SYRIA played an incomparable role in the history of mankind. It is often described as the cradle of the civilization, since many of the greatest human achievements that later spread to encompass the world had their beginning in ancient Syria.

In this land, man discovered the secrets of Agriculture & Metallurgy, and invented the very first alphabet. Religions, philosophies, Language of Trade, system of urban development, of diplomatic & cultural exchange; all these germinated in geographical Syria. All these things are due to the unique position as a meeting point of three continents Asia, Africa, & Europe.

HALAB, a fabled city of the long history of glory & prosperity. Until our own century, Aleppo dominated the trade routes connecting East & west. Through it, the famous, Silk Road passed.

It has been a flourishing city, with a unique strategic position. This position gave HALAB this distinctive role from the old age until modern time. It was the meeting point of several important commercial roads in the north.

This position made it subject to invasions from various races; from Egyptians, Assyrians, Persian, Greeks & Romans, who brought destruction, burned considerable part of it & damaged many of its features. Those races threatened HALAB & frightened its inhabitants until the Arab Islamic Conquest came & regained to HALAB its status, both cultural & commercial.

As an important centre of trade between Eastern Mediterranean Kingdoms & merchant of Venice, HALAB became prosperous & famous in the centuries proceeding the Ottoman era. So, HALAB remained an important centre of Trade with Turkey, France, England & Holland. Hence, due to its prominent commercial reputation, many of the foreign traders had resided in HALAB to practice & accomplish real trade.

HALAB, was not only the Capital of commerce & industry which still plays a key economic role up till now, but also, it was famous for its architecture; for its attractive mosques, churches, schools, tombs & baths.

In term of spaciousness & originality, the covered soques (markets) of HALAB, that extend for more than 10 Kms, are the most striking in any Islamic city. These soques are named after the various crafts such as the soques of Cotton, Copper, spices, Gold, etc. Entering the old soques, one realizes that history is something alive & tangible, something one can see & touch.

On the other hand, the khans (caravanserai) are in the same area as the soques, since they were used for the accommodation of traders & their goods. They still exist in their old designs and are still well known under their old names, to state, among many others: Khan el Gumruk, Khan el Harir, Khan el Wazir, Khan el Banadiqa, etc. These khans are characterized by their beautiful facades, entrances, their high arches & fortified wooden doors.

One should not forget speaking about the fortified CITADEL OF ALEPPO, city doors, & high walls surrounding Ancient HALAB which are a fine example of Islamic Military architecture.

All in all, it was & still is the city of host & generosity forever. A journey to HALAB is a journey through time. Wherever you go, you will be received with a traditional greeting: