The city of Aleppo is nicknamed Al-Shahba and is one of the oldest major Syrian cities that was inhabited by many civilizations.
Such as the Babylonian, Aramaic, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, Greek and others.
Thanks to these civilizations that have succeeded one another on its lands since ancient times.
Aleppo is full of landmarks and tourist, archaeological and historical sites that attract many tourists from all over the world.
History of Aleppo in Syria
There are different accounts of the history of Aleppo but it is certain that it is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.
Some accounts indicate that the history of the city dates back to about 10,000 years BC.
Some studies also indicate that the history of the city dates back to tens of thousands of years BC.
The first time Aleppo was mentioned by this name was around 1800 BC.
While it was called "Arman" and "Helya" and was called in Assyrian writings "Khalaba and Khalwan".
It was called by many other names throughout its long history.
The city was known by the name Aleppo in the era of the Babylonian civilization.
Where the city flourished during that era and was one of the most powerful kingdoms in the region.
Before it was destroyed by the Hittites under the leadership of Marcellus I in the 16th century BC.
But it regained its role after the Hittite presence weakened due to internal disputes.
After the collapse of the Hittites in 12 BC, Aleppo became part of the Kingdom of Tell Rifaat, one of the Aramaic kingdoms.
At the end of the 9th century BC, the city became part of the Second Assyrian Empire.
Then it fell into the hands of the Second Babylonian Kingdom.
And after that, the Persian Empire.
And many other kingdoms and empires followed.
Aleppo was under the control of the Kingdom of Aram before Alexander the Great took control of it in 333 BC.
And he granted its caliphate to the Seleucids, who named the city "Beroia".
And the city remained under their rule until 64 BC.
When it was taken over by the Romans, who ruled the city for nearly 3 centuries before the Byzantines took control of it.
The Islamic era was pivotal in the history of the city.
As the Muslim armies led by Khalid bin Al-Walid were able to enter the city in 637 AD.
After the fall of the Byzantine rule in it.
And the city became part of the Islamic state.
And the conquerors spread the Arabic language in the city and Aleppo witnessed great prosperity during their era.
And the city remained under the rule of the Islamic state until the tenth century AD.
Where it turned to the control of the Byzantines and then the Crusaders.
The Ottomans were able to control Aleppo in 1516 AD.
And the city witnessed a great literary and urban renaissance during their era.
Despite the deterioration of the economic situation.
And it remained under their control until 1918 AD.
After the French mandate over Syria, Syria was divided into 6 states, including the state of Aleppo.
The aim of the division was to discipline the Syrians for their confrontation with the French in the Battle of Maysalun.
In 1925, the Great Syrian Revolution took place under the leadership of Sultan Pasha al-Atrash.
Which spread to many Syrian cities.
In response, France asked the loyal members of the Aleppo parliament to declare secession from Damascus.
The nationalists revolted under the leadership of Ibrahim Hanano, and protests and strikes erupted in response to the decision.
The honorable nationalists succeeded in thwarting the decision to secede.
In 1936, the independence treaty was signed with France.
And the government of King Faisal was established and Aleppo gained its independence as part of Syria.
Tourist places in Aleppo in Syria
1. Aleppo Citadel
Aleppo Citadel is considered one of the most important archaeological landmarks in the world.
It is the oldest castle in history.
Its construction dates back to the Middle Ages, specifically to the third millennium BC.
Aleppo Citadel is located on top of a hill in the middle of the old city.
Many civilizations have taken turns on it.
Including the Amorite, Hittite, Aramaic, Assyrian, Persian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic civilizations.
The citadel rises about 33 meters above the city level on an oval-shaped hill.
It is surrounded by a stone wall with 44 defensive towers of various sizes.
With a length of up to 900 meters and a height of about 12 meters.
2. Aleppo Museum
Aleppo National Museum is one of the most important museums in Syria.
The museum was established in 1931 in the city of Aleppo.
It contains treasures of important antiquities from the history of Aleppo Governorate and world history.
This museum is considered one of the most important museums in the world in terms of the finds that its wings contain from the pre-Christian era.
It was originally established to contain the antiquities discovered in Tell Halaf Ras al-Ain.
Therefore, the entrance to the museum was decorated with a copy of the facade of the royal palace.
In Tell Halaf which dates back to the ninth century BC.
3. Simeon's Castle
The Monastery of Simeon or Thelanisus Monastery is a monastery in Syria west of the Syrian city of Aleppo near the city of Darat Azza.
The Monastery of Simeon was named after the Syrian saint and hermit (Simeon the Stylite).
Who was born in 389 AD in the town of (Sisan) south of Mount Simeon.
(part of Jabal al-Zawiya) and took refuge in the Monastery of Thelanisus which was later known as the Monastery and Castle of Simeon. That was in 412 AD.
Where he would fast for days without food or drink and would remain standing for days praising God and worshipping.
Simeon the Stylite secluded himself in this place as a worshipper and hermit living on top of a column with a height of - 40 cubits / approximately 15 meters.
For more than forty years and his disciples would climb to him on top of the column and people would visit him for holiness.
Then a church was built in the place of worship to commemorate his memory.
Then the church was transformed into a castle.
To learn more about this castle Check out our article on Simeon Castle.
4. Sitt al-Rum
or as it is called, the Lady of the Rum, is a Roman-Byzantine archaeological site.
It includes a church a monastery and a tomb located west of Aleppo Governorate Syria, 315 kilometers north of the capital Damascus.
It is one of the sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Within the nomination of ancient villages in northern Syria.
Specifically in the forgotten cities northwest of Aleppo.
5. Rafada ruins
An archaeological village located within the group of "forgotten villages" northwest of "Aleppo".
And includes a group of ruins of residential homes dating back to the Roman era.
Many of which have preserved their general appearance to this day.
The village of Rafada belongs to the group of ruins and historical sites in the mountains of Simeon.
And Halqa which extend from the village of Kafr Janneh in Afrin to the north and end in the northern plains of Idlib.
Which are called the forgotten cities or dead cities.
And are located on top of one of the hills of Mount Simeon.
There are archaeological ruins of various shapes in this site.
It appears that they are residential homes and villas characterized by their urban system based on the principle of floors.
And the presence of toilets in them as evidence of the interest of the population about 1500 years ago in public and personal hygiene.
There is also a tall tower on the site with several floors and two rooms on each floor.
In addition to graves carved into the rock and cisterns for collecting and storing rainwater.
6. Al-Qatura village ruins
Its ruins include Roman columns and tombs cut into the rock.
Which date back to the second century AD.
And in the Qaturah plain lie the ruins of Sit al-Rum which contains a church.
And the ruins of Rafada west of the plain which date back to the first century AD.
As indicated by one of its inscriptions.
As for its church and tower they date back to later eras.
7. Thekla Monuments
There are many other scattered effects that we cannot mention all of them.
8. In addition to the old markets of Aleppo, restaurants and hotels within the city of Aleppo.
How to visit the Syrian city of Aleppo
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