On Saturday, Syria’s culture ministry announced that the historic citadel of Aleppo has been reopened to visitors after the completion of initial restoration work from damage sustained during major earthquakes in February of last year.
The ministry revealed that the first and second phases of restoration, reinforcement, and rehabilitation of the southern tower of the entrance have been completed. This area was significantly affected by the earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks in Turkey and Syria.
Following the danger of cracks and fissures appearing in the structure of the entrance after the earthquakes, visits to the citadel were suspended as a precaution.
Detailed tests conducted by the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums, in cooperation with a UNESCO mission that visited Aleppo, revealed a movement in the entrance concentrated in the supporting pillars of the bridge leading to the southern tower.
The ministry assured the public that the citadel has reopened to visitors following necessary restoration work and noted that rehabilitation of the remaining parts will begin soon.
The Aleppo Citadel, a historic fortress dating back to the 3rd millennium BC, has been occupied by various civilizations and undergone significant damage and reconstruction throughout history. Efforts are ongoing to restore and preserve the structure, which is part of the UNESCO world heritage site, the Ancient City of Aleppo.
