Halep

Ancient Aleppo

UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ancient Aleppo
Location	Aleppo, Syria
Includes	Citadel of Aleppo, Al-Madina Souq
Criteria	Cultural: (iii), (iv)
Reference	21
Inscription	1986 (10th Session)
Endangered	2013–present
Area	364 ha (1.41 sq mi)
Coordinates	36°12′09″N 37°09′46″E / 36.20250°N 37.16278°E / 36.20250; 37.16278
Location of Ancient Aleppo in Syria Show map of Syria Ancient Aleppo (West and Central Asia) Show map of West and Central Asia

The Ancient City of Aleppo (Arabic: مدينة حلب القديمة, romanized: Madīnat Ḥalab al-Qadīma) is the historic city centre of Aleppo, Syria. Prior to the Syrian Civil War, many districts of the ancient city remained essentially unchanged since they were initially constructed between the 11th and 16th centuries. Being subjected to constant invasions and political instability, the inhabitants of the city were forced to build economically independent cell-like quarters and districts, most of which were delineated along ethnic and religious lines. These urban subdistricts, along with the ancient walled city that they surround, comprise an approximate area of 350 hectares (860 acres; 3.5 km²) and are home to more than 120,000 residents.^[1]

Characterized by its large mansions, narrow alleys, covered souqs and ancient caravanserais, the Ancient City of Aleppo became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.^[2]

An estimated 30% of the Ancient City of Aleppo was destroyed in the Battle of Aleppo during the Syrian civil war,^[3] including many sections of the Al-Madina Souq and other structures dating back to medieval times.