walls, and a planning system with a new structure emerged in addition to the new commercial center of the city.…”

Managing Strategies to Revitalize Urban Cultural Heritage after Wars: The Center of the Old City of Mosul as a Case Study

“…Reviving the identity and history of the city-there have been some attempts that sought to revive some of the archaeological and historical sites in the city and merge them with the present, in order to form attractions for heritage tourism, such as public spaces, famous monuments, and some heritage buildings; however, the experience in general sought to form a new legacy and identity by breaking with the past, removing all traces of war and destruction [15].…”

Exploring Impact of Historical and Cultural Heritage on the Sustainability of Urban and Rural Settlements

“…However, there is a gap in understanding the specific mechanisms through which heritage sites affect sustainability, especially in developing countries such as Syria. [6,7].…”